It delves into the art and technique of bonsai styling, the text enhanced by line drawings and photographs.

    Their book has three major parts: history and uses of oaks, oaks of the East, and oaks of the West. Very helpful in identification are the keys, for each section of oaks. The authors often trekked hither and you in search of each species to photograph the oak and its leaf, acorn, and bark. Accompanying each is an informative chapter of description, and details of identification, growth habitat, and excellent range maps. They mention ways each species is useful and unique from the other oaks. Did you know a northern red oak near Sheffield, Illinois was used as a surveyors point to lay out the Rock Island Railroad in 1851?

    From the hardy oaks and rugged mesquites to the graceful willows, cottonwoods, and pecans, the tree life of Central Texas varies as much as the vast and changing land that hosts it. Full descriptions and superb illustrations of all the native and naturalized trees of the region as well as fascinating bits of history and lore make this an essential guide to the wealth of tree life in Central Texas. Drawn from Robert A. Vines' monumental Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of the Southwest (University of Texas Press, Trees of Central Texas combines the essential detail of the larger work with the ease and convenience of a field guide. It joins in print two additional field guides by Robert Vines, both published by the University of Texas Press: Trees of East Texas and Trees of North Texas.