Make a Tree Journal

Our tree observation worksheet asks lots of good questions about trees that can get you observing.

If you put your checklist on a clipboard, it makes it easier to write your notes.

Do you have a tree near your home that you have admired but not really observed up close? Or is there one in a park nearby?

Lay your worksheet or a page from your journal on the tree bark. Use the side of your crayon to rub lightly and you'll see the texture of the bark on your paper.

Try to pick these up from the ground. Tape them to your worksheet or journal page. Or if you can't find any on the ground, try drawing them instead.

It would be interesting to do this every year or a few times per year to see how your tree is growing.

Stand with your arms outstretched by your tree. Estimate the full width of the tree from the farthest tips of its branches. Estimate how tall is your tree.

Some trees have a lot of visible roots, and some do not.

If yours has a lot of roots sticking up, you might consider putting mulch around the base of the tree. Mulch helps keep the tree roots moist by holding in water from the rain.

Trees are homes to many wildlife. Why not you?