There are thousands of tree species around the world, and no two trees are the same. Identifying trees by species can be a hard task. If you're not a professional arborist it's unlikely you'll have much knowledge of the different tree species.
These iPhone apps make it easy for you to identify and gain more knowledge on a tree, either for maintenance purposes or just out of interest.
1. NatureID
NatureID is a very capable identification app that allows you to identify any plants and trees with your mobile phone. Rather impressively, it can diagnose a problem with a diseased plant when you take a photo of it, and it will even give you tips on how to combat the problem to nurse your plant back to help.
NatureID features insights and tips on plant care in both written and video format. It even implements a social element by displaying a Feed of plants that other NatureID users have identified.
This app may shock you with its annual price, but it is one of the most highly-rated plant identification and plant care apps on the App Store right now, with many users vouching for it as the best on the market.
Download: NatureID for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
2. British Tree Identification
British Tree Identification by Woodland Trust is a sleek, responsive tree ID app that allows you to identify a tree by feature or saved trees, it also features an A to Z list of UK trees, many of which you will find in other countries as well.
Its Tree Map tracks your location (once granted permission) and displays icons of all the trees around your local area. It lists the species, colloquial name, and the date that tree was added.
This feature relies on the app's users to update and input trees around their local area. You can also donate directly through the app to help UK trees.
Download: British Tree Identification for iOS | Android (Free)
3. City Trees
City Trees is a tree database and identifier app that displays the number of trees and their respective species for selected cities around the world. It currently displays tree data for over 23 cities and the developer has placed his email address on the About section for people to contact him if their city's trees aren't featured.
This app uses city landscaping data as well as user location to provide information on these trees. As time goes by and more cities get added, the app will be much more comprehensive and likely to cover your city as well.
Download: City Trees for iOS (Free)
4. Deciduous Trees 2.0 Lite
Deciduous Trees 2.0 Lite is the free version of Deciduous Trees and is a reference and tree identification app focusing on conifers.
The app uses a different method to others featured in this article; instead of bringing up a page when you search where you must choose elements of a tree which it then matches in its database, such as leaf shape, leaf arrangement, margin, the color of the flowers.
By selecting these, the app will display results that most closely match the characteristics you've provided.
The app also features a Quiz section where you can test your knowledge of trees either by yourself or against other people in multiplayer apps. This feature offers a bit of fun, and a more social element to tree identification. Quizzes can also help to improve your idea on what trees would look good in your garden, as can beginner gardening websites and apps.
Download: Deciduous Trees 2.0 Lite for iOS (Free, premium version available)
5. Identitree Starter Kit
Identitree Starter Kit is a well-designed, simple-to-use app that identifies trees using a series of questions for you to answer. For instance, whether the branches, twigs, and leaf scars are alternate or opposite each other or whether the plants have thorns or not.
The app also features a glossary and an A to Z of different tree species, with entries for each tree, offering information on it such as the width (spread), height, growth rate, soil type, and so on.
Identitree Starter Kit is completely free to use and a good way of identifying trees as well as finding out more information on specific species.
Download: Identitree Starter Kit for iOS | Android (Free)
Planting the Seed
You will find identifying trees much simpler with the use of the apps listed above, and their simple design style makes them accessible to all.