About Tree-Keeper
Why a key, not a camera
Tree-Keeper names a tree the way a ranger would: by asking about leaf, bark, fruit and form, then printing how sure it is. It is made for the moment you are standing in front of the tree, with or without a signal.
A key shows its work. You can see which answers led where, and when they run out, it says so.
The mark
A trunk, cut crosswise.
The heartwood
A solid amber center. When the mark draws itself, it appears first.
The growth rings
Thick strokes in moss olive, a record of years read the way a keeper reads a cut trunk. They sweep on from the top, outermost last.
The stem
Straight down, never tilted. It drops into place as the last stroke settles.
The ring on this site
The outer ring also keeps the score here: it starts at the amber dot at twelve o'clock and draws clockwise to the number, the way a result's confidence ring does in the app.
What was left out
Four couplets, and the lead it takes.
A key gives you two leads at a time and you take one. These are the choices the app made.
- a
Point a camera at it and trust the guess.
Left outbAnswer what you can see: leaf, bark, fruit and form.
Taken - a
Show a confident name and hide how sure it is.
Left outbPrint the score beside the name, and say inconclusive when the answers do not settle it.
Taken - a
Need a signal before you can name a tree.
Left outbCarry the almanac on the phone from first launch.
Taken - a
Put every tree you find on a map.
Left outbKeep your grove on the phone, backed up only if you make an account.
Taken
Who it is for
People who want a straight answer while standing there.
Hikers
On a ridge with no bars, the almanac and the key still work, and the find saves to your grove.
Gardeners and backyard naturalists
Log the trees along the back fence, then keep their watering, pruning and inspections in the care log.
Dog and cat owners
When something has fallen off a tree, the species page says safe, use caution or toxic. It is information, and your vet decides.
Up to seven questions, then the best match with its score.
Download it on the App Store. The almanac comes with it, and your grove stays on your phone.
Tree-Keeper is published on the App Store by Alden Morris Enterprises LLC.