Stems

• The main distinction between trees and shrubs is that trees have a single central stem or trunk, while shrubs often have multiple, thinner stems. Trees also tend to have a distinct shape and crown, while shrubs may consist of a large hedge that spreads over the ground.
  
  

Size

• Trees are generally thicker in the trunk and taller than shrub. Trees, for instance, typically are greater than 10 ft in height and can grow over a hundred feet, while many shrubs are only a few feet tall. (Tall shrubs can grow to around 20 ft.)
  
  

Growth

• Shrubs tend to produce growth that spreads out in all directions and goes down to ground level, while trees often have branches that are high up, leaving little foliage near the ground.
  
  

Hardiness

• Shrubs tend to be hardy plants that will grow back and fill in even if the woody branches are cut back; trees generally do not grow back easily if branches are cut off.
  
  

Considerations

• It is possible for some types of plants to grow into both trees and shrubs, depending on the number of stems that are allowed to grow and the plant's size.