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The Urban Tree Book and discover the joys of forest trekking--right in your city or town. This first-of-a-kind field guide introduces readers to the trees on their block, in neighborhood parks, and throughout the urban landscape. Unlike traditional tree guides with dizzying numbers of woodland species, The Urban Tree Book explores nature in the city, describing some 200 tree types likely to be found on North America's streets and surrounding spaces, including suburban settings.
With telling descriptions and precise botanical detail, this unique guide not only identifies trees but brings them to life through history, lore, anecdotes, up-to-date facts, and hundreds of fascinating characteristics. More than 175 graceful illustrations capture the charm of trees in urban settings and depict leaf, flower, fruit, and bark features for identification and appreciation.
The Urban Tree Book will inform even the most knowledgeable plant person and delight urbanites who simply enjoy strolling beneath the shade of welcoming trees. An engaging excursion into the "urban forest," this complete guide to city trees will both entertain and enlighten nature lovers, urban hikers, gardeners, and everyone curious about their environment. Includes a tree planting-and-care section, tree primer, and exploration guide
Is backed by the expertise of the renowned Morton Arboretum
Incorporates new "urban forestry" perspectives
Covers urban trees across the continent
Lists key organizations and institutions for tree lovers
Selects the best tree sites on the Internet
Updates many guides by 20 years
Synopsis
The Urban Tree Book is a rare hybrid: a book that will inform even the most knowledgeable plant person, while also delighting urbanites who love to walk under the shade of welcoming trees, and who want to know whether they're strolling under an elm or a dogwood. The book features an authoritative approach with precise botanical and identification information -- and advice on caring for the trees in our midst -- along with a rich, anecdotal appreciation of urban trees and their place in history, literature and folklore. The book presents 45 tree groupings and a total of 200 species, with more than 175 precise and beautiful drawings that will help readers recognize their neighborhood trees. Plotnik is an enthusiast who writes from the standpoint of a dedicated naturalist and a true city lover, celebrating trees and the urban experience. While offering authoritative data, Plotnik goes well beyond taxonomic data, with whimsical, vivid, and often poetic descriptions of urban trees.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
About the Author
A member of the conservation organization American Forests, Arthur Plotnik is a distinguished author and former American Library Association executive. Along with award-winning artist and illustrator Mary Phelan (his wife), he is a passionate observer of trees in their urban context. The two live on a Chicago street blessed with ashes, maples, and horse-chestnuts.