tree/wood identification books

[NeilO]

Hi guys,
does anyone of you know if there is a book that covers tree identification and the woods thereof??
reasoning, I have a chance of been able to collect felled trees from the local forestry comission, but would like to know what I`m picking up , so to speak.

Any suggestions on a/several book options?

 

[keithhickson]

This is not being facetious honest but I recently got a copy of I SPY TREES from eBay for just over £1 plus P&P for a colleague who is going to Royal Parks Constabulary. Initially I got it as a joke for him but have just read it and although it is amimed at the youngsters it has great pictures and descriptions of British trees.

Again a serious suggestion sorry if offence is taken :lol:

 

[NeilO]

Keith,
anything would help, I can pretty much pick out Oak, Beech, Horsechesnut and Field Maple, not to mention Pines (collectively)
by leaf, trouble is, I`m picking up felled trees (managable logs) and as such have not much to go by except bark, which is very much alike except for really old trees.
thats why I was hoping for tree/wood identification.

 

[woodbloke]

The book I have which is very good is the 'Guide to British Hardwoods' by Laidlaw, no softwoods tho' - Rob

 

[bjm]

Hi Neil

This may be what you are looking for?

Brian

 

[Anonymous]

I've got a book by Nick Gibbs which is pretty good. It's ring bound and A5 size so good for carrying round. Now that I've mentioned it Nick may be able to give details without it being seen as advertising.

Dave

 

[gidon]

I have 100 Woods by Peter Bishop - I like it but doesn't have pics of the trees so may be no good to you.
Cheers
Gidon

 

[NeilO]

Thanks for all the replies....
ideally the book i`m looking for would have a description not only of the tree, but leaf and bark, preferably with pictures, as I said im picking up felled timber so leaf pattern is pretty much out of the question, but neighbouring trees help.......make sense??

 

[tigerturnings]

For identifying leaves, I often turn to my copy of Trees by Benjamin Perkins, which has some very nicely done illustrations of leaves, flowers and fruit/seeds of a variety of British trees. Amazon has some second hand copies currently, but I should note that illustrations of bark and timber are not included.

The other book I use is Terry Porter's Wood Identification and Use which shows a decent sized photograph of each of many timbers from around the world. Down the margin there are also, in most cases, a few sketches/paintings which show the general shape of the tree, shape/arrangement of its leaves, and any flowers/fruit/seeds that are commonly seen. Still doesn't have much (if anything) on the bark though.