Texas is home to an array of trees that provide natural beauty and shelter from the sweltering heat. But any certified arborist in Austin, Texas, will tell you that learning more about the various species that live here can be overwhelming.Fortunately, this quick guide provides a few basic ways to identify trees in Texas.
Pay Attention To Leaves
The leaves on a tree are often their most distinctive quality. So, examining the size, shape, and consistency of a leaf is the easiest way to determine what species of trees reside in your surroundings. For example, you can quickly determine that the tree in your backyard is a live oak if the leaves that it bears are evergreen, leathery, and oblong or elliptical.
You can also use a leaf’s growth pattern to determine what species you might be observing. Oaks are known to have a simple growth pattern in which each stem holds only one leaf. Inversely, ash trees typically have a compound growth pattern, meaning the leaves group together on a singular stem.
Examine the Bark
Each tree’s bark holds a unique consistency, pattern, and color. For instance, a mature ash tree’s bark fits tightly against the trunk, boasting a light-grey color and gorgeous diamond-shaped grooves. In contrast, a live oak will have a dark reddish-brown bark with shallow furrows that become block-shaped as it starts to mature. The bark is a striking attribute because it tends to be much less ambiguous than a tree’s other characteristics.
Use a Plant Identifying App
In the modern age, those who are interested in learning about plant life but don’t wish to scour hardback manuals can do so with a plant identifying app. These convenient apps provide tons of information about trees and various other plants at the click of a button. You simply hold your camera over the tree you wish to identify, and these apps will provide you with extensive profiles on what species you’re examining, how to care for it, and a plethora of other things. These apps are handy and user-friendly, making them one of the best ways to identify trees in Texas.
Identifying the trees of your city and state can be a gratifying and rewarding adventure. However, with so many different species and characteristics, it can be challenging to know where to start. That said, using a few simple guidelines and some essential tools, you can be well on your way to becoming a tree expert.