The knowledge of cattle farmers about tree cover, its species and their use was compiled in Canas and Rio Frio (Costa Rica), and compared between different types of farmers and geographical zones. Farmers from both zones know the tree species they use for different purposes: timber, live fences, fodder and shade. This knowledge allows them to classify the trees according to physical and biological characteristics. There were no differences in knowledge between localities or groups of farmers (cattle and mixed farmers) in terms of tree cover and its interactions with soil, water, grass and animals. The results suggest that, despite geographical differences, in both localities the vision and perception regarding tree cover were similar.