Tree by Tree: Saving North America's Eastern Forests

Tree by Tree is a warning and a toolkit for the future of forest recovery. Scott J. Meiners investigates the critical biological threats endangering tree species native to the forests of eastern North America, providing a needed focus on this plight. Meiners suggests that if we are to save our forests, the first step is to recognize the threats in front of us.

Meiners focuses on five familiar trees--the American elm, the American chestnut, the eastern hemlock, the white ash, and the sugar maple--and shares why they matter economically, ecologically, and culturally. From outbreaks of Dutch elm disease to infestations of emerald ash borers, Meiners highlights the challenges that have led or will lead to the disappearance of these trees from forests. In doing so, he shows us how diversity loss often disrupts intricately balanced ecosystems and how vital it is that we pay more attention to massive changes in forest composition.

With practical steps for the conservation of native tree species, Tree by Tree offers the inspiration and insights we need to begin saving our forests.

ISBN-13: 9781501771262

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Cornell University Press

Publication Date: 09-15-2023

Pages: 246

Product Dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.60(d)

Scott J. Meiners is Professor of Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University.

What People are Saying About This

Susan Freinkel

Meiners brings to bear a deep love and wide knowledge of trees to explain the many threats that imperil our eastern forests. If Aldo Leopold was right and we will only save what we appreciate, Tree by Tree is just the kind of book we need now.

Douglas Tallamy

The trees in our forests are under threat and their numbers are declining. Our only hope in saving these species—and save them we must—is to understand these threats and the appropriate responses to them. In the first book of its kind, Scott J. Meiners provides this essential knowledge as well as the motivation to act on it.

Mark S. Ashton

In this wonderful book, Meiners deftly introduces readers to some of the trees we love and their unfortunate fates in the face of exotic introduced pests and pathogens while offering an overview of the biogeography of relatedness.

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Table of Contents

Introduction: First, Some Context
1. American Elm—Ulmus americana
2. American Chestnut—Castanea dentata
3. Eastern Hemlock—Tsuga canadensis
4. White Ash—Fraxinus americana
5. Sugar Maple—Acer saccharum
6. Other Trees with Other Challenges
7. The Next in Line
8. Accumulating Impacts—Putting It All Together
Conclusion: Protecting Our Forests' Future

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