The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers [antikvár]

Foreword It is an honor to write the foreword to this edition of The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers by George E. Brown. The magnificent collections of shrubs and trees at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are testimony to the author's skill, for they were in his charge while he was Assistant Curator there. Many specimens at Kew have their classic form because he knew exactly how, when and where to prune. This knowledge was based on keen and thoughtful observation of one of the most extensive collections of plants in the world. This wealth of experience is beyond value yet is available to all who read this book. When Mr. Brown's book was first published, Frank Knight, Director of the Royal Horticultural Society's garden at Wisley said, "practising arboriculturists, professional and amateur gardeners or landscape architects have been provided with a text book which is certain to be a standard work for the foreseeable future." This is still the case. Nothing has been published since the book first appeared which rivals it for in-depth, plant-by-plant coverage of the pruning practices for nearly 450 genera. Readers will also obtain an idea of the form, habit, color and texture of the plants discussed and become acquainted with shrubs and trees that are not demanding of maintenance. Techniques change. It is no longer the general practice to coat wounds or pruning cuts. Some authorities continue to debate this question. George Brown was perhaps thinking ahead, as he writes, "The healing power of the cut varies, for much depends upon the size of the wound, upon the age, health and vigour of the shrub or tree and upon the actual species or type." His subsequent discussion of the different healing properties of various species points to the unique value of this book. The practice may have changed, but the wisdom endures. George Brown hinted that just where to make a cut depends on various factors. He anticipated much of the current thinking of arborists who prefer to cut at the "collar" of the branch by noting, "The point to remember is that while the general aim is to make the cut close to the stem, the need to keep the wound as small as possible is also important." Readers should consult the accompanying illustration here for the proper cut as suggested by today's authorities.