The Pruning Book

by Lee Reich

Every gardener knows that pruning makes plants healthier, more fruitful, and more beautiful. But most gardeners wince at the thought of pruning. In The Pruning Book , master horticulturist Lee Reich provides a remedy for "fear of pruning, " making this dreaded task almost fun. In easy-to-read, engaging language, Reich gives specific methods for pruning hundreds of species from the cold climates to the tropics. He covers every type of plant, from ornamental bushes, evergreens, ornamental vines, and edible fruit and nut trees to houseplants. For those with special pruning interests Reich also gives time-tested advice for bonsai, topiary, espalier, and pleaching. He even takes a fresh look at such routine chores as mowing a lawn, including his own strategy for creating "lawn nouveau." With this witty and useful reference, any gardener can learn to like pruning.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Nature, Plants, Reference, How To

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Lee Reich, PhD is an avid farmdener (more than a gardener, less than a farmer) with graduate degrees in soil science and horticulture. After working in plant and soil research with the USDA and Cornell University, he shifted gears and turned to writing, lecturing, and consulting.

He writes regularly for a number of gardening magazines and his syndicated gardening column for Associated Press appears biweekly from coast to coast.

His farmden has been featured in such publications as the New York Times and Martha Stewart Living, has won awards from National Gardening and Organic Gardening magazines, and has been included in “Open Days” tours of the Garden Conservancy.

Reviews

[Michael Siliski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Well-organized, presents a clear and structured set of general pruning principles to apply to a few major groups of planes, then layers of detail for each group, sub-categories, and individual plants. After reading it I feel like I could do a reasonable (certainly non-expert!) job approaching any plant in the garden, which was certainly not the case before. Also wryly funny!

[Aniket · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good guide for surface level pruning knowledge of various plants. I was expecting it to be more in-depth, hence the lesser rating.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

I skim this book every spring before pruning anything. Reich has given me the confidence to attack a neglected and ancient sweet cherry tree on our property—and yes, the fruits are bigger and sweeter now. In depth info on fruit trees in various stages of life. Understandable explanations of how plants respond to different types of pruning and how to do those cuts.

Well organized contents page includes chapters and sub-sections: 1) Why Prune?, 2) Tools of the Trade, 3) Plant Responses to Pruning, 4) Deciduous Ornamental Bushes, 5) Deciduous Ornamental Bushes, 6) Evergreen Trees and Bushes, 7) Ornamental Vines, 8) Edible Fruits & Nuts, 9) Houseplants, 10) Herbaceous Plants, 11) Pollarding, 12) Pleaching, 13) Topiary, 14) Standards, 15) Mowing, 16) Bonsai, 17) Espalier. Each chapter, after explaining general pruning tips for that plant type includes an extensive list of plant varieties that have their own special instructions. Includes glossary and index. Beautiful and clear photos. Everything a non-fiction reference book should be.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it is a rare "how-to" book that is actually interesting to read straight through. I read this book from cover to cover (well, skimming a bit on plants that will never grow in our climate) and it didn't feel long or dragged out. It has me itching to get out and prune the gooseberries, honeyberries and rose bushes, but I'll have to wait for spring.

I am pretty sure it is a book I will be picking up often in the future, to review specific details.

[Arie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Very highly recommended.

[John Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic manual of pruning. Good examples of common plants. There is a very good section on espalier training.

[R C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a book I read all the way through, but a very helpful resource for a novice gardener as myself.

[Laura Gilfillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tips on where and how to cut, and when. This book is a great reference.

[Suzanned99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopefully this is a four-star book. It has lots of info.

[Ashlyn Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a solid reference book and has great info. It is, however, very dry and similar to just reading a textbook.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have found on pruning. In fact, I am planning to purge the others I've acquired through the years since this one is comprehensive. On a basic level, Reich explains how plants respond to various cuts. He builds on this, moving into advanced pruning such as espalier, a training technique that I am finally ready to try.

Read the first few chapters carefully, then skim through the remainder to see what is there. Going forward, consult this book whenever you encounter a pruning opportunity or challenge.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pruning Book not only provides information on the basics of pruning, it also has tips for making hedges, espaliers, and even for scything. Definitely recommended.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional. It's a useful mix of photos, diagrams and instructions. Not too long, not too scholarly or dry. Just seriously helpful.

I was surprised to see how many types of plants were included, from hedges to grapes. My copy is going to be well worn. Now I'm psyched to get going.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good pruning book with a ton of information on how and when to prune plants, trees, and vines.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covered a variety of ways to help and protect your trees and shrubs! I learned a lot and hope that my trees and shrubs will benefit from it too.

[lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

learn how to prune everything!!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference, and my only pruning-specific gardening book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been very helpful to a self-taught gardener and home landscaper.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptionally detailed yard maintenance book, and one of the best references I've come across.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive, with great illustrations.

[Sanju · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information. I will refer back to it when it is the season to prune some of the bushes.