We've created a collection of trees commonly found in the Puget Sound area to help you identify the trees on your property and all around you.
Bigleaf Maple
Tree Specs
This deciduous tree can grow up to 160’ tall. Seen all over the Snohomish area, it appears to be the most common deciduous around, excepting perhaps the all-pervasive cottonwood.
Maples are easy to ID by the shape of their leaves, which is made famous by the Canadian flag. Though there are other maple species here in Western Washington (notably the Douglas maple),they are easy to distinguish because they don’t grow to the same size --- nor do their leaves. Any maple leaf exceeding 4” is sure to come from a Bigleaf.
Uses: As a common hardwood, the Bigleaf maple is sought for applications like veneer, furniture, and musical instruments. For more info on how you can sell such a tree for money, you can see this article here.
Maples are easy to ID by the shape of their leaves, which is made famous by the Canadian flag. Though there are other maple species here in Western Washington (notably the Douglas maple),they are easy to distinguish because they don’t grow to the same size --- nor do their leaves. Any maple leaf exceeding 4” is sure to come from a Bigleaf.
Uses: As a common hardwood, the Bigleaf maple is sought for applications like veneer, furniture, and musical instruments. For more info on how you can sell such a tree for money, you can see this article here.
Cottonwood
Tree Specs (+vid)
The cottonwood is extremely common in the Snohomish area, as it prefers wet terrain. Stands of cottonwoods grow along rivers, lakes and ponds, but in areas with plenty of moisture, they can be found almost everywhere.
The cottonwood is one of the more hazardous trees to have in your yard, as its branches and/or trunk are easily broken under the force of high winds, or saturated and heavy wood. The roots grow aggressively and have been known to break underground pipes.
You can easily distinguish the cottonwood by looking for one of several features. The cotton it produces in spring is the most obvious one. A look at the bark, in larger trees, will show long, vertical strips. These strips are quite thick with crevices in between. The color is gray brown and the bark is extremely hard (enough to create sparks when being cut with a chainsaw).
Additionally, the cottonwood is tall (up to 100’) with a canopy that doesn’t extend far, giving the overall tree a tall, narrow shape. Shoots grow vertically off the trunk, throughout the entire trunk. Its these shoots that attract herbivores like rabbit and deer.
The cottonwood is one of the more hazardous trees to have in your yard, as its branches and/or trunk are easily broken under the force of high winds, or saturated and heavy wood. The roots grow aggressively and have been known to break underground pipes.
You can easily distinguish the cottonwood by looking for one of several features. The cotton it produces in spring is the most obvious one. A look at the bark, in larger trees, will show long, vertical strips. These strips are quite thick with crevices in between. The color is gray brown and the bark is extremely hard (enough to create sparks when being cut with a chainsaw).
Additionally, the cottonwood is tall (up to 100’) with a canopy that doesn’t extend far, giving the overall tree a tall, narrow shape. Shoots grow vertically off the trunk, throughout the entire trunk. Its these shoots that attract herbivores like rabbit and deer.
Douglas Fir
Tree Specs
This is perhaps the most common tree in our area. It is popular for both deforestation and reforestation for its ability to grow fast and in tremendous volume. Note that the Doug fir has been misnamed; it is technically of the genus pinus --- in layman’s terms, its a species of pine tree.
This behemoth can grow up to 330’ tall and 8’ in diameter. In small specimen, it has a picturesque Christmas tree look like other conifers. In larger specimen, it might lose its lower branches if they don’t have access to sunlight (ie, if it grows in proximity to other trees). This makes the lower portion of the tree a prime, branch free, lumber log that can stretch well past a 100’ in length.
The Doug fir can be easy to confuse with other Christmas trees like Western hemlock and Sitka spruce. The surefire way to distinguish it is to look at the cone, which has a three-pronged bract emerging between the scales.
Commercial uses: The strength of this wood makes it popular for structural applications like framing, meaning it is good stock for dimensional lumber.
This behemoth can grow up to 330’ tall and 8’ in diameter. In small specimen, it has a picturesque Christmas tree look like other conifers. In larger specimen, it might lose its lower branches if they don’t have access to sunlight (ie, if it grows in proximity to other trees). This makes the lower portion of the tree a prime, branch free, lumber log that can stretch well past a 100’ in length.
The Doug fir can be easy to confuse with other Christmas trees like Western hemlock and Sitka spruce. The surefire way to distinguish it is to look at the cone, which has a three-pronged bract emerging between the scales.
Commercial uses: The strength of this wood makes it popular for structural applications like framing, meaning it is good stock for dimensional lumber.
Douglas Maple
Tree Specs
The Douglas maple is similar in shape to the Bigleaf maple, but on a much smaller scale. It grows no more than 30’ tall, and is quite slender. This makes its a good choice for parking lot medians and sidewalk garden beds.
The leaves are similar to those of the Bigleaf, but they grow no larger than 4,” where those of the Bigleaf maple grow up to 12”. You can make certain that you’re not looking at a young Bigleaf by finding the signature serrated edge of the Douglas maple leaf. You’ll also notice that the Douglas leaf has only 3 full lobes, while in the Bigleaf, there are 5 lobes of roughly equal size.
The leaves are similar to those of the Bigleaf, but they grow no larger than 4,” where those of the Bigleaf maple grow up to 12”. You can make certain that you’re not looking at a young Bigleaf by finding the signature serrated edge of the Douglas maple leaf. You’ll also notice that the Douglas leaf has only 3 full lobes, while in the Bigleaf, there are 5 lobes of roughly equal size.
Lodgepole Pine/Shorepine
Tree Specs
The Lodgepole and Shorepine are two sub species of the same tree. In coastal areas, the Pinus contorta takes on a twisted shape. You can confirm a twisted pine by its bark, needles, and cones.
The Lodgepole can grow straight and narrow, like the Ponderosa, up to a height of 160’. The appearance of the needles, crown, and cone is similar, making it easy to confuse the two. Note that the length of the needles is much shorter for the Lodgepole (3” max) than that Ponderosa (8” max). Another dead give way is the color and texture of the bark.
The Lodgepole can grow straight and narrow, like the Ponderosa, up to a height of 160’. The appearance of the needles, crown, and cone is similar, making it easy to confuse the two. Note that the length of the needles is much shorter for the Lodgepole (3” max) than that Ponderosa (8” max). Another dead give way is the color and texture of the bark.
Norway Spruce
Tree Specs
The Norway spruce is a Christmas tree shaped conifer that grows up to 180’ tall. Its needles are bluish green like the Sitka spruce, but telling the two apart is not hard: the Sitka has sharp needles that are uncomfortable to touch, and the Norway has shorter needles (not longer than 1”). Both trees have branches that extend at an upward angle, although they may begin to curve downward under their own weight in larger trees.
Another feature that sets the Norway apart is that its twigs hang vertically from the branch. This feature can help you confidently ID a Norway spruce, in addition to bluish green needles, and an excessively sappy trunk. Finally, as with most conifers, the most certain way to ID the Norway is by the cone, which is quite large (about 5” long).
Another feature that sets the Norway apart is that its twigs hang vertically from the branch. This feature can help you confidently ID a Norway spruce, in addition to bluish green needles, and an excessively sappy trunk. Finally, as with most conifers, the most certain way to ID the Norway is by the cone, which is quite large (about 5” long).
Paper Birch
Tree Specs
The paper birch is a slender deciduous tree that can grow up to 130’ tall, but is more commonly found growing to a height of 66’ or less. The trunk grows straight with only small branches extending off it.
The most interesting characteristic of the Paper birch is the bark, from which it gets its name. In trees younger than 5 years, the bark is a brown red color. In mature trees, the bark is a bright white that tends to peel off in paper-like sheafs, marked with horizontal dark-brown streaks.
The bark is highly water resistant, because of its oil content. The Paper birch prefers wet climates, and retains a lot of water. In dead and fallen trees, the trunk can rot completely before the bark begins to decay, leaving an intact shell.
Note that the appearance of the bark in mature trees is roughly similar to the bark in young specimen of the very common cottonwood, but a comparison of the two shows that the bark of the Paper birch is smoother and a of much brighter white color.
The most interesting characteristic of the Paper birch is the bark, from which it gets its name. In trees younger than 5 years, the bark is a brown red color. In mature trees, the bark is a bright white that tends to peel off in paper-like sheafs, marked with horizontal dark-brown streaks.
The bark is highly water resistant, because of its oil content. The Paper birch prefers wet climates, and retains a lot of water. In dead and fallen trees, the trunk can rot completely before the bark begins to decay, leaving an intact shell.
Note that the appearance of the bark in mature trees is roughly similar to the bark in young specimen of the very common cottonwood, but a comparison of the two shows that the bark of the Paper birch is smoother and a of much brighter white color.
Ponderosa Pine
Tree Specs
The Ponderosa pine grows all over Western Washington, from sea level up to ~9000 ft. It commonly grows in dense stands, reaching 200’ tall. In size and shape, it is similar to the Lodgepole pine. Since the two species of pine seem to prefer similar climates, they are easily confused. The needles have the same shape and grow in clusters in both species. The cones are also similar.
The best way to ID a Ponderosa is by the orange-brown bark, which grows in large scales that are separated by black cracks. You’ll also find that the needles of the Ponderosa grow up to 8” long, while the needles of the Lodgepole reach only about 3”.
The best way to ID a Ponderosa is by the orange-brown bark, which grows in large scales that are separated by black cracks. You’ll also find that the needles of the Ponderosa grow up to 8” long, while the needles of the Lodgepole reach only about 3”.
Red Alder
Tree Specs
This deciduous grows up to 98’ tall. The bark is gray, ashy, and mottled. The biggest trap to watch out for when trying to ID this tree is confusing it with Paper birch, whose leaves and bark have a similar appearance.
What distinguishes the Paper birch is that its bark is a brighter color, and tends to peel in paper-like sheafs, which is where the tree gets its name. The dead giveaway for the Red alder is the vivid red flesh underneath the bark that shows through when bark is scratched or bruised. Predictably, this is how the Red alder gets its name.
Uses: Red alder is known for being soft compared to other hardwoods. This means it is less durable, but far more workable. Red alder also tends to be a more economical option among hardwoods. It is used for furniture and cabinets.
What distinguishes the Paper birch is that its bark is a brighter color, and tends to peel in paper-like sheafs, which is where the tree gets its name. The dead giveaway for the Red alder is the vivid red flesh underneath the bark that shows through when bark is scratched or bruised. Predictably, this is how the Red alder gets its name.
Uses: Red alder is known for being soft compared to other hardwoods. This means it is less durable, but far more workable. Red alder also tends to be a more economical option among hardwoods. It is used for furniture and cabinets.
Sitka Spruce
Tree Specs
The Sitka is the largest of all spruce trees, and one of the largest of all conifers in the world --- up to330’ tall and 16’ in diameter. Another Christmas tree, the Sitka is a little easier to distinguish at a glance, because of the bluish tinge of its needles.
To ID the Sitka with confidence, you can just give a bough a gentle squeeze. The needles are rigid and sharp like a porcupine quill and will be slightly uncomfortable to squeeze. Its bark also usually separates it from the Douglas fir and Western hemlock, being more similar to the bark of a Lodgepole pine or Ponderosa pine. Finally, the cone is a dead giveaway, as its long, slender, cylindrical shape distinguishes it from all of the above mention trees.
Uses: the Sitka is sought for its uncommonly high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it useful for making things like doors, ladders, pallets, furniture, trim, and musical instruments. For more info on how to get money for your tree, see this article.
To ID the Sitka with confidence, you can just give a bough a gentle squeeze. The needles are rigid and sharp like a porcupine quill and will be slightly uncomfortable to squeeze. Its bark also usually separates it from the Douglas fir and Western hemlock, being more similar to the bark of a Lodgepole pine or Ponderosa pine. Finally, the cone is a dead giveaway, as its long, slender, cylindrical shape distinguishes it from all of the above mention trees.
Uses: the Sitka is sought for its uncommonly high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it useful for making things like doors, ladders, pallets, furniture, trim, and musical instruments. For more info on how to get money for your tree, see this article.
Western Hemlock
Tree Specs
Another common conifer that takes on the Christmas tree character. This is also the Washington State tree, and can be hard to distinguish from the Douglas fir. It is known for having droopier branches, but this trait can be seen less commonly in the Douglas, too, so its not the best way to ID a hemlock.
First hand observation shows that the Western hemlock is less common than the Douglas fir in the Snohomish area. The tree is also a little smaller, growing up to 230’ tall but slightly wider at 9’ in diameter.
The Western Hemlock can be confused with other common conifers, especially the Douglas fir. The bark, needles and crown shape are similar (though they can be distinguished with a trained eye), so the best way to ID a hemlock is by the cone. They lack the three-pronged bract that defines that Douglas, and are much smaller.
Uses: Prime Western hemlock logs can be used for veneer wood, structural lumber, and paper. For more info on selling your logs, see this article.
First hand observation shows that the Western hemlock is less common than the Douglas fir in the Snohomish area. The tree is also a little smaller, growing up to 230’ tall but slightly wider at 9’ in diameter.
The Western Hemlock can be confused with other common conifers, especially the Douglas fir. The bark, needles and crown shape are similar (though they can be distinguished with a trained eye), so the best way to ID a hemlock is by the cone. They lack the three-pronged bract that defines that Douglas, and are much smaller.
Uses: Prime Western hemlock logs can be used for veneer wood, structural lumber, and paper. For more info on selling your logs, see this article.
Western Red Cedar
Tree Specs
Another evergreen conifer that is seen everywhere around Snohomish and all over Western Washington. Like the Douglas fir, this tree is misnamed. The Western Red actually belongs to the genus thuja of the cypress family. These monsters can grow up to 230’ tall and 13’ in diameter.
The bark of the Western Red cedar is fibrous and grows in long vertical strips that shed overtime. The best way to ID this tree with certainty is to look at the boughs and needles. They have a flat appearance, with all the needles on one bough growing on the same plane. This gives the impression of a giant leaf. The needles themselves also have a waxy appearance. They are white-green on the underside.
Uses: The Western Red cedar is known for its straight grain, which makes it easy to split. Combine that with a tendency to burn hot and fast and you have ideal kindling wood. In commercial applications, cedar is used where resistance to rot is prioritized over structural strength (think fence boards and shingles).
The bark of the Western Red cedar is fibrous and grows in long vertical strips that shed overtime. The best way to ID this tree with certainty is to look at the boughs and needles. They have a flat appearance, with all the needles on one bough growing on the same plane. This gives the impression of a giant leaf. The needles themselves also have a waxy appearance. They are white-green on the underside.
Uses: The Western Red cedar is known for its straight grain, which makes it easy to split. Combine that with a tendency to burn hot and fast and you have ideal kindling wood. In commercial applications, cedar is used where resistance to rot is prioritized over structural strength (think fence boards and shingles).
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