How to correctly and accurately identify a few species of trees from their leaves?

Question

I want to identify a tree from one of the 12 species listed based on observing their branch and leaves. Is there quick and neat way to do it? Red Oak, White Oak, Red Maple, Striped Maple, Tulip Poplar, Black Cherry, White Pine, Virginia Pine, Dogwood, Hickory Species, Sourwood and Cucumber Magnolia. Thank you!

Answer 1

The most efficient way is to to use a dichotomous key that is specific to identifying trees by leaves and branch structure. Which will help you narrow them down by characteristics. Your goal would be to find a dichotomous key that would contain all those trees .

There are some cool websites out there meant for identifying trees also, such as this, https://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree/

Hope this helps! Let me know if you would like more help :)