Tree Health–A Practical and Precise Estimation Method

The chief objective of Bond’s new book, Urban Tree Health, is to provide readily available information regarding the management of ornamental trees, not only for the technician, but also for the rapidly increasing number of engineers, surveyors, and other municipal officials who now include this subject in their daily work. Much of the information Bond provides is based on personal experience and study in the United States and in the international literature.

The book is intended to be practical, similar to a manual, and has the merit of being intensely efficient and of being based on firsthand experience. In these respects, all professionals will find it very useful, including arboricultural consultants, arborists, urban foresters, landscape architects, landscape contractors (installation and/or maintenance), state and county horticultural extension advisors, park directors and staff, and street tree superintendents and staff, as well as students in the field of arboriculture. This is a book that no person whom is responsible for the care of trees in parks, gardens, or streets can afford to leave unread.

For those whom urban tree health estimation is new, Bond’s new book may at times possess directions that are too general or statements too often qualified. It is important to note that a brief, practical experience in the field shows this approach to be a necessity. No two trees are alike. In order that directions not be misleading, they must often leave much to the judgment of the operator.

Each chapter of Urban Tree Health is clear and well written; the author has done an excellent job keeping a tight focus on his subject. The book is also fully illustrated with color pictures of case studies that give further information on the examination and on the effects of the most important features in tree stability assessment. These case studies are a happy synthesis of scientific research and practical experience.

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