New Tree Biology by Dr. Alex Shigo
Details
A New Tree Biology & Dictionary — Dr. Alex L. Shigo
The definitive field-driven reference on how trees live, defend, and respond to care. This hardbound volume distills decades of research into clear, illustrated guidance for arborists, foresters, and anyone responsible for tree health. It’s paired with a practical dictionary for quick lookups in the field or shop.
What you’ll learn
- How trees defend themselves: Compartmentalization (CODIT), wound response, callus formation, and why “healing” in trees differs from animals.
- Structure & function: Roots, bark, cambium, sapwood/heartwood, branching, reaction wood, and the role of boundaries.
- Agents of damage: Patterns of decay, rot fungi, cankers, wetwood, insects/mites, and animal interactions.
- Modern care practices: Target pruning (vs. flush cuts), when/why to cable or brace, injections/implants, and evidence-based views on wound dressings.
- Diagnosis to action: Interpreting symptoms, tracing defects, and choosing interventions that extend tree health and longevity.
Inside the book
- Core chapters: Leaves & fruit • Cambium & bark • Wood & boundaries • Roots & root diseases • Decay organisms & patterns • Pruning & defects • Cabling & bracing • Special topics (e.g., Dutch elm disease, utility wood).
- Photo-rich explanations: Hundreds of black-and-white photos and diagrams reveal internal structure, wound progression, and decay barriers.
- Field-ready dictionary: Concise definitions of essential terms (e.g., CODIT, callus, discolored wood, heartwood) for quick reference.
Who it’s for
- Working arborists & climbers: Make better cuts, specify sound mitigation, and communicate the “why” to clients.
- Urban foresters & inspectors: Read defects, plan risk reduction, and document decisions.
- Students & educators: A foundational text that connects lab science to field practice.
About the author
Dr. Alex L. Shigo, often called the “Father of Modern Arboriculture,” transformed tree care by showing how trees compartmentalize damage rather than “heal” it. His research underpins today’s target pruning and informs industry standards followed worldwide.
Book details
| Format | Hardbound; black-and-white photos & illustrations |
|---|---|
| Length | ~600 pages main text + dictionary of terms |
| Reference | Includes extensive photo documentation and an alphabetized dictionary for quick lookups |
Preview highlights
- CODIT in action: Step-by-step images show barrier zones forming after a wound and why cut placement matters.
- Pruning outcomes: Side-by-side examples contrast target pruning with flush cuts and the long-term effects on decay.
- Root realities: Cross-sections illustrate how soil disturbance and pathogens alter root function and stability.
Why this book matters
Shigo’s work moves tree care from tradition to testable biology. Readers come away with a practical framework for preventing unnecessary decay, preserving structure, and extending the safe service life of trees.