Tree Identification Books

A deeply comprehensive and updated guide to the trees within North America, The National Audubon Society’s authoritative roadmap is an arborist’s dream. Packed with stunning illustrations and informative details, this field guide covers the diverse array of tree species found across the continent. With over 540 species identified and nearly 2,500 full-color photographs, readers can easily become experts in identifying trees — no matter where they are on the continent. Plus, this book comes with a glossary, index, and ribbon marker for maximum readability and easy access.

In this New York Times bestseller, ecologist Suzanne Simard takes readers on a journey through the intricate world of forest ecosystems. Through her groundbreaking research, she unveils the hidden networks that trees use to communicate and support each other. Unlike other tree identification field guides, Finding the Mother Tree acts as both an in-depth guide to understanding the trees around us and also provides an even broader, deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature and her own personal journey to understanding the true nature of the world around us. Equally touching and tender as it is educational and comprehensive, Finding the Mother Tree is a brilliant addition to any nature lover’s collection of guides.

David George Haskell invites readers to listen to the symphony of nature by exploring the lives of several trees around the world. Through a blend of detailed observations surrounding several species, including humans, Haskell illuminates the deep connections between trees and their environments, offering a unique perspective on the beauty and complexity of the natural world. From the urban landscape of Manhattan to the lush, dense forests of the Amazon, Haskell invites readers on a fascinating journey into the intersection of human history and ecology — and the inextricable link that binds the two forever together.

Colin Tudge embarks on a visual and narrative journey, introducing readers to some of the world’s most extraordinary trees — from the very smallest of saplings to the most colossal of Redwoods. Throughout, Tudge implores that each tree has a story to tell, whether through its historical significance, cultural symbolism, or sheer magnificence. Plus, the world-renowned author takes readers through some of the essential basics of their existence, including how they age, how they survive, how they communicate and talk to one another, and how they come to exist in the first place. But regardless of the type of tree Tudge discovers, his encounters with them are both awe-inspiring and informative.

Another classic in the world of tree identification books, Thomas Pakenham’s Meetings with Remarkable Trees is an illustrative and in-depth look at some of the world’s consistent companions (mainly 60 of them) in this robust field guide, which received international acclaim. Pakenham invites readers to consider the personalities, yes personalities, of several species of trees and the implications of each. From some of the most well-known trees to some of the most misunderstood, Pakenham’s guide is packed with photos, maps, and more, inviting readers into the world of trees and beyond.

Scientist and nature writer Richard Fortey takes readers on a year-long exploration of a small woodland in Oxfordshire. The Wood for the Trees combines scientific observation with poetic reflection, offering a deep and personal understanding of a seemingly ordinary forest’s intricate ecosystems and life cycles. An upbeat, touching take on the nature around us, Fortey reconstructs the history of trees as we know it, and invites readers to consider an entirely new world of possibility about the vegetation around us. Through recording several seasons and understanding the rich history behind the trees’ origins, Fortey creates a lush world of history and elegance all in one.

Kelsey Oseid’s illustrated guide celebrates the diversity and beauty of trees through original artwork and musings on their immense significance. Full of lesser-known fun facts about the trees just in our backyards and those that lie far beyond our view, and stunning illustrations that will transport readers right into the wild, Trees is a beautiful and equally educational guide to these diverse life forms. From their anatomy to cultural significance, Trees is a visually stunning and informative journey through the world of arboreal wonders and is the perfect next read for seasoned nature lovers and art enthusiasts or novice arborists.

Dr. Qing Li, a leading expert on forest medicine, introduces readers to the practice of “forest bathing.” Forest bathing, or the therapeutic Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, is a beloved pastime that involves spending mindful, intentional time with the forest and trees — a method that’s proved to decrease stress and even lower blood pressure. A meditation on the healing powers of nature, Forest Bathing blends scientific research with personal anecdotes to create a one-of-a-kind, tender, deep dive into the healing power that exists all around us, if we know where to look.

Jim Robbins tells the inspiring story of David Milarch, an arborist on a mission to clone and preserve ancient and resilient trees. While Milarch’s story is anything but conventional — his plan to clone specific trees hatched from a vision he received from angels above — journalist Jim Robbins finds that his seemingly unrealistic and impossible goal becomes incredibly possible. As years pass and Robbins is able to achieve his goal, more about trees come to light: mainly, the vast sea of knowledge we have yet to learn about these mysterious life forms, and exactly what they’re capable of. In all, The Man Who Planted Trees explores Milarch’s efforts to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity by cultivating a living archive of the world’s most resilient trees.