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joshuamt's review against another edition
5.0
One of my most enjoyable non-fiction reads in a long while. Each chapter is has at least one interesting fact or inquiry, related to trees or the ecosystem they inhabit. Most of the information stems from the author's observations of the trees that are on his fairm in Maine, and this plus his casual writing style keeps the text easy to read.
reallbee's review against another edition
3.0
Good for a casual reader, but filled with scientific inaccuracies.
anxiousplanter's review
Was just a little too slow paced, once I got out of it I found it hard to jump back in
adamgolden's review against another edition
4.0
(4/5★)
A charming and detailed exploration of Heinrich's enchanting backyard - an expansive 300 acres of his forest in Maine. It's clear in his writing that Heinrich is passionate about his forest (which he consistently refers to as his forest), giving the reader a look into why some trees are bigger than others, grow faster, or adapt to whatever obstacles that may stand in their way. A great book about appreciating the nature that surrounds us. If only I had my own forest...
A charming and detailed exploration of Heinrich's enchanting backyard - an expansive 300 acres of his forest in Maine. It's clear in his writing that Heinrich is passionate about his forest (which he consistently refers to as his forest), giving the reader a look into why some trees are bigger than others, grow faster, or adapt to whatever obstacles that may stand in their way. A great book about appreciating the nature that surrounds us. If only I had my own forest...
emsir's review against another edition
4.0
Recommended to anyone who wants to look at trees with a little more understanding.
slferg's review against another edition
5.0
Very interesting read - very good. I think a must read for people interested in the interaction of trees in a forest environment - and trees in general. Lots of fascinating information, a lot of it anecdotal but the research is out there. Heinrich is a professor of biology in Vermont, but he owns 300 acres in Maine near where he grew up. It was former pastureland, abandoned and then purchased by a logging company which cut off the trees they wanted and then sold it before they had to pay taxes on it. He purchased the property and has made a profit by selectively cutting trees he did not want which were old or damaged or dying. He then turned thick stands of mostly white pine and aspen and firs by seeding other trees (black walnut, beechnut, etc.) and turning it into a forest - not a tree plantation. He has attracted deer and moose back to the area along with other wildlife and watches a lot of it from his small cabin that he built there. He has selectively planted other trees near his cabin and often hikes through his forest and observes the interactions of nature. He comes up with a lot of questions, but has found many answers in publications from articles and books by other scientists.
Makes me want to try to do something with all the trees we've got. First, I've got to figure out what trees we do have. There were once some orchards on this land that are now gone - but, what if?
Makes me want to try to do something with all the trees we've got. First, I've got to figure out what trees we do have. There were once some orchards on this land that are now gone - but, what if?