TreeDeck is a community-driven web application that helps neighbors document, share, and track trees in their community. Users can create digital cards for trees with photos, measurements, and species information.

How do I add a tree to TreeDeck?

Click on the "Add Tree" button in the navigation menu. You'll need to provide a name for the tree, location, and optionally upload photos and add species information. You can use your device's camera to take pictures directly.

How do I measure a tree accurately?

For height, use the "stick method" by holding a stick at arm's length that appears the same height as the tree, then measure the distance to the tree. For trunk diameter, measure the circumference at breast height (4.5 feet from ground) and divide by 3.14.

How can I identify what species my tree is?

TreeDeck provides links to tree identification apps like Google Lens, PictureThis, and iNaturalist. Take clear photos of the tree's leaves, bark, and overall shape to help with identification.

Can I edit my tree information later?

Yes! You can edit any tree you've added by visiting the tree page and clicking the "Edit Tree" button. You can update the name, species, location, photos, and other information.

How does the TreeDeck Map work?

The interactive map shows all trees in the database with their locations. You can click on tree markers to see details, search for specific species or locations, and filter results. You can also find your current location on the map.

How can I track a tree's growth over time?

On any tree page, you can add new measurements in the "Tree Measurement Log" section. TreeDeck will automatically create a growth chart showing changes in height, trunk diameter, and canopy width over time.

Is TreeDeck free to use?

Yes! TreeDeck is completely free for all community members to use. We believe in making tree exploration and documentation accessible to everyone.

Tree Explorer Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you wanted to know about TreeDeck and how to use it to explore, document, and share amazing trees!

TreeDeck Basics

TreeDeck is a fun community app that helps you discover, document, and share trees in your neighborhood! It's like a social media platform, but for trees! 🌳

With TreeDeck, you can:

Create cards for trees you find
Add pictures and information about trees
See trees on an interactive map
Track how trees change over time
Learn about different tree species
Connect with other tree explorers

Trees are amazing! They give us clean air, provide homes for animals, and make our neighborhoods beautiful. TreeDeck helps us appreciate and learn about trees while having fun!

Using TreeDeck helps you:

Become more aware of nature around you
Learn to identify different tree species
Document how trees change with seasons
Create a community record of local trees
Add your discoveries about neighborhood trees
Have fun exploring outdoors!

Getting started with TreeDeck is super easy:

Join TreeDeck: Click the "Join" button and create your account with your email address and an explorer name.
Explore the Map: Check out the Tree Map to see trees others have already added in your area.
Add Your First Tree: Found a cool tree? Click "Add Tree" to create your first tree card! Add a photo, location, and any details you know.
Add and Connect: Add your tree discoveries and see what others are posting.

That's it! You're now a TreeDeck explorer! 🌲

Tree Tips & Information

Identifying trees can be fun, like solving a puzzle! Here are tips to help you figure out what kind of tree you've found:

Things to look at when identifying trees:

Leaves: Are they simple or compound? What shape are they? Do they have smooth or toothed edges?
Bark: Is it smooth, rough, peeling, or shaggy? What color is it?
Fruits/Seeds: Does it have nuts, berries, seed pods, or cones?
Flowers: What color and shape are they? When do they bloom?
Overall shape: Is the tree tall and thin, round, or spreading?

You can use tree identification apps on your phone, field guides, or ask other TreeDeck explorers for help! It's okay to label a tree as "Unknown" until you figure it out.

Taking great tree photos makes your TreeDeck cards more awesome! Here are some tips:

Tree photography tips:

Full tree: Step back enough to capture the whole tree
Details: Take close-ups of interesting features (leaves, bark, flowers, fruit)
Lighting: Early morning or late afternoon light makes for better photos
Perspectives: Try different angles - from below looking up, from a distance, etc.
Contrast: Position yourself so the tree stands out against the sky or background
Seasons: Return to photograph the same tree in different seasons

Remember, you don't need a fancy camera - your phone can take amazing tree photos!

Measuring how tall a tree is can be tricky without special tools, but here's a fun method using just a stick and some simple math!

The Stick Method:

Click to enlarge

Find a stick that's the same length as your arm.
Hold the stick straight up at arm's length (make an "L" shape with your arm and the stick).
Walk backward until the top of the stick lines up with the top of the tree and the bottom of the stick lines up with the base of the tree.
Measure how far you are from the tree - that distance is approximately the height of the tree!

This works because you're creating similar triangles - one small one with your arm and the stick, and one large one with the distance to the tree and the tree itself.

If you want to be more exact, there are tree measuring apps you can download on your phone that use your camera and angles to calculate heights!

Why Trees Are Amazing

Trees do incredible things for our planet! Here are just a few reasons why trees are worth protecting and celebrating:

🌳

Clean Air

Trees produce oxygen and filter out harmful pollutants from the air we breathe.

💨

Climate Heroes

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to reduce greenhouse gases and fight climate change.

🏠

Wildlife Homes

Trees provide food and shelter for thousands of species of birds, insects, and other animals.

📏

Long Lives

Many trees live for hundreds or even thousands of years, connecting us to history.