Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am disappointed in this Sibley Guide (the Bird guide is outstanding). The Good: +Basic introduction to terms and information +Great illustrations of leaves +Inclusion of many ornamental species +Information on tree use The Bad: -No key to aid identification of broad-leafed trees -Most tree plates lack a silhouette -No information on leaf arrangement (opposite vs alternate) -Inconsistent inclusion of bark illustrations -Inconsistent inclusion of flower and fruit/seed illustrations -Most plates lack bud/scar information Overall: Without extensive prior knowledge/ability to sort trees into their family, this book is not useful. Without knowing the family of a specimen, you are left to flip through the book, page by page, hoping you come up with the correct match. This can lead to MANY false identifications. Even if you do come across the correct species, so much information may be missing (illustrations of bark, flowers, seeds/fruit, leaf scars, etc) that you cannot confidently confirm your ID. Find a different guide for trees. I give it two stars solely for the leaf illustrations and general info; it loses three for usability.