Trees & Shrubs for Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback))

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