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  • Cited by 25
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
July 2014
Print publication year:
2014
Online ISBN:
9781139026567
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139026567
Subjects:
Plant Sciences, Life Sciences, Ecology and Conservation
Information

Book description

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.

Awards

A Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2015

Reviews

Praise from the previous edition:'Never less than interesting, it is written in non-technical language that is consistently illuminating …'

Source: New Scientist

Praise from the previous edition:'… an excellent book … The author has used an easy-to-read style with occasional quirky asides to keep the readers' attention …'

Source: Bulletin, British Ecological Society

Praise from the previous edition:'So, if trees have always fascinated you and if you have any trees in your guardianship, read this book. Even a quick skimming of its pages will enlighten you and make you curious to know more.'

Sue Roe Source: Gardens Illustrated

Praise from the previous edition:'… [the author's] enthusiasm and love of trees is apparent on every page … it has become my 'tree bible'. I hope it will become yours!'

Source: The Dendrologist

'A thoughtful and informative book, logically and sequentially set out for anyone with an interest in trees, whether professional or amateur. The reader is guided through the physiological and structural characteristics of the tree, through its life cycle from seed to antiquity and finally to an exploration of the relationship between trees and people … The text, which flows smoothly with academic rigour, succeeds in communicating in an easy to read fashion for both academic and the non academic. Each section is punctuated with interesting and useful snippets of information from around the world related to the specific chapter topic being discussed and each chapter can be read independently of the others … The text is well supported by excellent photographs and beautifully drawn graphics which enhance and clarify the subject matter throughout the book … It is the combination of all the factors above which makes this book so useful and interesting.'

Keith Sacre - Barcham Trees

'Peter Thomas has a rare ability to communicate complex biological processes in an accessible way while offering the understanding of a real expert. The first edition succeeded in the author’s aim of bringing together a dispersed literature on the natural history of trees. This edition expands and updates the first edition with recent insights into the biology and ecology of trees and their relationship to us. I consider it to be essential reading for all those with a personal or professional interest in trees and am convinced every reader will gain a deeper understanding of trees from the rich content of this book. Even if you are only casually interested in trees, buy it, read it and be inspired by their fascinating life!'

Andrew Hirons - Myerscough College

'I look forward to second editions because there is always a synthesis of more literature and stronger evidence for hypotheses. This volume lives up to the highest of expectations. It is an encyclopedia of neat ideas on the features of trees. The photography and choice of figures and tables add to the clarity of explanations. The concluding chapter resonates with current societal issues of environmentalism, nature attention deficit, and back-to-nature movements … This contribution speaks to a wide readership of gardeners, students, and naturalists. Dr Thomas is a master communicator in melding the topic of trees into the everyday experiences of the reader. He personalizes science … This book is like visiting a botanical garden with a guide who has travelled the world; and Dr Thomas has travelled the world to find these gems of information. After reading this book the reader will no longer look at a tree with indifference.'

Ross W. Wein - Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta

'The best general work on trees to come out in 2014 … this book offers fascinating insights and can be usefully read by anyone, student, amateur or professional, and should be on any reading list.'

Source: Pro Arb Magazine

'The much-abused term 'well-written' sits very comfortably here; you could buy this book for an aspiring young biologist, a relative with an interest in trees, your local landscape architect or planner … If you bought the first edition, this one is newer and better. If you didn't buy it last time, think again.'

Alan Crowden Source: Bulletin, British Ecological Society

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Contents

Contents
References
Further Reading
Arno, S.F. & Hammerly, R.P. (1984) Timberline: Mountain and Arctic Forest Frontiers. The Mountaineers, Seattle.
Aronson, J., Pereira, J.S. & Pausas, J.G. (2009) Cork Oak Woodlands on the Edge. Island Press, Washington, DC.
Bonnicksen, T.M. (2000) America’s Ancient Forests. Wiley, New York.
Bowes, B.G. (2010) Trees and Forests: A Colour Guide. Manson, London.
Britt, C. & Johnston, M. (2008) Trees in Towns II. Department of Communities and Local Government, London.
Burns, R.M. & Honkala, B.H. (1990) Silvics of North America. Vol 1: Conifers. Vol 2: Hardwoods. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook654.
Büsgen, M. & Münch, T. (1929) The Structure and Life of Forest Trees (3rd ed). Chapman and Hall, London.
Clobert, J., Baguette, M., Benton, T.G. & Bullock, J.M. (2012) Dispersal Ecology and Evolution. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Coutts, M.P. & Grace, J. (1995) Wind and Trees. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Cutler, D.F. & Richardson, I.B.K. (1981) Tree Roots and Buildings. Construction Press (Longman), London.
Eaton, R.A. & Hope, M.D.C. (1993) Wood: Decay, Pests and Protection. Chapman & Hall, London.
Ennos, R. (2001) Trees. The Natural History Museum, London.
Hallé, F., Oldeman, R.A.A. & Tomlinson, P.B. (1978) Tropical Trees and Forests: An Architectural Analysis. Springer, Berlin.
Hoadley, R.B. (2000) Understanding Wood. Taunton Press, Newtown, CT.
Kozlowski, T.T. (1971) Growth and Development of Trees. Vol I: Seed Germination, Ontogeny and Shoot Growth. Vol II: Cambial Growth, Root Growth and Reproductive Growth. Academic Press, New York.
Lanner, R.M. (1996) Made For Each Other: A Symbiosis of Birds and Pines. Oxford University Press, New York.
Larcher, W. (2001) Physiological Plant Ecology (4th edn). Springer, Berlin.
Longman, K.A. & Jeník, J. (1987) Tropical Forest and its Environment. Longman Scientific & Technical, Harlow.
Lowman, M.D. & Nadkarni, N.M. (1995) Forest Canopies. Academic Press, San Diego.
Mattheck, C. & Breloer, H. (1994) The Body Language of Trees: a Handbook for Failure Analysis. Research for Amenity Trees, No 4. HMSO, London.
Menninger, E.A. (1995) Fantastic Trees. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon.
Mosbrugger, V. (1990) The Tree Habit in Land Plants. Springer, Berlin.
Pigott, D. (2012) Lime-trees and Basswoods. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Richards, P.W. (1996) The Tropical Rain Forest (2nd edn). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Richardson, D.M. (1998) Ecology and Biogeography of Pinus. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Roberts, J., Jackson, N. & Smith, M. (2006) Tree Roots in the Built Environment. Department for Communities and Local Government, London.
Rupp, R. (1990) Red Oaks and Black Birches: The Science and Lore of Trees. Storey Communications, Pownal, Vermont.
Sedgley, M. & Griffin, A.R. (1989) Sexual Reproduction in Tree Crops. Academic Press, London.
Shigo, A.L. (1989) A New Tree Biology. Shigo and Trees, Durham, New Hampshire.
Shigo, A.L. (1991) Modern Arboriculture. Shigo and Trees, Durham, New Hampshire.
Thomas, P.A. & Packham, J.R. (2007) Ecology of Woodlands and Forests. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Thomas, P.A. & McAlpine, R.S. (2010) Fire in the Forest. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Turner, I.M. (2001) The Ecology of Trees in the Tropical Rain Forest. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Williams, J. & Woinarski, J. (1997) Eucalypt Ecology: Individuals to Ecosystems. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Wilson, B.F. (1984) The Growing Tree. University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst.

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