Trees

Species
First of all, you will want to know the species of trees growing on your woodland as well as age, density and location.

Identification and silvics of softwood and hardwood trees in Nova Scotia is available online or through the mail in:

Other online tree identification resources include:

Trees Beneficial to Wildlife
Trees that are particularly beneficial for wildlife include:

  • Trees for food: apple trees; trees that produce seeds and nuts (e.g. oak, beech, hazlenut); aspen (poplar) trees; cavity trees; snags.
  • Trees for habitat: alder thickets; hedgerows; cavity trees; snags.
  • Big nest trees: for bald eagles, hawks, owls, os-preys and great blue herons.

Tree Preservation

Timber Value
(Merchantable & Pre-Merchantable)
Depending on the trees in your woodlot and your own particular management goals and objectives, you may require more detailed information about timber growing on your land.

Cruising your woodland involves estimating the quantity (volume) of wood in forest stands according to species (or species groups), age, size, quality, potential products, et cetera.

Identifying and assessing resources on a woodlot can be complex. Professional advice and expertise is available from Forestry Consultants located throughout the province.

Resources

Trees of Nova Scotia
Gary L. Saunders
1996 (revised), 102 pages. $9.95
Descriptions of native and exotic species, their uses, pests and where they grow. Illustrated, metricated.
Also available from local retailers.

A Handbook of Maritime Trees
- Online
by Geoffrey A. Ritchie
Natural Resources Canada

Images of Tree Species
- Online
Faculty of Forestry & Environmental
Management
University of New Brunswick

Photo Archive - Great Lakes Forestry Centre
- Online
Natural Resources Canada

NSDNR Woodlot Management Home Study Program
- Online or Mail
Module 1 - Introduction to Silviculture