The A-Z Pruning Handbook for New Zealand. by Jon Muller.

Introduction

This book will be a useful guide for students and keen gardeners wanting to prune with more understanding and skill.

Most of us have pruned our plants at some time. After looking at the pile of prunings at our feet we may well ask "Have I done the right thing?"

This book addresses this and other questions related to the art of pruning. It looks at the pruning and care of 100 common plants in a simple, practical way.

Pruning is just one part of the whole picture when caring for plants. Choosing the optimum growing conditions for each plant is essential. Too often remedial pruning or removal is the result of a plant being in the wrong place to start with.

For example, planting a large tree under a powerline or very close to a building is giving it its death warrant at a later stage. Similarly, if you plant a sun-loving plant in the shade it will tend to become leggy and flower poorly as it tries to make the most of the less than ideal conditions.

Plants are living organisms like ourselves that interact with their environment constantly. They have evolved over millions of years to adapt and survive in their environment. As humans we have changed this environment considerably, with little thought to its effects. All too often plants, especially large trees, are placed in situations where due to us not understanding their needs they have their survival compromised.

Too often trees are pruned with no understanding of the way they grow and naturally respond to damage. Arboriculture (from the word arbor or tree) is now taught in New Zealand. The practices and principles of arboriculture clarify how to prune trees correctly. The basic practices and terms used are mentioned in this book

Excerpts

How to prune Camellias & Roses

Key to Pruning

Pruning Tips:
Pruning to the bud
Branch removal
Trees and the law
Arborists
Deciduous shrubs
Hedges
Plant care
Tools

Introduction
Table of Contents

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Acknowledgements