How to identify a maple tree in the winter! 🍁 Start with the acronym MAD — which stands for Maple, Ash, and Dogwood—which have opposite branching, unlike most trees with alternate branches. This trait quickly narrows down your options! 🌳 Next, check the bark and buds: Red Maple: • Bark: Smooth on young trees, becomes scaly with age. • Buds: Reddish, clustered, and blunt. Sugar Maple: • Bark: is grayish brown and is Smoother when young, but develops deep vertical ridges and curls with age. • Bu