How to Identify Trees (and Why It’s Easier Than You Think!)
By Joel Baird & Jacob Holzberg-Pill, BOB! members
Ever looked at a tree and wondered what exactly it is? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a budding botanist or just tree-curious, learning to identify local trees can be fun, enlightening, and surprisingly easy thanks to modern tools like the Seek app and iNaturalist.
Why Tree ID Matters
Identifying trees isn’t just about naming names—it helps us better care for them. Tree species have different needs, pests, and growth habits. Knowing what you’re looking at helps you understand how to plant, care for, or even advocate for a tree.
Plus, it’s just plain satisfying to walk down the street and recognize your leafy neighbors.
A Beginner's Journey into Tree ID
Joel’s take:
I’ve always enjoyed tagging along with tree experts—touching bark, sniffing leaves, asking questions—but I was terrible with names. That changed when someone suggested I try the Seek app (by iNaturalist). It’s free, easy to use, and surprisingly accurate.
You just open the app, point your phone at a plant, and Seek will guide you toward an ID using your camera. It might ask you to move around the leaf or zoom in. Once it has enough data, it shows you the species name, key facts, and even links to learn more.
From “I Dunno” to “That’s a Tilia americana!”
On a recent walk, my granddaughter and I tested Seek. Within moments, it told us we were looking at a basswood (aka linden, Tilia americana). Seek even stores your observations so you can start your own log of neighborhood discoveries.
Why We Love iNaturalist
Jacob’s take:
iNaturalist (INat for short) takes things to the next level. It’s a crowd-sourced biodiversity platform used around the globe. You can upload photos of plants, animals, fungi—anything—and the community helps confirm what you found.
In the 2025 Greater Burlington City Nature Challenge, local participants submitted over 5,290 sightings of 761 species! It’s citizen science at its finest, and you can be part of it with just your phone.
Tools for Tree Enthusiasts
In addition to Seek and iNaturalist, you might check out these other apps:
FloraIncognita
LeafSnap
Google Lens
PlantNet
PictureThis
PlantSnap
Just remember: these apps aren’t perfect. If you’re unsure about a result, cross-reference it with a field guide or trusted website.
Final Thoughts
Even if you never learn the Latin names, simply noticing the variety of trees around you is a wonderful step toward deeper appreciation—and stewardship—of the urban forest.
Pro Tip: Encourage your kids (or grandkids!) to use these apps. It turns every walk into a mini-science adventure.
Get Started Today!
Download the free Seek app or iNaturalist and start exploring your backyard, neighborhood, or local park. Who knows what you’ll discover!
