The aim of this guide is to present results of scientific research on pruning in a way that can be understood easily by all people who care about trees. Dr Alex Shigo discusses pruning for the desires of man, but also for the health of the trees and their associates. Shigo has made this guide easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to put into practice. Shigo, himself, considers this is a guide and not a rule book full of absolutes. Themes are presented, and there will always be variations on the topics. And finally, please use great care and caution when pruning trees - Shigo believes you should leave this job to a qualified arborist.