Young trees and saplings

What works

• Leaf arrangement and type: opposite or alternate, simple or compound.
• Bud shape, size and arrangement on the stem.
• Whether it keeps its leaves in winter.
• Twig colour, and a scratch-and-sniff test on a twig.

What does not

Bark on a young tree is usually smooth and says little. Fruit and flowers do not appear for years. Leaves on vigorous young shoots can be larger and more deeply lobed than leaves on the adult tree, so compare with leaves on a nearby mature tree if you can.

Common seedlings you will find

Sprouts in the garden and on pavements are mostly seedlings of a few prolific trees. Maple seedlings show two small leaves, then opposite, lobed leaves. Ash seedlings have opposite compound leaves from early on. Oak seedlings grow from acorns and have a long taproot. Elm seedlings are common under mature trees, with lopsided, toothed leaves. Black cherry seedlings come up wherever birds drop fruit. Tree of heaven and mulberry are common weeds of waste ground.

Seedling or shrub?

A woody plant with several stems from the base and no clear leader is often a shrub. A single stem with buds at the tips and in a staggered or paired pattern may be a young tree. If it is under mature trees, it may well be a seedling of one of them.

If it is in your garden

Look at which trees stand nearby: seedlings usually grow close to their parent. For a planted tree, a nursery label or receipt is the quickest route to a name. Take dated photographs of the leaves, buds and bark through the year.

Weeds or wanted?

Do not dig up or cut back a young tree before you know what it is. A seedling oak or hickory in the wrong place can be moved when small and dormant, while a young tree of heaven, which is invasive in many regions, is usually better removed. Your local extension service can name a plant from a clear photograph and a leaf.