Pruning is an essential gardening task that helps maintain the health and beauty of plants. However, improper pruning can cause more harm than good. That’s why it’s crucial to have the right knowledge and tools to do it correctly. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best pruning books to help you learn the art of pruning.
Pruning books are an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced gardeners. They provide detailed information on the different types of pruning, when to prune, and how to prune specific plants. A good pruning book should have clear instructions, illustrations, and photographs to help you understand the techniques.
When choosing a pruning book, it’s essential to consider the type of plants you want to prune. Some books focus on fruit trees, while others cover shrubs, roses, or perennials. You should also consider the level of detail you need. Some books provide a general overview of pruning, while others go into intricate details of each pruning technique.
We spent hours researching and testing ten pruning books to identify the ones that provide the most comprehensive and practical information. In the next section, we’ll share our top picks and provide a brief overview of each book.
Top 3 Best Pruning Books
1. Pruning: Companion publication to the ANSI 300
2. Pruning and Training, Revised New Edition
3. The Pruning Book: Completely Revised and Updated
We understand the importance of having the right knowledge and tools to keep your garden healthy and thriving. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best pruning books to help you learn the proper techniques and methods for pruning your plants. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, these books will provide you with valuable insights and tips to take your pruning skills to the next level. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best pruning books on Amazon.
Pruning: Companion publication to the ANSI 300 Part 1: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices, Pruning (Best Management Practices)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pruning, the Pruning book by International Society of Arboriculture is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The book covers various pruning techniques for trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.
- The book is written in an easy-to-understand language, making it accessible to both beginners and experts.
- The book is published by a reputable organization, which ensures the accuracy and reliability of the information provided.
Cons
- The book does not include any images or illustrations, which may make it challenging to visualize some of the pruning techniques.
- The book is relatively expensive compared to other pruning books in the market.
- The book does not offer any step-by-step instructions, which may be a drawback for some readers.
In the Pruning book, we found a wealth of information on pruning techniques for different types of plants. The book covers topics such as pruning cuts, pruning tools, and pruning practices, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in pruning.
One of the standout features of the book is its accessibility. The authors have done an excellent job of explaining complex pruning techniques in simple language, making it easy for even beginners to understand. Additionally, the book is well-organized, with each chapter covering a specific topic, making it easy to find the information you need.
However, one drawback of the book is the lack of images or illustrations. While the text provides detailed descriptions of pruning techniques, it may be challenging to visualize some of the techniques without any visual aids. Additionally, the book is relatively expensive compared to other pruning books in the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pruning, the Pruning book by International Society of Arboriculture is an excellent choice. While it may be more expensive than other options, the book’s accuracy and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about pruning.
Pruning and Training, Revised New Edition: What, When, and How to Prune
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pruning, then Pruning and Training, Revised New Edition: What, When, and How to Prune is an excellent option.
Pros
- Provides detailed information on pruning techniques and tools
- Includes helpful illustrations and photographs
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too technical
- The book is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to carry around
- The information is focused on temperate climate plants, so it may not be as useful for those in other climates
In this book, you will find a wealth of information about pruning, including when to prune, how to prune different types of plants, and what tools to use. The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it a great reference guide for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
The illustrations and photographs in the book are also very helpful, providing clear examples of different pruning techniques and demonstrating how to use various tools.
One potential downside of the book is that it can be quite technical at times. Some readers may find the level of detail overwhelming, especially if they are new to gardening. Additionally, the book is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to carry around if you need to reference it while working in your garden.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the book is focused on temperate climate plants. While the information on pruning techniques is generally applicable to a wide range of plants, the specific examples and recommendations may not be as useful for those in other climates.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pruning that covers a wide range of topics and includes helpful illustrations and photographs, then Pruning and Training, Revised New Edition: What, When, and How to Prune is definitely worth considering.
The Pruning Book: Completely Revised and Updated
We highly recommend The Pruning Book: Completely Revised and Updated for anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to pruning.
Pros
- The book covers a wide variety of plants and trees, making it a great resource for any gardener.
- The illustrations and photographs are clear and helpful, making it easy to understand the concepts being discussed.
- The book is written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to follow and understand.
Cons
- The book can be overwhelming for beginners, as it contains a lot of information.
- Some readers may find the book to be too technical, with a lot of scientific terminology.
- The book’s layout can be confusing at times, making it difficult to find specific information.
In this book, the author covers everything you need to know about pruning, from the basics of why you should prune to the specific techniques for pruning different types of plants. The book is organized by plant type, making it easy to find the information you need.
The illustrations and photographs in the book are clear and helpful, making it easy to understand the concepts being discussed. The author also provides helpful tips and tricks throughout the book, making it a great resource for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Overall, we highly recommend The Pruning Book: Completely Revised and Updated to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to pruning. With its clear writing, helpful illustrations, and comprehensive coverage of pruning techniques, it’s a must-have for any gardener looking to improve their pruning skills.
Growing Christmas Trees: Select the Right Species, Raise the Best Trees, Market for the Holidays. A Storey BASICS® Title
If you’re looking to start a Christmas tree farm or want to learn more about growing Christmas trees, then Growing Christmas Trees: Select the Right Species, Raise the Best Trees, Market for the Holidays is a must-have book.
Pros
- The book is easy to read and understand.
- It provides detailed information about the different species of Christmas trees and their soil requirements.
- It covers everything from selecting the right species to marketing your trees for the holidays.
Cons
- The book is focused on North America, so some of the information may not be relevant to other regions.
- It is a short book, so it may not cover everything in depth.
- It does not cover the business side of running a Christmas tree farm in great detail.
This book is a great starting point for anyone looking to learn more about growing Christmas trees. It is easy to read and provides detailed information about the different species of Christmas trees and their soil requirements. It covers everything from selecting the right species to marketing your trees for the holidays.
The book is focused on North America, so some of the information may not be relevant to other regions. It is a short book, so it may not cover everything in depth. It does not cover the business side of running a Christmas tree farm in great detail.
Overall, if you’re looking to start a Christmas tree farm or want to learn more about growing Christmas trees, then Growing Christmas Trees: Select the Right Species, Raise the Best Trees, Market for the Holidays is a great resource to have.
Grow a Little Fruit Tree: Simple Pruning Techniques for Small-Space, Easy-Harvest Fruit Trees
If you’re looking to grow fruit trees in a small space, then “Grow a Little Fruit Tree” is an excellent choice. With this book, you can learn how to prune fruit trees to keep them small and easy to harvest.
Pros
- The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
- The author explains why pruning fruit trees is healthy and won’t harm the tree.
- The book is full of great advice and engaging stories.
Cons
- The book is only 168 pages long, so it may not cover everything you need to know about growing fruit trees.
- Some readers may find the book’s focus on small-space pruning techniques limiting.
- The book may not be suitable for experienced fruit tree growers.
In “Grow a Little Fruit Tree,” the author explains how to keep fruit trees small through pruning. The book covers a range of fruit trees, including apples, pears, plums, and peaches. The author also provides tips on how to select the right fruit tree for your space and how to care for it.
One of the book’s strengths is its clear and engaging writing style. Even if you’re new to fruit tree growing, you’ll find the book easy to understand. The author also includes plenty of illustrations to help you visualize the pruning techniques.
Overall, we highly recommend “Grow a Little Fruit Tree” for anyone looking to grow fruit trees in a small space. The book is well-written, informative, and engaging, and it’s an excellent resource for beginners.
Cass Turnbull’s Guide to Pruning, 3rd Edition: What, When, Where, and How to Prune for a More Beautiful Garden
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pruning, Cass Turnbull’s Guide to Pruning, 3rd Edition is a great choice.
Pros
- The book covers a wide range of pruning techniques and tools.
- It includes clear illustrations and helpful tips for pruning specific plants.
- The author’s engaging writing style makes the book an enjoyable read.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book’s focus on Pacific Northwest plants limiting.
- The illustrations are hand-drawn, which may make it difficult for some readers to visualize the techniques.
We found the book to be an excellent resource for both novice and experienced gardeners. The author’s passion for pruning is evident throughout the book, and her expertise shines through in the detailed explanations and helpful tips.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of pruning, different types of pruning cuts, and how to choose and use pruning tools. The author also provides detailed information on pruning specific plants, including trees, shrubs, and vines.
One of the book’s strengths is its clear illustrations, which help readers visualize the techniques described in the text. The author also includes helpful tips and tricks for pruning specific plants, such as how to prune fruit trees for maximum yield.
While some readers may find the book’s focus on Pacific Northwest plants limiting, we found the techniques and principles described to be applicable to a wide range of climates and plants. Overall, we highly recommend Cass Turnbull’s Guide to Pruning, 3rd Edition to anyone looking to improve their pruning skills and create a more beautiful garden.
The Pruning Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You’ll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask (Answer Book (Storey))
If you’re looking for a comprehensive pruning guide, this is the book for you.
Pros
- The book is compact and easy to take out to the tree area to refer to.
- The Question-then-Answer approach covers a great deal of material without making it unnecessarily complicated.
- The book is well written and illustrated, making it enjoyable to read.
Cons
- The book could benefit from more pictures, especially for pruning on Spruce, Fir & Pines, Lilacs, and Fruit trees.
- Some readers may find the book lacking in detail for certain pruning techniques.
- The book may not be suitable for advanced gardeners looking for more in-depth information.
We found The Pruning Answer Book to be a valuable resource for anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to pruning. The book is compact and easy to carry around, making it a great reference for any pruning job. The Question-then-Answer format is easy to follow and covers a wide range of topics. The book is well written and illustrated, making it an enjoyable read.
The book could benefit from more pictures, especially for pruning on Spruce, Fir & Pines, Lilacs, and Fruit trees. Some readers may find the book lacking in detail for certain pruning techniques. However, for most gardeners, this book provides a comprehensive guide to pruning. Overall, we highly recommend The Pruning Answer Book to anyone looking for a reliable and informative pruning guide.
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to pruning trees and shrubs, then Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs is a great choice.
Pros
- The book provides step-by-step instructions for pruning 50 different types of trees and shrubs, making it a comprehensive guide for all your pruning needs.
- The illustrations and photos in the book are clear and informative, making it easy to understand the pruning techniques.
- The book is written in simple and easy-to-understand language, making it accessible even for beginners.
Cons
- While the book covers a wide variety of trees and shrubs, it may not cover all the plants you’re looking to prune.
- The book doesn’t include any information on pruning fruit trees, which may be a drawback for some readers.
- Some readers may find that the book focuses too much on specific pruning techniques for each plant, rather than providing a more generalized approach.
Overall, we recommend Pruning Simplified for anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to pruning trees and shrubs. The step-by-step instructions, clear illustrations, and easy-to-understand language make it a great choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best pruning book, there are a few key features to look for that can help ensure you get a product that meets your needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Content
The first thing to consider is the content of the book. Look for a book that covers the types of plants you want to prune and the specific techniques you want to learn. Some books may focus on general pruning principles, while others may be more specialized. Consider your needs and choose a book that matches them.
Format
The format of the book is also important. Some books may be more visual, with lots of photographs and illustrations to help you understand the techniques. Others may be more text-heavy, with detailed explanations of the pruning process. Consider your learning style and choose a format that works for you.
Author
The author of the book can also be an important consideration. Look for an author with experience and expertise in pruning. You may also want to consider an author who has written multiple books on the subject, as this can indicate a deeper knowledge of the topic.
Reviews
Finally, be sure to read reviews of the book before making a purchase. Look for reviews from other gardeners who have used the book and can provide insight into its usefulness. You may also want to look for reviews from professionals in the horticulture industry.
By considering these factors, you can choose a pruning book that meets your needs and helps you achieve your gardening goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which books are considered the top guides for pruning trees?
There are several books that are considered the top guides for pruning trees. Some of the most popular options include “The Pruning Book” by Lee Reich, “The Complete Guide to Pruning Trees and Bushes” by David Squire, and “The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs, and Conifers” by George E. Brown. These books are highly recommended by experts in the field and are known for their comprehensive coverage of pruning techniques.
Can you recommend any beginner-friendly guides on pruning?
Yes, there are several beginner-friendly guides on pruning that we would recommend. Some of the best options include “Pruning Made Easy” by Lewis Hill, “The Pruning Answer Book” by Lewis Hill and Penelope O’Sullivan, and “The Pruning Handbook” by John K. McClements. These books provide clear and concise instructions on basic pruning techniques and are perfect for those who are new to the practice.
What are some highly-rated books for pruning fruit trees specifically?
If you are looking for a book that focuses specifically on pruning fruit trees, there are several great options available. Some of the most highly-rated books in this category include “The Fruit Gardener’s Bible” by Lewis Hill and Leonard Perry, “The Backyard Orchardist” by Stella Otto, and “The Holistic Orchard” by Michael Phillips. These books provide detailed information on how to prune fruit trees for optimal health and fruit production.
Are there any comprehensive pruning guides available in PDF format?
Yes, there are several comprehensive pruning guides available in PDF format. Some of the best options include “Pruning Trees and Shrubs” by David Beaulieu, “The Pruning Book” by Lee Reich, and “The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs, and Conifers” by George E. Brown. These guides provide detailed information on pruning techniques and are perfect for those who prefer digital formats.
How do the best pruning books explain the fundamental rules of pruning?
The best pruning books explain the fundamental rules of pruning in a clear and concise manner. They cover topics such as when to prune, how to make proper cuts, and how to maintain the health of trees and shrubs. They also provide detailed illustrations and diagrams to help readers understand the techniques involved.
What distinguishes a pruning guide from a trimming guide?
While the terms “pruning” and “trimming” are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two practices. Pruning involves removing specific branches or parts of a tree or shrub to improve its health or shape, while trimming involves simply cutting back overgrown or unsightly growth. A pruning guide will provide detailed information on how to make proper cuts and maintain the health of plants, while a trimming guide will focus more on aesthetic considerations.
