Trees & Shrubs for Dummies [Paperback]

Ann Whitman (Author), National Gardening Association (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764552031 | ISBN-13: 978-0764552038 | Publication Date: January 2000 | Edition: 1

At prices ranging from $7 to $1,000 each, trees and shrubs represent one of the costliest elements of a landscape. Choosing wisely is critical: trees and shrubs, unlike flowers, become semi-permanent fixtures, enhancing -- or reducing -- the value of a home by as much as 15%. This authoritative reference is the only guide homeowners need to make choices they'll be happy with for years to come.
-- More than 250 trees and shrubs described
-- How to save thousands of dollars with easy, do-it-yourself planting and pruning tips -- and to know when to call in professional help
-- 24 pages of color photos and 150 line illustrations
-- Landscaping secrets that reveal how to muffle noise, reduce utility bills, and even reduce taxes

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Don't know the difference between a sugar maple and a blue spruce? Trees and Shrubs for Dummies may be just the starting place for you. From soil conditions to proper pruning, this basic guide covers every tree subject a beginner could ask for. Whether you're looking for information on an evergreen hedge or tips on how to trim your 50-year-old lilac, the explanations provided are entertainingly written and designed to educate. While you may not learn topiary techniques here, you'll be able to safely prune any tree or bush, resulting in a longer life, fuller foliage, and reduced risk of disease. Pests are covered as well--unfortunately, there's no miracle cure for tent caterpillars.

The downside to this book is its lack of pictures. There are lots of line drawings, but they tend to show particular stages of a process, rather than each step. Color photos are limited to one section, and since the photos are separate from the descriptions, they don't add much value to the book. With bullet-point lists, icons for highlighting categories like "ecofriendly" or "time-saving," and simple tables and charts, how-to photos aren't essential. For folks who learn best with straightforward reading, the presentation won't be an issue, but if pictorial aids are what you need for learning, look elsewhere. --Jill Lightner

From the Publisher

More than 250 trees and shrubs described.

How to save thousands of dollars with easy, do-it-yourself planting and pruning tips -- and to know when to call in professional help.

24 pages of color photos and line illustrations.

Landscaping secrets that reveal how to muffle noise, reduce utility bills, and even reduce taxes.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Hungry Minds; 1 edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764552031
• ISBN-13: 978-0764552038
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,481,523 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy guide to tree and shrubs, June 16, 2000

By 

Gloria Zarotny - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trees & Shrubs for Dummies (Paperback)

Excellent book. I found this a very quick read. It has easy access to areas via the index and the chapter breakdowns. The explanations on planting and testing of soils were easy to understand and really do work. I tryed it. Nice to be given advice and it works. I also was able to easily find trees and shrubs that would grow within specific regions. The authors humor in her chapter titles bring a light side and catch the eye. Great book for the dummy (like myself)who knows nothing about what a tree/shrub is or even less how and what to do with them. From this book I have graduated from dummy to a true novice. Thank you.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A really great book, June 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Trees & Shrubs for Dummies (Paperback)

I have looked and looked for the kind of quick reference that a time-constrained gardener can use to get the fast answers to simple questions one needs. Thank you Ann!

4.0 out of 5 stars good, January 9, 2012

By 

gamertag - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trees & Shrubs for Dummies (Paperback)

this book came in proper time and was as described. the price was fair and i thought the book was useful