The bark also differs considerably from tree to tree, and from young to old. Buds offer many clues, too. Before trees even lose their leaves in autumn, they are preparing for the new leaves that will clothe them the following spring. Each bud is protected by a scaled covering, or fuzzy hairs. There is much variation from tree to tree.
Some trees are easy to identify any time of year.
These are the evergreens that keep their leaves year-round. Well, yes and no. Holly trees, live oaks, and palms are three exceptions, being broad-leafed examples of evergreens. On the other hand, some needle-leafed trees, such as larches, are deciduous and lose all their leaves each autumn. You can tell the three major groups of conifers apart by their leaves.