Learn to identify trees

Learning to identify trees is a great way to get outside and explore the world around you.

Trees provide a home for animals and insects, shade for humans and absorb harmful carbon dioxide.

The first steps in identifying a tree is to look at its shape, leaves, bark and if it produces fruit -- like berries -- or nuts.

Observe the trees in your neighborhood. Is the shape round, pointy or cone shaped? The same species of trees can have different shapes depending on how crowded they are, how much sun they get and how old they are, according to National Geographic Kids.

Next, look at the tree’s leaves. Are they needle-like? Do they look like scales or cones? Are they broad and flat? Do they have smooth or toothed edges? Are the leaves opposite each other on the branch or do they alternate?

Does the tree have fruit, acorns or other growth that looks like nuts or berries?

What does the bark look like? Is it smooth or rough? Does it peel of the tree? What color is it?

Iowa’s Native Trees

Start learning to identify trees by picking species that are common in your area. Some of the most common tree species in Iowa are the black walnut, bur oak, prairie crabapple, Eastern white pine, honey locust, Northern red oak and sycamore.

Start with one species of trees until you can spot it every time.

Black walnut: The black walnut is a large tree with an open, rounded crown of dark green foliage. It’s leaves are long-pointed, finely saw-toothed and covered with soft hairs beneath, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It produces walnuts up to two inches in diameter that are food for squirrels and other wildlife.

Bur oak: The bur oak can survive up to 300 years and has a cathedral-like canopy, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Its leaves are lobed and alternate on stems and the tree produces acorns.

Prairie crabapple: This tree has deep pink flower buds that open to white flowers when it blooms. It has dark green, toothed leaves.

Eastern white pine: Eastern white pines often tower over other trees. They have blue-green needles that are soft and flexible. The needles are between three to five inches long in bundles of five. They are often found near lakes and rivers where bald eagles make their homes in them.

Honey locust: This is commonly used as a decorative tree and has large branches in a zigzag pattern. The small, oblong eaves are dark-green above and a dull yellowgreen beneath with wavy edges.

Northern red oak: The northern red oak tends to grow straight and tall with large spreading branches. Their leaves are long with seven to 11 lobes and a smooth, dull green surface. Deer and rabbit often eat the leaves and seedlings of this tree.

Sycamore: Sycamores also grow straight and are one of the tallest trees in North America, although they tend to have weak limbs and are susceptible to wind and ice damage. The bark bends to peel off in flakes, creating a variety of colors on the trunk. The leaves are broad and pointed with wavy edges.

Safety tips and tricks for leaf hunting

When you’re out for a tree walk, stay safe and be smart with these tips from National Geographic Kids.

Take a trusted adult with you wherever you go when exploring.

Dress for a hike by wearing long pants, socks and closed-toe shoes to avoid insects and thorns. Watch out for creatures who make their homes in the trees. Always leave animals alone.

Don’t hurt the trees by breaking live branches or cutting into or peeling off the tree bark. Don’t collect any leaves without the permission of the tree’s owner.

Don’t touch any plant with three leaves as it could be poisonous. Poison ivy, which has three leaves, can grow on the ground or up the trunk of a tree. Touching it can give you an itchy rash.

Also don’t lick or eat seeds, bark or leaves. Some trees can have highly poisonous parts.

The best time to find leaves is to go out in summer or early fall when the leaves are fully grown.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com