While this book doesn't cover every plant or tree in my yard, I did learn what I've been doing wrong with a few of them! This book covers 50 common plants and trees and includes information on formative pruning, routine pruning and remedial pruning for each. There is also a useful table listing when to prune various species, plants requiring little or no pruning and hedging plants. This will be a very handy reference.

Thank you to the author Steven Bradley, Timber Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.

This is a "must have" reference for any gardener. Most of the book is devoted to 2-page pruning instructions for individual species. This includes a detailed set of diagrams that show exactly what to prune, plus instructions for formative, routine and remedial pruning. And, it lists when to prune each species. This format makes it an easy-to-use reference. I only wish it covered more species, but there is a good sampling of the various types of shrubby plants. Extra sections focus on general instructions for pruning trees, conifers, groundcovers, and hedges. It could use just a few extra tips, such as how to care for pruning tools. But, overall, I'd highly recommend this book!