Best resource for pruning

February 4, 2018 9:30 AM

I've got three young fruit trees, plans to get more, and a couple blueberry bushes. I've taken a pruning class but I would like a good reference resource for keeping these trees & bushes pruned and healthy. What's the best book on pruning - ideally fruit-tree specific? (I live in the SF Bay Area.)

If you have a general interest garden book recommendation that has an excellent section on pruning, that's fine too.

posted by latkes to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

I was referred to this book by (can't remember who) as the best pruning book.

It's a whole big book just about Pruning. It has a 55 page section on fruit trees specifically, and about 20 pages on "soft fruits". I learned a ton, although I was reading about ornamental trees and shrubs. It doesn't skimp on the technical stuff.

I see there is also a new version but I don't have that (yet hehe).
posted by bluesky78987 at 10:10 AM on February 4, 2018 [1 favorite]

You should own the Sunset Western Garden Book regardless. It has a good section on pruning fruit trees.
posted by humboldt32 at 10:15 AM on February 4, 2018

The Holistic Orchard: the pruning section is not the most exhaustive but the rest of the book is invaluable when it comes to keeping your trees healthy and thriving.
posted by lydhre at 10:37 AM on February 4, 2018

Run, don't walk, to get Cass Turnbull's Guide to Pruning. She made some great YouTube videos too. Unfortunately, she died unexpectedly last year.
posted by matildaben at 5:52 PM on February 4, 2018