Recommended reading
The books listed below belong in every green professional’s library, especially landscapers. Every listing is briefly annotated with my own notes.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate_Discoveries from A Secret World
The best book on trees right now and it will change the way you think about them. A stunning book.
How Plants Work: The Science Behind the Amazing Things Plants Do
A brilliant book on plants with some biochemistry to get through. Do you know how plants tell time?
Written by a tree researcher. I found out how tough it is for women in academia AND what resurrection plants are.
The one book recommended by Dr. Hope Jahren from Lab Girl above.
American Green: The Obsesive Quest For The Perfect Lawn
Explains our obsession with perfect lawns; and details the beginnings of the landscape industry. Every landscaper should read this book.
Botany for Gardeners: Third Edition
A classic introduction to botany. Used in apprenticeship courses on the West Coast.
Urban Forests: A Natural History of Trees and People in the American Cityscape
Lots of history with some interesting characters.
The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health
Covers life in the soil. If you read this then the first book in this list “Trees” will make a lot more sense.
The Gardener of Versailles: My Life in the World’s Grandest Garden
This is a fun read. Key point: gardens should inspire lovers. Full of interesting stuff.
Sakuteiki: Visions of the Japanese Garden: A Modern Translation of Japan’s Gardening Classic
Title says it all.
Cutting Back: My Apprenticeship in the Gardens of Kyoto
What happens when a California girl spends three months in ancient Kyoto as an apprentice.
Oak: The Frame Of Civilization
All about oak in fascinating detail. Made me want to forage for acorns.
Reference guide illustrated by the author.
Essential Pruning Techniques: Trees, Shrubs, and Conifers
Expensive but it’s a classic. I love the A to Z listing of plants and how to prune them.
Treated like dirt!: A landscaper’s life
This is my own e-book showing what life is like in the field for landscape professionals.
This is my own e-book collection of tree blog posts. Great for new landscapers, tree workers and tree owners.
