Terminology can be off putting to someone taking an interest in any subject, however it is important to consider that it is not the terminology, or the exact words used, that is important but what it represents.

I have provided a crude guide to the things that should be looked out for, which will, in the long run, make tree identification that bit easier.

Things to look out for: Leaves

A simple leaf.
An example: the beech.


Palmately Compound leaf.
Leaflets spring from a single point.
An example: the horse chestnut.

Pinnately Compound.
Leaflets spring from the same stalk.
An example: the ash.

Leaf veins do not meet in the middle.
An example: the elm




Leaf veins meet in the middle.
An example: the lime

Trees of London        A James Wilkinson Publication ©