Since most deciduous trees drop their leaves in the winter, what clues can we use? Remember to look at the three “Bs" — branches, bark and buds — for all of the information you need.

Since most deciduous trees drop their leaves in the winter, what clues can we use? Remember to look at the three “Bs" — branches, bark and buds — for all of the information you need.

Older shagbark hickory trees have “shaggy” bark peeling away from the trunk of the tree. Some oaks and even beech trees retain their leaves, called marcescence.

Mature bark (the oldest, most mature is found on the lowest part of the stem or trunk) is easier to use as a comparison, as bark on saplings or young trees of most species is usually smooth.

Bill VanHorbek, a certified arborist for Bunyon Brothers, described what tree owners can look out for when assessing if their trees are at risk of failing.

About 40 of us met in the center conference room where Sly had on display various twigs and needles. He showed us the clues to identification that those tree parts provided. Then we went for a ...