I love trees. I feel drawn to them. I respect them. Crazy things are going on all around them for years on end and still they remain, standing strong, unbothered. At my home, I have two behemoth pines standing parallel to each other. I think of them as sisters, is that weird? Also, last spring I planted a Juniper in my back yard.
Do you know why you often see pine trees around the winter holidays? It’s because they are a symbol of life persisting through the harshness of winter. They remain evergreen in the worst weather.
Anyway, mini info-dump over. Below are some nonfiction books about the science, history, and folklore revolving around trees.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben
“In The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben shares his deep love of woods and forests and explains the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in the woodland and the amazing scientific processes behind the wonders of which we are blissfully unaware.“
Tree Lore: Magic, Myth, and Wisdom from Root to Bough by Dawn Nelson
“Explore the vast and wondrous legends behind 35 of the world’s tree species and enjoy a new approach to nature–based spirituality.“
The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees by DK Publishing
“Combining natural history and a scientific overview with a wider look at the history, uses, symbolism, and mythology of trees, this book is a new kind of guide to these fascinating organisms.“
How to Read a Tree : Clues and Patterns from Bark to Leaves by Tristan Gooley
“New York Times–bestselling author Tristan Gooley opens our eyes to the secret language of trees—and the natural wonders they reveal all around us“
Knowing the Trees: Discover the Forest from Seed to Snag by Ken Keffer
“An engaging, fact-filled, and beautifully illustrated guide to a forest’s life cycle In Knowing the Trees , naturalist and outdoor educator Ken Keffer explores our forests with both precision and charm. He offers essential context for understanding scientific knowledge and discoveries about trees and forest ecology, informed by rich anecdotes and specific examples from across the US.“
Twelve Trees: The Deep Roots of Our Future by Daniel Lewis
“A compelling global exploration of nature and survival as seen via a dozen species of trees that represent the challenges facing our planet, and the ways that scientists are working urgently to save our forests and our future.“
The Treeline: The Last Forest and the Future of Life on Earth by Ben Rawlence
“In the tradition of Elizabeth Kolbert and Barry Lopez, a powerful, poetic and deeply absorbing account of the “lung” at the top of the world.“
In Search of the Old Ones: An Odyssey among Ancient Trees by Anthony D. Fredericks
“An extraordinary journey to visit the oldest trees in the United States that beautifully reveals the connection between humans and natural history— a perfect read for nature lovers and fans of The Hidden Life of Trees.“
Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Qing Li
“The definitive guide to the therapeutic Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or the art and science of how trees can promote health and happiness“
Forest School for Grown-ups by Richard Irvine
“From starting a fire to foraging for food, basket making to making a bird feeder, tree hugging and cloud scrying, this beautifully designed forest almanac is a treasure for anyone who loves the outdoors.”
The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees by Douglas W. Tallamy
“Discover the complex and fascinating inner world of the mighty oak tree with this engaging nature book!“
The Language of Trees: A Rewilding of Literature and Landscape by Katie Holten
“…invites readers to discover an unexpected and imaginative language to better read and write the natural world around us and reclaim our relationship with it.“
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