Product Description

How, when and where to prune? The questions that beset every gardener never change but the solutions do. The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers has always recommended the best possible pruning techniques and practice to gardeners and now, thoroughly revised and substantially expanded by Tony Kirkham, George Brown’s classic work will continue to be trusted and respected as the essential pruning reference for years to come.

Since George Brown first wrote this book in 1972 there have been major advances in the science of arboriculture. The move to target pruning was fundamental and Kirkham clearly explains the reason behind the technique as well as how to apply it. He gives reasons for the now restricted use of wound sealants or tree paints and provides a comprehensive list of current pests and diseases and how to combat them through pruning methods. The nomenclature throughout the book has been fully updated and the section on pruning for wildlife expanded. The appendix on tools and the glossary have been extensively revised.

The book opens by setting out the general principles of pruning but its cornerstone is a unique encyclopedia detailing the best pruning methods for more than 450 genera of trees, shrubs, conifers and woody climbers. Many new plants have been added to fully reflect the wider range now available to gardeners and the extensive A–Z now covers several thousand species.

With more than 50 new photographs illustrating key pruning points, this manageable, easy-to-use reference is more practical than ever. The distillation of decades of experience, The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers will continue to support, advise and inspire all who care for woody plants – both professionals and amateurs – well into the twenty-first century.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #624310 in Books
• Published on: 2004-02-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 340 pages

Review
"Excellent updated edition full of color photos and 'how-to' drawings."
—Dale Langford, Rocky Mountain News, June 26, 2004 (Denver Rocky Mountain News )

"Good pruning is known both as an art and a science, and this book helps the gardener accomplish both."
—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, March 2004 (National Gardener )

"The authors explain the basic principles of pruning and offer insights into why we cut trees and how to care for them, and handle specific situations such as lightning strikes, wind, cavitites and wounds, crown reduction, training and other general pruning topics."
—Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post, April 24, 2004 (The Washington Post )

Excellent updated edition full of color photos and 'how-to' drawings. Dale Langford, Rocky Mountain News, June 26, 2004 (Denver Rocky Mountain News )

Good pruning is known both as an art and a science, and this book helps the gardener accomplish both. Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, March 2004 (National Gardener )

The authors explain the basic principles of pruning and offer insights into why we cut trees and how to care for them, and handle specific situations such as lightning strikes, wind, cavitites and wounds, crown reduction, training and other general pruning topics. Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post, April 24, 2004 (The Washington Post )

About the Author
Tony Kirkham is Head of the Arboretum and Horticultural Services at Kew, which makes him responsible for the tens of thousands of hardy woody trees and shrubs in the collection. Many of those trees and shrubs originated from seed he brought back from plant collecting trips to Chile, South Korea, Taiwan, Russian Far East, Central China and Hokkaido. He lectures all over the world, runs workshops and has published papers on a wide range of subjects, including his plant collecting trips, species roses and the restoration of The Broad Walk at Kew.

George E. Brown (1917–1980) earned his diploma in horticulture at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He returned to Kew in 1956 as an assistant curator. A founding member of the Arboricultural Association, he soon became a recognized authority on trees and shrubs.

Customer Reviews

Only for experts
I'd thought I might be able to learn how to trim our own shrubbery after scanning this book. Instead, the book instills an edifying sense of the many ways things can go wrong, yet does not provide sufficient information for someone to take this book into the field and avoid making mistakes. It appears that tree surgeons and other professional groundskeepers can use this guide to value, but it would not provide sufficient information for a newcomer to know what and how to proceed with trimming their bushes.

Great Resource!
I ordered this book for my boyfriend, who owns a tree service. He loves the book and has learned a great deal of new information from it! It is a great reference to use on the job! Thanks!

Excellent all-round pruning guide
The book is well illustrated and carefully explains the prunning process for hundreds of plants, trees, etc..