I have been so turned-on these last few weeks by my recent PDF scanning and searching of 197 Wikipedia Coats of Arms articles, and of my word and fact books, that I knew my tree ID hobby would be next.

A few years ago, I learned to identify over 200 trees.

Funny what happens to our memories.  I’d say that now I’m lucky if I can recall half of those 200 tree names when I see them.

It was a natural extension of my Coats of Arms pdf search hobby that I created pdf searchable tree picture files on my iPhone for the hundred trees whose names slipped my mind.

In addition, I scanned in photos of 13 trees having a variety of hanging pods.  For example, the Honey Locust tree has a distinctive slightly curly or twisty pod. When I next spot a tree with pods that I am not quite sure of, I can search for “pod” and then compare the 13 POD Trees that pop up to find the right one.  Besides pods, I plan to scan pictures of a variety of tree fruits, leaf shapes, and bark types.

I also scanned in my three favorite California tree ID books. * Then, I added everything to my Dropbox files, and made them available offline so I can view them even when there is no Internet connection.

When I come across a tree I cannot identify using my new searchable pdf’s, I will take several pictures of the tree.  Then, I will do my best to find it on the Internet.   If I finally give up, I will consult one of my old tree expert friends.  Once I know the tree, I will happily place its picture, with identifying characteristics, in my files.

I can’t wait for the next walk with my wife. With my iPhone handy, I will test out my new tree search files.

I’d better let my wife know that I’ll be stopping every once in a while to check my tree files.  Perhaps I need not feel guilty since it is sort of like her stopping every once in awhile to look in the shops we pass on some of our walks.

*These three California tree books have helped me immensely:

A Californian’s Guide to the Trees Among Us (Matt Ritter)

Exceptional Trees of Los Angeles (Donald R. Hodel)

Street Trees Recommended for Southern California (Michael T.   Mahoney, et al.)

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen51@gmail.com