Tree Identification Services in La Crosse, Onalaska, and Beyond
How to Identify Trees
What’s That Tree? We’ll Tell You—and Why It Matters
You’d be surprised how many property owners, landscapers, or even city planners aren’t sure what kind of trees they have. And it’s not just a curiosity thing—knowing your trees helps you care for them properly, plan ahead, and avoid costly mistakes.
Whether you inherited a mature yard, bought a new property, or manage public land, tree ID is step one in making informed decisions about pruning, planting, disease control, or removal.
At Johnson Ops Tree Care, we offer on-site tree identification and consultation services to help homeowners, HOAs, and municipalities better understand what’s growing on their land—and what to do next.
The Problem: You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Know
Every tree species has its own quirks:
- Some are prone to disease and need regular inspections
- Others drop limbs easily and need structural pruning
- Certain species are protected or regulated by municipalities
- Fast-growing trees often outgrow their space and require regular maintenance
- Some species are invasive and may need to be removed
Without knowing what kind of tree you’re dealing with, you’re guessing. That means you could be:
- Over-pruning or pruning at the wrong time of year
- Wasting money on treatments that won’t help
- Missing early warning signs of species-specific pests or diseases
- Planting something that will become a long-term problem
How Our Tree ID Process Works
Whether you have one tree or fifty, we’ll identify them accurately and provide helpful context.
On-Site Visual Inspection
We visit your property and inspect the trees directly. We use bark patterns, branching habits, leaves, buds, cones, and seeds to identify species on the spot.
Photography and Sampling (If Needed)
For less common species or trees out of season (e.g., no leaves), we take samples or detailed photos for lab review or cross-reference.
Documentation
We can provide a simple species list, or a more detailed inventory depending on your needs. We’ll include notes on condition, notable concerns, and any care suggestions.
Expert Guidance
Knowing what kind of tree it is is only part of the value—we’ll also tell you what to watch for, when to prune, and how to care for it going forward.
Who Uses Tree ID Services?
- Homeowners curious about the trees in their yard
- New property buyers who want a landscape overview
- HOAs and property managers keeping shared areas healthy and safe
- Schools and parks departments creating tree maps or curriculum
- Municipalities building tree inventories or preparing grant applications
- Landscapers and developers planning around existing trees
If you’re working with trees but don’t know what they are—or how to care for them—we can help.
Why Johnson Ops Tree Care?
- ISA Certified Arborists with species ID training
- Local experience with native, ornamental, and invasive trees
- Field-proven knowledge, not just textbook info
- No upsell pressure—just real answers and useful insight
- Trusted by La Crosse-area homeowners and municipalities alike
We know Wisconsin trees inside and out—and we love helping people understand and appreciate what they have.
Want to Know What’s Growing in Your Yard? Let’s Take a Look.
Whether you’re planning, pruning, or just want peace of mind, knowing your trees is step one. We’ll help you make sense of it all and give you a better foundation for care.
Let’s walk your property and get you answers.
FAQs About Tree Identification
Can’t I just use a tree ID app?
Apps are fine for basic guesses—but they often misidentify species, especially in ornamental landscapes or hybrids. We confirm ID based on multiple factors and local knowledge.
How much does a tree ID visit cost?
Basic site visits with ID and notes typically start around $100–$250, depending on how many trees you want identified. Larger inventories are quoted by scope.
Apps are fine for basic guesses—but they often misidentify species, especially in ornamental landscapes or hybrids. We confirm ID based on multiple factors and local knowledge.
Still Not Sure What You’re Dealing With? That’s What We’re Here For.
Even if you only have one mystery tree, it’s worth knowing what it is—and what it needs. Our team is happy to take a look, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.
No pressure. No guessing. Just answers from people who know trees.