Here are eight excellent reference books on forestry that can make the job of managing trees easier and enhance the pleasure of using a forest. One book will even give you an edge in preparing for and landing a good forestry job.
These books were selected because they have proven to be of great help to the forest and tree user. I also selected them for their simplicity and easy reading. They are often referred to and quoted from by foresters, outdoorsmen and forest owners.
1. Working With Your Woodland: A Landowner's Guide
New England foresters have indicated this to be the book for forest landowners with little experience in the northeastern United States. It addresses marketing, harvesting, management, and assistance. The book is published by University Press of New England and the authors are Mollie Beattie, Charles Thompson, and Lynn Levine. (Paperback; University Press of New England; ISBN: 0874516226)
2. The Woodland Steward: A Practical Guide to the Management of Small Forests
This book by James Fazio is the best first book on forestry and woodland management I have ever read. It introduces practical information on everything from controlling woods road erosion to identifying tree insects to inventorying your trees. Some recommended forest practices have improved since the 1985 book was published but most information is sound and stands the test of time. Buy the book used if you can't find it new! (Paperback; The Woodland Press; ISBN: 0961503106)3. How to Make Money Growing Trees
Forest consultant James M. Vardaman has developed a great book outlining business management for timber owners. This practical guide to making money in small-scale forestry is a must read for small private landowners who are just developing their forestry skills. It has a southern US slant. (Hardback; John Wiley and Sons; ISBN: 0471609196)4. Forestry Handbook
Most graduate foresters in the United States have a copy of this manual. This reference for the working field forester incorporates the latest information and new, improved methods in such critical areas as U.S. forest law and policy, forest taxation, cost accounting, pesticides, forest management. It is not an easy read. Published by the Society of American Foresters, this 1300 page book could put you out $200 so shop carefully... (Hardback; Society of American Foresters; ISBN: 0844263214)5. Opportunities in Forestry Careers
This book by Christopher M. White is in any many forestry agency and forest industry libraries. It is the best book I have found describing what a forestry career is like and can help you find a job in the woods. A must buy when looking for a job in forestry. (Hardback; N T C/Contemporary Publishing Company; ISBN: 0844263214)6. National Audubon Society FieldGuides to North American Trees
Elbert L. Little has compiled a complete and affordable book on tree identification in North America. It comes in eastern and western versions. This work has the best assortment of keys of any ID book I have found. Great photos of bark, leaf, fruit, and flower make it easy for the beginner to identify trees. (Turtleback; Alfred A. Knopf; Eastern Edition ISBN: 0394507606)7. Tree Basics - What Every Person Needs to Know About Trees
Dr. Alex Shigo, the preeminent expert on tree physiology, has written this simple 40-page book for people who enjoy and manage trees. Dr. Shigo explains the complex and fascinating mysteries of how a tree works. Even foresters and botanists will find this helpful for explaining to others the biology of trees. For that reason Tree Basics has been placed in all New Hampshire schools. (Paperback; Shigo and Tree Assoc.; ISBN: 094356316X)