Can you ID this tree

[tothetrees]

Hi, this will probably be easy for you guys but I cannot determine what exactly this tree is. My guess is either beech or black cherry. Of course I may be way off [emoji4] Thanks!!

 

[oldoakman]

Not Beech. Not Black Cherry either. Is prunus though, and I would say Yoshino Cherry.

 

[TreeLogic]

Definitely not Beech. Prunus is possible, but something about that lower bark is giving me trouble on Yoshino Cherry. Also, I don't see the lenticils on the upper trunk that cherries usually have. Something looks mighty Poplar(ish) about this tree. Especially up top. And no, it's not the typical form for a poplar, but the tree has obviously been topped, which might allow for a deviation in form. I don't know, just thinking out loud.

 

[FJR]

Looks like Silver Poplar, Populus alba.

 

[tothetrees]

Thanks for the help. It definitely was topped years ago and now she wants it removed. The HO thought it was an oak and is dying which I could tell it isn't but I wanted to determine what it is so I can tell them in case she wants to prun rather than remove. It kinda looks like the cherry I have in my yard so thats what I was leaning towards. If its a silver poplar, would the leaves have a light color to them? Thanks for all of your help!

 

[TreeLogic]

Looks like Silver Poplar, Populus alba.

Good call FJR. I'm in agreement.

 

[TreeLogic]

If its a silver poplar, would the leaves have a light color to them?

Yes, but more so on the undersides of the leaf. Sort of silvery under there.
This is not a tree I've seen very much and I'm not too far from you, down in Charleston...

 

[tothetrees]

Thanks TL! Would thus be considered a rare tree? Or does it have the same rep as other poplars (weak, brittle)?

 

[TreeLogic]

Upper bark should look like this...

Top and bottom of leaf...

And here's the range, so probably not rare. It may be that it's just a 'woods' or 'swamp tree' tree that we don't normally see in the everyday landscape. Now that I know they're around here, I'll keep a look out.

 

[Jeff]

The dark bark on the lower trunk and light, almost white bark up top is a classic aspen/cottonwood/poplar trait and giveaway.

 

[Jeff]

And here's the range, so probably not rare.

That's kinda funny - don't see a lot of 47 state/5 province trees!

 

[TreeLogic]

That's kinda funny - don't see a lot of 47 state/5 province trees!

Haha, I know right? Can you say "invasive"?

 

[tothetrees]

Thanks guys for your help!! I will let the HO know and keep that tree identification in my book 'o trees.

 

[Tree_Frog]

Thanks guys for your help!! I will let the HO know and keep that tree identification in my book 'o trees.

If you haven't spent a lot of time in poplars, be careful. They are not as strong as they look. Use 6" crotches for your tip and do not be afraid to double tie-in.

 

[tothetrees]

Thanks for the advice tree_frog! Fortunately I can drop the whole tree without climbing it. But I will definitely remember that for futre poplar jobs.