RHS Pruning and Training: What, When and How to Prune (4th Edition)

Master the art of pruning and training with this bestselling, plant-by-plant guide—now fully updated in its fourth edition by the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society.

Pruning is one of the most vital tasks in the garden, yet it is often the one that causes the most anxiety. Written by horticultural legends Christopher Brickell and David Joyce, this "pruning bible" takes the guesswork out of the process, providing clear, step-by-step guidance for more than 800 different plants.

Whether you are looking to reinvigorate a leggy rose bush, control a small urban garden, or shape a fruit tree into a productive espalier or fan, this book demonstrates precisely where, how, and when to make those crucial cuts. With high-quality photography and detailed illustrations, you will learn the best techniques for everything from woody ornamentals and climbing plants to fruiting vines, conifers, and even topiary.

Inside this comprehensive pruning and training guide, you’ll find:

• 800+ Plant Profiles: Specific advice for a vast range of species, ensuring you have the right technique for every plant in your garden.

• Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear, illustrated sequences that show exactly where to cut to promote health, flowers, and fruit.

• Specialist Training: Expert tips on advanced techniques like topiary, pleaching, and creating decorative fruit shapes.

• Seasonal Calendars: A reliable guide on the best time of year to prune specific varieties to avoid damage and maximize growth.

• Problem Solving: Professional methods to restore neglected plants and manage overgrown hedges or shrubs.