Oaks in winter

Although mature oaks shed their leaves in winter, the youngsters hold on to theirs. 

Here's a way to recognise oaks without leaves:  The bud at the end of each shoot doesn't have just one or two buds, it has several.  

Photo:  Jean Murray

The oak tree may grow straight but there is a good chance that one of the buds pointing sideways will carry the shoot off at an angle.This is what makes oak branches so sinuous.