well.. you are the first to put a pic upside down.. not just sideways ... and i cant figure how to look at it ... my mind keeps wanting to think.. reflection in a pond.. and it hurts ...

the one with the power line going thru it???

ken

What's with all these ID requests with bare branches lately?

Right-side up will always be simpler...but some additional images closer up to bark, stem, twigs, buds will aid in the ID. Also, see if there are any characteristic elements laying about on the ground that might offer an idea. Not always the best way to proceed, but seeds, accumulated leaves, branches, and other plant parts can provide clues.

campbell914: There are quite a few columnar plants used this way these days. Traditionally these have been rapid growing but short-lived species like hybrid poplars.

Now, you can find highly valued species like oaks, maples, sweetgum, tuliptree, hornbeam, and more with this fastigiate habit.

With the minimum information provided so far, I'd say those plants most resemble Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'.

@WxDano: identification of plants in dormancy is one of the best skills a gardener can develop.

If you click on the photo (in Safari, anyway) it appears in a different tab, right side up.

identification of plants in dormancy is one of the best skills a gardener can develop.

Yes. I led a snowshoe trip two weeks ago to do just that. We talked about how you need to have your face in the plant to do winter ID. Awful lot of pix on this board lately from 80 feet away!

Branching is like that of Dawyck beech.