Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

Alone among books on trees, Dirr provides not only descriptions of the trees, but he offers landscaping assessments. And he is not faint of heart. If he doesn't like a tree, he'll tell you. For example, of the Poplar, he famously wrote, "I have never recommended a Poplar to anyone, at least while conscious." Of the Common Ninebark he comments, "an extremely adaptable plant, perhaps even to nuclear attacks, and once established, requires a bulldozer for removal."

But it is when Dirr waxes lyrical about a tree that he loves that he achieves his apotheosis. He introduces one tree with this simple sentence: "I love this tree." He describes a beech forest as "one of the most awe inspiring sight in nature." The Silver Linden is the "Beauty Queen" among Lindens. Of the Maackii Amurensis he writes, "Unheralded and unknown, except in the gardens of the fortunate few."

Based on THAT comment, and the pictures of this extraordinary tree, I set out to find one. It took some doing. Now I have an allee of them that was planted 5 years ago. Every time I stroll past them, I thank god for Michael Dirr.

I also discovered the Metasequoia Glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) here. If anyone reading this can lay their hands on this tree and has room for it - GET IT.

Among other extremely useful features are the tree lists included in the back. He has listed trees by size, fruit, flower - you name it. The index lists trees both by their botanical name and their common name.

I can not begin to tell you how useful his evaluations are. I have a farm -- 150 acres. And bit by bit I am filling it with trees -- with Dirr's help. Without him I would be lost.

To someone experienced with woody plants, this picture book is just not enough info to really know what to expect from a plant. Get it, but also have the Manual alongside.

I live in the so-called lower midwest USA (SW Ohio), and I have found the recommendations to be reliable. My only significant variances have been in height, which is difficult to predict and highly variable depending on specific conditions. The midwest with its extremes of temperatures and humidity is challenging, and many plants may not achieve the expected height. But in any case, since I do not coddle plants, I would hesitate to plant anything not recommended by Dirr, thinking it would not be sufficiently hardy to survive in my location. I rely on this text.

An important feature is Dirr's thoughtful inclusion of the location of origin of each species. If you favor native plants, this is important information and not always easy to locate. Used in combination with William Cullina's "Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines", you should have all the information you need.

My only complaint is the inclusion of introduced species found to be invasive and disruptive in some environments, such as Lonicera maackii (Amur Honeysuckle) and Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry). I am not demanding "native only" landscaping, but I think it wise to cease using plants that cause damage to the native landscape, for example, Kudzu. Though these sorts of plants are still offerred in the nursery trade, I would hope that a renowned authority such as Michael Dirr, would help lead the move away from plants that, though popular, are actively disruptive in the US.

Without "Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs", tree selection would be significantly more difficult, and the chances of failure-to-thrive higher. The information is useful, the pictures are good quality and well reproduced, and the volume (hardback) sturdy and well bound. This is a great reference book for any public library's botanical/horticulture/garden section, as well as for those who need or want to know about selecting trees. It also makes a fine book for anyone simply interested in landscape trees or who values a beautiful, intelligently designed, and interesting book.