American Forests was founded in 1875 to preserve trees and forests so that future generations will enjoy the American heritage. American Forests grows direct offspring of Famous and Historic Trees from seeds and cuttings, and makes these offspring available for a set price of $35.00 (plus $8 shipping). Want a tree from the Tulip Popular George Washington planted in 1785? How about a White Oak, Overcup Oak, or Persimmon tree from the original trees at Abraham Lincoln's log cabin birthsite? American Forests' trees include trees planted by or at the birth/death sites of twelve U.S. Presidents and fourteen American Revolutionists and many more famous Americans - even apple trees from the only known surviving apple tree planted by Johnny Appleseed himself. Order a catalog from them at: 800-320-8733, or call their customer service line at: 800-320-8733 (M-F Eastern Time, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). You can also visit their website at: http://www.americanforests.org or write them at: American Forests Famous & Historic Trees, 8701 Old Kings Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32219.

There are tens of thousands of internet sites with information on trees. One of the best sites to get you started is Iowa State's Horticulture & Home Pest News Website, at http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/indices/treeshrubindex.html

The Iowa State website is filled with articles on tree and shrub selection and care. Topics range from a buying guide, to care of newly planted trees, dealing with damage from cold, storms, insects or deer, to pruning and current information on 'hot' topics like Austrees and black walnut toxicity. Has over fifty of their best articles just on tree-related topics alone. The articles are written by Iowa State University Extension specialists in the Departments of Entomology, Horticulture and Plant Pathology.

1. The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control. Edited by Barbara W. Ellis and Fern Marshall Bradley. Rodale Garden Books, 1996. ISBN 0-87596-753-1. Softbound, 534 pp, over 350 color photos.

   Excellent guide to any kind of insect infestation or disease that attacks trees (as well as other landscape or garden plants). The first section of the book contains a plant-by-plant guide to problem solving and prevention. The second section of the book is an extensive insect identification guide, with photos for every insect covered, combined with descriptions of the insect as well as the damage they do and methods of control. The third section of the book is a comprehensive guide to tree and other plant disease, including a detailed disease identification guide (with photos to help you identify each disease), combined with disease descriptions and control methods. Price: $17.95

2. Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs. Michael A. Dirr. ISBN 0-88192-404-0. Hardbound, 493 pp, 1656 color photos. 1997 edition.

   This is 'the' encylopedia of trees and shrubs, intended primarily for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 6. Includes habit and details of more than 500 species, and 700 additional cultivars and varieties. Also includes 36 tables listing the best trees and shrubs for specific needs, to help you find that tree or shrub you need to match the conditions that exist on your property. Price: $70. Many libraries have this book available.

3. The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. George E. Brown and John E. Bryan. ISBN 0-88192-319-2. Hardbound, 374 pp, 86 b/w photos, 72 line drawings. Reissued in 1995.

   Covers 450 species, including information on not only how to prune but when to prune. Very comprehensive. This reissue has updated nomenclature. Price: $29.95.

4. The Orchard Almanac - A Seasonal Guide to Healthy Fruit Trees, 3rd edition. Stephen Page and J. Smillie. ISBN 0-93285-715-9. Softbound, 152 pp, illustrated. 1996 edition. Organic fruit tree growers say this is the best organic tree care book on the market today. Has a month-by-month format to help you spot and treat problems, fruit tree diseases, and pests. Appendix lists sources for obtaining organic tree sprays and biiological controls. Price: $17.00.

5. The Pruning Book. Lee Reich. ISBN 1-56158-316-2. Softbound, 234 pp, illustrated. 1999.

   Explains pruning cuts and covers pruning needs of trees. Easy to read, covers hundreds of species including trees, shrubs and other plants. Many color photographs and drawings to easily illustrate how to prune. Excellent new book. Price: $19.95.

6. Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening : The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener. Fern Marshall Bradley and Barbara W. Ellis (Editors). ISBN 0-87596-599-7. Softbound, 690 pp, illustrated. 1993.

   Covers all aspects of gardening, including comprehensive sections on specific species of trees. Hundreds of illustrations, more than 420 entries. Price: $22.00

7. Trees and Shrubs for Temperate Climates, 3rd edition, rev. Gordon Courtright. ISBN 0-88192-415-6. Softbound, 250 pp, 800 color photos. 1998

   Shows what mature trees and shrubs look like in typical landscape settings. Good resource for selecting trees for your landscape. Price: $29.95