Forty Ways to Know a Tree Exploring Trees to Understand Nature

By: Joan Maloof

Published by Princeton Architectural Press, 2026-04-07

Environmental activist and author Joan Maloof's elegant writing turns science into storytelling, showing us that trees are living, breathing monitors and maintainers of Earth's health.<br> <br> <i>- A uniquely intimate way to discover nature's sentinels<br> - Presents 40 biographical approaches to the lives of trees<br> - An exceptional narrative illuminated by compelling illustrations</i><br> Trees are the living, breathing monitors and maintainers of Earth's health. There are an estimated 3 trillion in the world, half as many as there once were. Trees are the lungs of the planet, with a mature example absorbing over 20kg of carbon dioxide every year. Their growth-rings chronicle drought, fire and flood. Their roots form an underground ecosystem with mycorrhizal networks of fungi. Their trunks, branches and canopies provide shelter and sustenance to an abundance of mammals, birds and invertebrates. Their very presence bestows upon humans a sense of wellbeing.<br> <i>Forty Ways to Know a Tree</i> offers forty distinct ways of encountering, exploring and <i>knowing</i> a tree. You might know it by its birth, by its death, by its roots, by its rings, as a lone sentinel or as part of an ancient woodland. Each meeting is illustrated with a particular species, and they combine to create a broader canvas of tree knowledge. Elegant writing turns tree science into storytelling, and beautiful photographs are scattered throughout.<br> <br> <br> <b>TREES ARE EVERGREENS</b> : Increasing awareness of climate change, the environment, and new research about their complexity means trees are more popular then ever<br> <b>AUTHOR EXPERTISE</b> : Joan Maloof is an award winning author and recognized tree expert with five previous titles on the subject<br> <b>ENGAGING ILLUSTRATIONS</b> : Sara Nunan's elegant artwork elevates the package<br> <b>EDUCATIONAL CONTENT</b> : Readers will learn surprising new facts about trees<br> <br> - Nature lovers - Botanists - Hikers - Lovers of the outdoors - Science enthusiasts - Gift givers to dads and grads