Trees:
* Single, tall trunk: Trees have one main trunk that rises up from the ground and branches out at a certain height.
* Greater height: Generally, trees are much taller than shrubs, reaching heights of at least 13 feet (4 meters) or more.
* Longer lifespan: Trees usually have a much longer lifespan than shrubs.
* Woody stem: Both trees and shrubs have woody stems, meaning they are made of hard, fibrous material.
Shrubs:
* Multiple stems: Shrubs have multiple stems that originate from the ground.
* Lower height: Shrubs are typically shorter than trees, ranging from a few inches to 10 feet (3 meters) tall.
* Shorter lifespan: Shrubs usually have a shorter lifespan compared to trees.
* Woody stem: Similar to trees, shrubs also have woody stems.
It's not always easy to distinguish between trees and shrubs:
* Young trees: Young trees may appear similar to shrubs, with multiple stems. However, they will eventually develop a single, dominant trunk.
* Dwarf trees: Some trees are bred to stay small and may be confused with shrubs.
* Large shrubs: Some shrubs can grow quite large and may resemble small trees.
Ultimately, the distinction between a tree and a shrub isn't always clear-cut. But the general size and structure provide a good starting point for identification.