The Bottom Line
I have to agree with many other reviewers that "Pruning of Trees" is the most comprehensive book on woody-stemmed plant pruning ever written. Not only does it provide detailed instructions on pruning individual tree and shrub species, it gives a thorough review of basic tree pruning and tree care - that alone is worth the investment. This 338 page book primarily offers plant by plant coverage on how to prune nearly 450 genera of trees and shrubs and has an excellent pruning glossary.
Pros
- Possibly the most complete book on specific tree pruning recommendations ever written.
- Plant by plant coverage on how to prune nearly 450 genera of trees and shrubs.
- Excellent overview of the basic principles of pruning and tree care.
- Insightful comments on individual weaknesses and strengths by tree species.
Cons
- "pest and disease" section is limited and added out of obligation to touch on the subject.
- May be a bit technical for anyone not interested in detailed single tree management.
Description
- On Maple: "because of its liability to bleed it is important to carry out pruning in late summer..."
- Beech: "One unfortunate characteristic is a liability to shed limbs suddenly and without warning."
- On Sweetgum: "In the nursery stage it should be encouraged to grow freely with a central leader."
Guide Review - The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers
"The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers", published by Timber Press, has enjoyed continuous print since George E. Brown first published it in the U.K. in 1972. "Pruning of Trees" has been an important guidebook for arborists, landscape architects and nurserymen especially after the material was completely revised and expanded in a second edition by Tony Kirkham.
