Trees of Power: Ten Essential Arboreal Allies

“More than just a how-to book, Trees of Power offers a glimpse into an inspired way of working from someone who has found his calling. Whether you want inspiration or information, this handbook is a simple and profound gem about being a force for positive change. Akiva uses trees as his medium, but the lessons here are timeless and translate into any other context.”—Ben Falk, author of The Resilient Farm and Homestead “In these times of discouraging news, it is heartening when a book like Trees of Power comes to the fore. Informative, inspirational, and practical, this timeless work will draw the reader in wonder into the selflessly giving world of ten significant tree allies. Inside you’ll find not only information about the trees, but instructions on how to collect and store seed and propagate trees through techniques such as grafting and cuttings. All for the purpose (to paraphrase the author) of inspiring us to follow our inspirations, not our fears. Not to hope for change, but to create change!”—Mark Shepard, author of Restoration Agriculture “Trees of Power turned out to be so much more than I expected. The chapters on growing and propagating trees will be of great use to both amateurs and professionals wanting to grow woody plants, written as they are by a commercial nursery owner who really knows his stuff. The ten chapters that cover some of the most useful trees to grow glow with Silver’s enthusiasm and knowledge.”—Martin Crawford, founder, Agroforestry Research Trust “The underlying message of this book is crystal clear: Anyone can grow their own trees. Akiva Silver’s writing is refreshingly straightforward and full of encouragement, offering readers a humble vision of connecting our lives more closely with trees. Emphasizing keen observation, a love for the local landscape, and a toolkit of simple propagation and planting skills, Akiva gives readers little to do after reading this book but get on with planting!”—Steve Gabriel, author of Silvopasture “Trees of Power is an intensely practical book that doesn’t read like a textbook. It is a passionate testament to Akiva Silver’s arboreal friends and a joyous celebration of how he works with nature’s terrestrial giants to earn a living. Akiva assumes little existing knowledge. He offers tips to improve your tree identification skills and covers the full range of tree cultivation techniques. There is plenty in here for the experienced orchardist. However, even if you have no intention of rolling up your sleeves and joining him in the orchard but simply love trees, this book is for you, too.”—Ben Raskin, Head of Horticulture, Soil Association “From shoots to nuts, Akiva Silver provides helpful details on every aspect of each of the trees in the book. The lyrical writing makes me, after forty years in California, miss the deciduous forests of Missouri. I hope there will be a sequel, one that covers even more than ten arboreal allies.”—Robert Kourik, author of Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally “Certainly treeculture could have been a word in its own right. Trees are sentient beings charged with regulating the breath of this living planet. Contemplating the ten important species spotlighted in Trees of Power has me excited to keep on planting. Here are trees worthy of every regenerative landscape. Trees that provide us with food, nutrient cycling, fungal havens, and diverse ecosystems that support yet even more life. In the classic Tree Crops, J. Russell Smith spoke about how farming should fit the land, how crop-yielding trees can fill in all those nooks on challenging terrain. Akiva Silver’s insights into the essentials of arboreal care provide the how-to guide to successfully establish those tree friends. Take to heart his tree wisdom, and make your special place complete.”—Michael Phillips, author of The Holistic Orchard and Mycorrhizal Planet