The secret life of trees - How they live and why they matter (alkuperäinen julkaisuvuosi 2005; vuoden 2006 painos)

I like learning about trees but I have difficulty retaining any of the knowledge I learn about trees. I expect that will be the case after this detailed and fascinating study of trees. The bulk of this book is an encyclopedic breakdown of trees around the world by family, genus, and species. It's full of fascinating tidbits. My favorite section of the book, "The Life of Trees," is full of interesting stories of how trees function including a symbiotic relationship among fig trees, wasps, and nematodes. The book can be dry at times, but has enough interesting facts and anecdotes to keep it interesting for a dilettante. ( )

Mixed views on this book about trees, what they are and how they live. The writing (including some bizarre segues into unrelated topics) is hit and miss, but funny and engaging most of the time. The thrust behind the book (education and philosophy with trees) is positive and well held together. The information presented is excellent, but with some unfortunate bias. The result is a good book that maybe would have been better with a more cut-throat editor.

The edition that I read was the hardback illustrated, and it is a beautiful object. ( )

A reasonable read, which for me was in the wrong order. The depiction of the trees and their genera and taxonomy needed to come at the end of the book rather than discussing physiology after half way through. Some lovely illustrations and an interesting take on what could be the future of green economics as well as some wide ranging discussions on climate change
This is an ode to trees. It’s just not sung as well as it sounds it might. ( )

Hmmmmmm..... I have mixed feelings about this book. There is a lot of information about Trees and the writing style isn't bad, but the middle section is rather tedious. The book has a few black and white sketches/illustrations of trees. My edition of the book [ISBN 9780307395399] also has very thin pages (maybe recycled) and a flimsy cover. If you are buying this you may want to get a different edition or the hardcover version.

The book is divided into parts:

Part 1: What is a Tree? Explains what a tree is and its structure. This section is very interesting.

Part 2: All the Trees in the World. Description of tree classification and trees. Long and tedious. Reminds me of a botany text book without all the coloured photographs.

Part 3: The Life of Trees. Describes how trees function, includes photosynthesis, water transfer from roots to leaves, nutrients in the soil, micorrhizae, growth, hormone function, reproduction, pollination, symbiosis, photoperiodism, and biogeagraphy. This is also a very interesting section that is nicely explained - the best part of the book in my opinion.

Part 4: Trees and Us. Concluding section that provides food for thought about our relationship with trees and the earth.


If all you are after is how trees function then I recommend Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon. [b:Botany for Gardeners|594467|Botany for Gardeners|Brian Capon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388266055s/594467.jpg|581183] Otherwise, The Tree by Colin Tudge is a nice addition to the reference library. ( )

A natural history of what trees are, how they live, and why they matter