How to Read a Tree

‘You will never look at a tree in the same way again after reading this mesmerising book.’ – John Lewis-Stempel

‘Tristan Gooley has done trees the greatest service.’ – Isabella Tree

‘Wherever you are – city or wilderness – if you want to understand the secrets of trees you pass, this is the book to read…Tristan has the rare gift of explaining the most complex ideas with humour and deep insight.’ – Peter Thomas, Emeritus Reader in Plant Ecology at Keele University, author of Trees

Each tree we meet is filled with signs that reveal secrets about the life of that tree and the landscape we stand in. The clues are easy to spot when you know what to look for, but remain invisible to most people.

In How to Read a Tree, you’ll discover the simple principles that explain the shapes and patterns you can see in trees and what they mean. And you’ll learn rare skills that can be applied every time you pass a tree, whether you are in a town or a wilder spot.

We will never look at a tree the same way again.