One species to be careful of that is in the maple family is boxelder.
Depending on what you want to do with the wood, it may not be suitable as it
is very weak wood (virtually every storm-damaged tree you see here in the
Midwest is a boxelder). Now, if you're just carving something some people
like its pinkish tinge and it is quite soft. Nobody likes the bugs it is
famous for... (external, they don't bore)

"DAN & CINDY" wrote in message
.. .
This is to all of the wood buffs who can tell the difference in the
maples.
1st how many different types of maple trees are there, 2nd how can you
tell
the difference. Last but not least , is one better than the other.