The Pruning Book (ISBN 1561583162)

Amazon.com Review:
It is unlikely that the basics of pruning have ever before been assembled so thoroughly or comprehensively than in Lee Reich's The Pruning Book. With clear prose and generous diagrams and photographs, he takes the angst out of pruning for the beginning or experienced gardener. Included are all the basics presented in a step-by-step, friendly way to guide the reader through the pruning of ornamental bushes, evergreens, vines, trees, houseplants, and plants of almost every conceivable variety. Along with the information on basic pruning, he also covers the use, care, and maintenance of pruning tools. A large section of the book is devoted to specialized pruning techniques, such as pollarding, topiary, bonsai, and espalier. Proper pruning can produce enhanced growth, higher food production in food plants, more lavish blooms in flowering plants, healthier plant life, and visionary garden creations through artistic techniques. Reich has provided everything the reader needs to understand the skill and art of pruning for spectacular results in the garden. --Mark A. Hetts

The Pruning Book:
I am still currently reading the book. It's packed full of good things. The best thing about it is, if you have a specific type of plant you can go directly to that section and it gives you a clear and detailed way of pruning the plant. I think its a must have for any gardener.

Practical, clear advice for pruning of all sorts:
I first encountered this book at the local library, and liked it so much I wanted to own it myself. I couldn't part with it. The writing style, illustrations, organization, and advice are all clear, straightforward, and sensible. In addition, the author's enthusiasm for the subject makes this more than a reference guide, and during long winters it can serve as an inspiration for the seasons ahead.

A Gem:
Lee Reich is one of the more underrated garden writers today. His books are not pretty or decorative, but the amount that one can learn from them is much much more than than what you get from Martha Stewart or P. Allen Smith any day. Here's to more great work from him.

The Pruning Book by Lee Reich:
The day I received this book, I immediately began to use it. I had wanted to make a hedge of some beautiful crape mytrle by our back door. The book gave detailed instructions and pictures. The mytrle has already started to leaf into a bush after only a few weeks. I know they will be perfect and I would not have known exactly how it should be done without the book. I had a general idea, but the book's instructions were much better. I am anxiously awaiting fall for some other pruning projects. Pruning season had ended for a number of bushes and trees before I could get pruning accomplished.

For the gardening-challenged:
Best pruning book I've come across. I'm not a "gardener" so it helps that it really explains what you need to do.