The complication is that as each kind of tree matures, it passes through different categories: young, mature, and old. The next two steps are instructions for using the keys, and the last one is to have fun!īelow are Michael Wojtech’s seven types of bark listed in his ‘Primary Key’, accompanied by winter photo examples of native trees found around my yard.

Step two is to “ Use the Primary Identification Key (inside the covers) to determine bark type”. The first is to “ Read the introductory chapters to the book.” He provides a fascinating explanation of how and why tree species evolved unique bark with different characteristics like texture, color, thickness. Wojtech lists five steps to Identifying trees by bark using his identification keys. Detailed features provide understanding on how different kinds of bark grow and age. He has cleverly categorized tree bark into seven types, which simplifies recognizing and remembering all the different kinds of bark.

Michael Wojtech’s book Bark, A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast is a huge help. Some kinds of bark actually sparkle in the winter sunlight like both white and yellow birch.

Bark is an important clue in identifying trees, especially in winter when the bark stands out against the white snow. Winter is the perfect time to get up close and notice and appreciate the variations of tree bark.

Tree leaf bark identification guide