Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Really impressive April 8, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Unequivocally superb. Brilliant aid to identification, which really works. The illustrations are clear, the information is comprehensive. My own tree knowledge is basic; but I would imagine this working for those far more knowledgeable as well. A real labour of love from the author and illustrator, which is a real pleasure to consult and browse through.
Great for enthusiasts, helpful for beginners September 2, 2007
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
Like many Collins guides, this is the one you want if you want to know pretty much everything. The range of species is vast and covers many of the unusual trees you'll find in aboreta, too. No other portable guide comes close. Oxford University Press's recent Trees: A field guide to the trees of Britain and Northern Europe is the only photographic contender, which has the additional benefit of distribution maps of the natural range of many species. My favourite tree guide, however, remains Cassell's Trees of Britain and Northern Europe - monster publication which lacks the illustrative detail of the Collins guide but helps guide you through the hardiness and suitability of trees for gardens, parks, etc. So whilst Collins is very much a naturalist's guide, Cassells is more geared towards tree planters and admirers.
Great Text Book August 9, 2007
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
I use this book in my Woody Plant classes at Temple University, in the US because the drawings are amazingly accurate. At the beginning of the book there is an entire section devoted to twig drawings that few books have. It makes twig comparisons much easier for winter ID.
In addition, the book also has wonderful leaf drawings that are also invaluable for helping with ID and comparisons.
What a Great Field Guide May 16, 2007
14 out of 14 found this review helpful
I've just got into trees and this book is great. I don't normally like Collins books but this one goes everywhere with me, along with Birds of Europe by Lars Jonsson, and The Wild Flower Key by Francis Rose. Descriptions are concise and clear and illustrations are superb. If you're into trees, or like me are just getting into them, this is the field guide to have. It's a bit overwhelming at first as there's so much in it, but you soon get used to it. It's a joy to use. Hug trees? You'll hug this book.
A wonderful little guide, beautifully illustrated January 11, 2007
28 out of 28 found this review helpful
This is a wonderful guide, both small and comprehensive. It combines accurate and concise descriptions with beautiful illustrations of the whole tree, the leaves, the flowers and the fruit. An interesing feature: it tells you if a tree is indigenous and, if not, when it was introduced. The only downside is that it doesn't show pictorally what each tree looks like during different seasons, which can sometimes make identification tricky. Some guides show each tree in two seasons, half during one season and half during another.
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