Trees of North America

Trees, like all plants, play many important roles on Earth.

• They make oxygen, take up carbon dioxide, and feed animals with their leaves and fruit.
• They are essential to people as building materials and fuel.
• They provide shade and habitat for many birds and small mammals.
• They also enrich our lives with their beautiful shapes, smells and colors.

Learning to identify trees can be fun and help you appreciate the variety of species that live near you. Try the Related Activities below to increase your skill at tree identification.