Trees: Their Natural History

By Peter Thomas

Book Overview

Trees are familiar components of many landscapes and have been vital in determining the ecology of our planet as well as the development of human cultures and communities. Yet how much do we really understand about how they work? This updated and revised edition provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of tree biology and ecology and presents the state-of-the-art discoveries in this area. The wonders and mysteries of trees are explored throughout the book and questions such as why leaves turn spectacular colours in the autumn, how water reaches the top of the tallest trees, or why the study of genetics has caused so many name changes in trees are all brilliantly answered. Written with a non-technical approach, this book will be a valuable source of reference for students and those with a less formal interest in this fascinating group of plants.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521133580
• ISBN13: 9780521133586
• Release Date: June 2014
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 408 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.8" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Excellent, best I've found

I have the books by Dirr, the incomparable woody plant specialist--but I needed a basic text to learn how to take care of trees...and Dirr (and all other horticultural texts) barely touch on the specifics of tree growth/needs. Thomas writes with an intelligent, yet easily accessible, non condescending voice. Yes, there are Latin terms but not so many that you stop to look in the glossary or a dictionary every other sentence. Also, there is no "preaching" here about the evils of clear-cutting, etc. (You can find many of those books ...but a basic and thorough text has been difficult to find until now.) This is an excellent resource for the serious gardener who wants factual, yet enjoyable, book about the life of trees--and thereby acquire the knowledge necessary for proper care. However, I don't want to mislead anyone: there is not a lengthy discussion of fertilizers, pest control, pruning etc....yet there are discussions regarding tree roots and sewers, house foundations etc. In other words, reading this book and gaining an understanding the natural history of trees one can then make intelligent decisions regarding their care and maintenance--and recognize which arborists and/or tree care "professionals" to hire or stay away from.

Informative.

This was a very good read. It was obvious the author had a passion for the subject, and that made it to the pages. A nice balance was struck between technical terms and the needs of the layman. I had to look a few terms up, but the author made a good habit of explaining things that a non botanist would understand.

Excellent detailed overview of tree biology for lay people and experts

I have read this book straight through twice and will do so again. It also is a good reference. While the book does not cover specific trees individually, it discusses the parts of trees and how they function together in the tree and their environment. If you want to know how trees work, this is a good book to start with. The book is easy to read and written for both experienced and novice tree enthusiasts. While a relatively small book, it is packed full of information. I am a professional horticulturalist and this book is an invaluable part of my library. In fact, if a new edition does not come out soon, I will by another copy because mine is getting pretty beat up from use.

Learn 1,000 new things!!!

This is an amazing book!! Every page expands what you thought you knew. How do they get that water up 100+ feet? Why are trees deciduous? (Better questions are how many ways they are deciduous, and why, and what does deciduous really mean anyway?) This will make any hike you take more interesting, any tree rings you inspect simply fascinating.

Root and branch!

Trees: Their Natural History by Peter Thomas is a significant book for any student of trees or enthusiast for dendrology. The structure, function and life-cycle of trees is covered with warmth, perception and with authority. The writing is accessible although there are perhaps a few too many jokes. Despite this drawback the book is full of good reference material, thankfully lacking the homey philosophy and proselytizing of other writers in aboriculture.