Arboricultural Practices A Science-Based Approach, by Lindsey Purcell
Soft cover, 362 pages. Available now at www.lpconsultinggroup.org

As readers of TCI Magazine, we should all recognize the name Lindsey Purcell. Among the many articles he has authored in this magazine, his book first came to light when an excerpt entitled “Planting Protocols for Challenging Urban Sites” was published in the November 2023 issue of the magazine. When I saw this, I could hardly wait for the book’s publication. I immediately knew that this book would be of exceptional quality based upon my familiarity with the publications he produced as an urban-forestry specialist and teacher at Perdue University.

I can’t help but compare this book to other well-established arboricultural texts in my personal library. It’s been over two decades, however, since these books were published. As you can imagine, our industry has continued to evolve and change.

Arboricultural Practices covers all relevant aspects of arboriculture, based on current research and best practices.

When I excitedly open a new textbook for the first time, before reading it, I like to flip through it. First impressions are important to me. They tell me if it is going to be an easy read, how well it is illustrated, or if its content is going to be over my head. As I paged through Lindsey’s book, I liked what I saw.

The first thing you encounter in this book is the table of contents. There are 13 chapters listing the various topics covered. Each chapter is further broken down into exactly what is covered and which page it can be found on. This makes it a quick and easy reference for later use. A big plus!

The book was written to teach students of arboriculture. The contents, however, are relevant and essential for all arborists, urban foresters, consulting arborists, plant health care specialists, landscapers or anyone managing trees. For students and instructors, each chapter begins with a shaded box of Learning Objectives.

What also jumped out at me was the many, and I emphasize many, illustrations by Jeff Harris, photographs and tables. An illustration/picture is worth a thousand words, especially if it furthers one’s understanding.

“A Science Based Approach” in the title should not scare readers away thinking its technical aspect will be difficult to understand. On the contrary, the science involved makes it easier to understand a more technical concept.

In Chapter 2, Tree Biology and Physiology, you will learn that conifers have tiny “check valves” on the ends of each tracheid to prevent the spread of air bubbles (embolisms) that cause broken water columns and disrupt water transport. These check valves are called a “torus” which enhance a trees survival under winter and summer drought conditions.

In Chapter 3, The Basic Needs of Trees, does an excellent job of explaining some of the more complicated soil chemistry involved in tree nutrition. Soil pH and cation exchange capacity are made easier to understand using some great illustrations.

Chapter 9, Tree Risk Management and Assessment has continued to evolve over the years and is covered in this chapter, including diagnostic tools and decay detection devices.

With climate change now an undisputed reality, Chapter 12, Dilemmas, Remedies and Reparations, discusses among other things, trees and storms, flood damage to trees and the effects of heat and drought. In this chapter you will find a winter watering recommendation to reduce the likelihood of winter burn, when winter drought conditions begin to develop.

Alex Shigo stressed that we use correct terminology when communicating with our colleagues and peers. Lindsey’s book has a comprehensive 29-page glossary to help us do just that. Additionally, the book has 4 pages of References and Citations that can be Googled for further reading, and a listing of over a dozen of Lindsey’s past publications.

As one that occasionally follows Facebook pages like Arborists Online, one thing is clear. There are many people offering advice that noticeably don’t have a clear understanding of the topic they are advising on. A little bit of knowledge can be dangerous and mis-leading. What are we telling our clients? Are we doing them a disservice?

There is a saying “You don’t know what you don’t know” Arboricultural Practices can remedy that situation. It is a great read and guaranteed to increase your knowledge base!

Note: For those contemplating taking the ISA Certified Arborist exam, this is one excellent additional resource for your preparation.

By: Steven F Pregler
Retired City Forester, Dubuque, IA
ISA Certified Arborist MW-0128a