Quote:
Originally Posted by Hobjob  A this time of year dead leaves from the leaf litter at the bottom of the tree can be an enormous help and is often overlooked. |
They can be very misleading too. There was a thread recently about a coppiced oak that turned out to be ash
It's good practice to get used to identifying from winter buds. It's the wrong time of year to start though
Once buds burst their shape is no longer recognisable. I find I then have to wait until the leaves open properly before I'm comfortable identifying again.