They are all around us — every day. Usually we do not know their names or their histories.

For a long time I thought it would be fun to learn the names of the trees I see. When I got my iPhone a couple of months back, I enjoyed trying out the LeafSnap app, which allows you to scan in a leaf using the iPhone and then presents you with choices of leaves – one of which is, hopefully, from the tree you encountered. But, the Leafsnap app was less than precise. So I ordered a book online: “What Tree Is That?” It contains branching programs that enable you to identify your tree one step at a time. Then I pulled a rarely perused book from my bookshelf: “The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees.” It presents descriptions and full-color photos of trees and their leaves, bark, fruit and flowers.

With my books and collected leaves in hand, a couple of weeks ago I began to identify the trees in my backyard. I first got to know the fig tree, the two types of palm trees, and then the pecan tree. Then I introduced myself to the Southern Magnolia tree in front of the house. On my first tree-walk around the block I met the gorgeous huge Chinese Elm trees that line the street near me. The Gingko tree was easy to recognize due to the unusual shape of its leaves. The Crapemyrtle practically announces its name with its tufts of pink flowers. But there were several neighborhood trees I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting.

Now I am more motivated to take a neighborhood walk. I can stop at my new friends – the trees – and say, for example, “Hello, Chinese Elm. How graceful and grand you are. You tower above the roofs of houses and, yet, your leaves are small. Your mottled bark is magnificently multicolored, and your flat fruit ‘sacks’ are so dainty. I look forward to seeing your flowers one day.” To other trees I can say, “I don’t know you yet, but I am determined to know your name, and other facts about you, so that you will be a friend, too.

A gift to myself just arrived on my birthday. It was a small Chinese Elm tree – a bonsai tree now sitting next to my computer, for me to look at and care for and talk to.

Sure, I could always bring a leaf-to-be-identified to an expert at the local nursery. But then where would be the mystery? – the challenge? – the detective work? – and the PRIDE that I had earned the friendship of my new friends, the trees.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at Robertebsen@hotmail.com