Years ago, I didn’t have much of an appreciation for the months of October and November. 

Becoming a devout student of trees changed that.

In my early days of tree identification, I placed too much emphasis on the spring and summer seasons.  Everything was lively and green, I reasoned.  What more did I need?

As time went on, I inevitably ran into problems whose solutions would only be found in the autumn season. 

I remember seeing an oak in the summer season whose leaves contained deep sinuses.  Scarlet oak and pin oak were two candidates, but my beginner’s mind required more information.  Once autumn arrived, I easily identified the tree based on its acorns.  (Scarlet oak acorns contain concentric rings.)

I also remember seeing an ash tree but being unable to determine its exact identity.  Once autumn arrived, I easily identified the tree based on its color.  (White ash foliage turns yellow to purplish; green ash foliage turns yellowish-brown.)

I could share more examples of how the autumn season provided answers to my most pressing questions.  Suffice to say, I now rank the months of October and November as among the most important for honing tree identification skills.

To help you hone your tree identification skills this autumn season, I am opening up registration for my online course next week.

Trees In All Seasons is a four-season online video course designed to help you successfully identify over 100 trees in every season — spring, summer, fall, and winter.

This course is presented entirely online and it features over 75 exclusive videos that lay the groundwork for successful tree identification.  If you are interested in identifying trees but are finding it difficult to learn through field guides and apps, consider enrolling as a student in Trees In All Seasons.  

Please note:  Trees In All Seasons will be open for registration for one week only from Monday, October 17th to Monday, October 24th.  Upon registration, you have immediate access to all course content and you can watch the videos at your own pace.

To register for Trees In All Seasons, mark your calendar for Monday, October 17th and visit this link.

All additional information (including course structure, outline, and cost) will be posted on Monday.

I look forward to seeing you then!
— Adam Haritan