How to Read a Tree

Clues and Patterns from Bark to Leaves

Trees are full of secrets—if you know how to look. Natural navigator Tristan Gooley reveals how to decode the language of trees and discover the hidden stories they tell. From the shape of their branches to the color of their bark, every tree offers clues about its environment, its history and the world around it.

Learn how pale streaks in leaves signal nearby water, why low-growing branches reveal a tree’s struggle, and how bark color can hint at new growth. Whether you’re in a forest, a city park, or your own backyard, this book will change the way you see trees—and the landscapes they call home.

A fascinating guide to the natural world, How to Read a Tree invites readers to slow down, look closer and reconnect with nature in a profoundly meaningful way.