Knowing the Trees explores how trees grow, reproduce, interact with other species, and continue contributing to forest ecosystems long after they die. Naturalist and outdoor educator Ken Keffer follows the life cycle of a tree from seed to snag, using examples from forests across the United States to make tree biology and forest ecology approachable and engaging.

Topics range from seed dispersal and reproductive strategies to root systems, photosynthesis, trunks, treetop canopies, understory communities, and the relationships between plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms. The book also examines the ecological importance of dead trees, snags, and nurse logs as forests continually regenerate.

Full-color illustrations by Emily Walker and recurring Seeds of Knowledge sidebars add visual context and deeper explanations throughout. Rather than functioning strictly as a tree-identification guide, Knowing the Trees gives readers a broader understanding of how forests work and how individual trees fit into the larger ecosystem.

Features

• Explores the complete life cycle of trees from seed to snag

• Covers tree biology, forest ecology, reproduction, roots, trunks, and canopies

• Examines relationships among trees, plants, animals, fungi, and other forest organisms

• Explains the ecological roles of snags, nurse logs, and dead wood

• Includes examples and natural-history stories from forests across the United States

• Full-color illustrations by Emily Walker throughout

• Seeds of Knowledge sidebars provide additional tree-science insights

• Written by naturalist and outdoor educator Ken Keffer