The Pruner's Bible: A Step-by-Step Guide to Pruning Every Plant in Your Garden

by Steve Bradley

Learn how to prune more than 80 popular plants to get the best display of flowers, foliage, colorful stems, and fruits.

Pruning is probably the area of gardening that causes the most anxiety to the average gardener. Many books add to that anxiety with illustrations that show completely different plants from those in the reader's own garden, or directions that use complex terms without explaining them. In contrast, this plant-by-plant guide demonstrates the correct pruning technique for 80 of the most widely planted trees and shrubs, with photographs and instructions that are so clear they will inspire confidence in even the novice gardener. Read The Pruner's Bible by Steve Bradley to
o Basic rights and wrongs about making cuts-with information clearly photographed in step-by-step sequence
o What tools to buy and how to look after them-and how to choose the right tool for each job
o What to do with the prunings-the pros and cons of shredding, burning, bagging, and composting
o How to select young trees and shrubs that will grow into well-shaped specimens-with little or no pruning required

Covering shrubs, climbers, roses, and ornamental and fruit trees, with separate sections on hedges, topiary, and special techniques, this outstanding guide will remain a bible of pruning for years to come.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2005

Reviews

[Eva_812 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voor mij de eerste keer dat ik me verdiepte in snoeien en dat was leerzaam. Het boek heeft handige afbeeldingen om te laten zien waar je voor wat moet snoeien, maar kiest er wel voor om bladeren (vorm, kleur, grootte) uitgebreid te beschrijven ipv ook daar een afbeelding van te laten zien. De afbeeldingen bij het plantenoverzicht zijn vervolgens zo ver uitgezoomd dat ik deze planten nu alsnog niet zou herkennen.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good little reference with basic info and clear figures illustrating where to make your cut. This book was a smidge less helpful for me because about half the plants in it are for zones warmer than my current Zone 5. Good basic information though. 3.5 stars.

[Hazel Rainfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This informative book showcased how to prune for the very beginner in a easy to understand way. A gardener who just wants quick and easy tips can grab this book and get a good look about their garden with practically no effort at all. Though, for a really amazingly pruned and cared for garden I would suggest further reading on the subject for specific plants you may be working with.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book, with most of the shrubs and plants I was interested in. I find the illustrations particularly helpful. It is lacking in some tips for colder climates.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly comprehensive information about how and when to prune various bushes and climbers, fairly clear to understand. I did want a little more information, such as where *not* to cut my poor mis-pruned holly bushes, but for the most part this book has just about everything I need to prune well. I'm buying a copy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a helpful guide to keep handy while my shrubs/trees are young and pruning is critical for helping them to have a lovely, full shape as they reach maturity. Concise with great photos, recommend for beginning gardeners.