The Nature of Oaks

The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees

By: Douglas W. Tallamy

Narrated by: Adam Barr

Length: 4 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

“With our hearts and minds focused on the stewardship of the only planet we have, the best way to engage in a hopeful future is to plant oaks! Let this book be your inspiration and guide.” —The American Gardener

With Bringing Nature Home, Doug Tallamy changed the conversation about gardening in America. His second book, the New York Times bestseller Nature’s Best Hope, urged homeowners to take conservation into their own hands. Now, he turns his advocacy to one of the most important species of the plant kingdom—the mighty oak tree.

Oaks sustain a complex and fascinating web of wildlife. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. The Nature of Oaks will inspire you to treasure these trees and to act to nurture and protect them.

©2021 Douglas W. Tallamy (P)2022 Timber Press

Critic reviews

“An affectionate yet scientifically rich look at an essential ingredient of the environment… A welcome addition to any tree hugger’s library.” —Kirkus

“The Nature of Oaks reads like a biography, chronicling the life of these symbols of strength and their relationships over the seasons with numerous characters of nature… It’s also practical, offering advice on selecting the best oak species for your area, and planting and caring for America’s National Tree.” —The Oregonian

“Packed with fascinating stories of ecological connections and wonders, this beautiful book is a hymn to the keystones of the forest, the oaks. A timely and much needed call to plant, protect, and delight in these diverse, life-giving giants.” —David George Haskell, author of Pulitzer finalist, The Forest Unseen, and Burroughs Medalist, The Songs of Trees; Professor, University of the South

A must have

Love the book. It’s a must for anyone who appreciates or wants to learn how to appreciate oak trees and all that they bring.

Wealth of information

If you want to be a good land steward or perhaps just see more birds in your yard then this is a must listen

Fascinating and informative.

i had no idea how important the oak tree is to the natural worried. I will enjoy this book again on repeat.

Wonderful read if you enjoy conservation books

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was informative and made me reconsider my landscape plans! Definitely recommend it!

Excellent

Great book, enjoyed the month chapter set up as it is how a naturalist will enjoy them. The planting tips at end will save time by avoiding errors.

The organization of the book regarding oak phenology and the authors cadence

Great narration by author. The book is amazing way to learn about oaks and ecological services that they provide.

I love Oaks!

I absolutely loved this book! full of great information from beginning to end on the great oak species through the year. The huge bonus is all of the information on all the other insect species that rely on oaks in obvious ways and in many ways it isn't so obvious at all. I am on my 3rd read. Thank you Doug for writing such great works!

Fascinating Listen ...

If you enjoy learning about and appreciating the biodiversity.and inter-relationships of the large plant and small animal world, you'll most certainly enjoy this audiobook!

Your Planet Earth

You love trees, you love to garden and you care about the balance of nature, so add this book to your list. There is so much information you will want to take in and study. With details of tree health and growth, of the critters that make up the food chain that we are all a part of, This book is a friendly teacher.

Should be Part of Everyone’s Basic Character, Science, and Civic Education

The information is outstanding and in understandable language. The story in the ecology lesson is an excellent platform. The narrator is superb. He sounds like the author in my mind. So there in no barrier to the text, as if it were being performed for performance sake rather then transferring the text to my head. I am planting oaks and will lobby my town to do so as well.