Why Trees?
How to Love Trees
by Martin R. Ford

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Trees are both amazing and vital. Their intricate, complex processes benefit humanity in so many ways, especially in cities, where populations are on the rise. Why Trees? is a non-fiction book about how to keep our urban trees healthy. It is an engaging, pleasurable read, packed with information about these endangered climate champions. Trees are beacons of hope for our future. We must reframe how we view these magnifient structures so they are given a higher priority. A short collection of captivating articles takes the reader on a journey through the many wonders and benefits of living with trees in an urban environment. The author highlights the fundamental needs that must be met for young trees to grow a healthy root system. With that strong foundation, they can thrive, live their full lifespan, and provide us with a healthy urban canopy and ecosystem. Readers will be informed, educated, and motivated to recognize and share the wonder and importance of trees and their role in the future.

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"Martin R. Ford does an extraordinary job with this book. I read every book on trees that I can find, and I found this book “Why Trees? How to Love Trees” both an education and an inspiration." —Mark Cullen, President, Trees For Life www.treesforlife.ca "Martin explains how trees play a vital role in improving life in our communities and why investing in tree health pays big dividends in healthy air, reduced crime, and climate adaptation." —Mike Schreiner, MPP for Guelph and leader of the Ontario Green Party "Martin R. Ford presents a thoughtful, perceptive, and sometimes poetic argument that trees are primary to the well-being of city life. This is a book that should be in every school library in the country to educate children on the importance of trees to the well-being of our lives. After you have read this book (I’m going to go out on a limb here) you will never, ever look at a tree in the same way again." —Dennis McCloskey, Author and Journalist “Trees are my favourite things, and I talk to them on my park walks. They are the only perfect thing.” —Suzanne Sloan, Author

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Martin R. Ford is a third-generation horticulturist who trained as an arborist in Britain. A former University of Guelph instructor in Landscape Management and Arboriculture, he has spent his whole life working with trees. He was born in Wales, growing up on a 100-acre market garden until his early teens when the family moved to New Zealand where his father was a key advisor in the evolving kiwi fruit industry. His career has taken him to Canada, Britain, Greece, Brazil, and Costa Rica, where he garnered knowledge and experience that he considers crucial to share widely. His goal is to motivate people to take action on behalf of trees and the planet. Martin is married and lives with his wife, Judy Roeder, in Guelph, Ontario. He built a home in Costa Rica, where they spend their winters along with two rescue dogs, Stella and Kira, and a rescue cat, Rosa, who keeps everyone in line. https://www.pocketwoodlands.ca/

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Contributors

Author

Martin R. Ford

Editor

Judy Roeder

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