Identifying Trees

[Common_Clay]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this. I've decided I'd like to learn more about trees and more specifically, what they are! I know some of the most common types but I bought a book, Collins 'Tree Guide', which has lots of different species.
  I'm finding it very difficult though to differentiate between similar trees. For example, I compared some found leaves and seeds from what I thought was a sycamore, only to not be able to find the exact thing in the book at all, the seed shape is unlike sycamore or any of the other maples.
  I may post a picture of this, but I don't have time right now.

  The other problem I've encountered was looking at the common willow... when I say common I meen the weeping willow (Salix x sepulcralis) but I can't find it anywhere in the book! There's Golden Weeping Willow, Thurlow Weeping Willow, Salamon's Weeping Willow... but no 'Weeping Willow'. Is there a reason? There's not even mention of it. I don't understand, and the pictures do not show the common variety.

  Thanks to anyone who can help.

[Common_Clay]

[Paulines7]

Common_Clay, I can't help you with the sycamore without a picture but you may find this site helpful regarding the Weeping Willow.  As it is a hybrid it probably isn't included in your book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow

[Barnowl]

Being in London your Sycamore might be a London Plane? Has different seed -round not winged -but the leaves look pretty much the same.

[redimp]

Being in London your Sycamore might be a London Plane? Has different seed -round not winged -but the leaves look pretty much the same.

If Common_Clay lived in our centralish Lincoln street it would be a London Plane as well as that is what is sat outside our house.  It's one of the most common urban trees due to ability to cope with and strip pollution out of the air - and its well behave root system.

websites I use in addition to two Collins Books:
http://www.the-tree.org.uk/
http://www.rfs.org.uk/
http://www.british-trees.com/index.htm
http://www.first-nature.com/trees/

[Baaaaaaaa]

The Hilliers guide to Trees and Shrubs lists 65 Salix with 23 pictures. Might be worth a visit to a garden centre to have a read !

I also use the Roger Phillips' set of books quite a lot. I find the Trees in Britain good as it has clear pic of leaves, flowers and fruits.