Ortho Books

I purchased this book after a tropical storm or hurricane knocked over some trees at my mother's home. When I got to her home, a couple days later, I had no clue what I was in for. The first order of business was to cut the tree into pieces which I bundled so the town could come pick it up. When I got down to the rooting system I had to tell my mom that her sprinkler lines were busted by the tree's root system. That is when she told me that when I was done with the tree, she was going to show more tell me that her sprinklers were also not working since the storm. Having never worked on a sprinkler system ever, I feel the book had everything I needed to know to ensure the proper steps were taken in the proper order. Working in ships engine rooms since the mid 80's I gained basic PVC skills but, this book filled in all the gaps, specifically when it came to sprinkler heads. Due to this book I replaced several sprinkler heads with ones that were better adapted for doing specific jobs. For example no one needs a 360 degree sprinkler installed when it is spraying across a lawn from the edge of a driveway. To the best of my knowledge driveways do not grow better with water, so I installed 180 degree rotary heads. The book also helps you gain a working knowledge of specific tools for the job and I am all about having the right tool for the job. Fast forward to the year 2020: Since I have had these tools and knowledge, I have built a water park for the kids in the backyard this year . #BeatingThePandemic. #NoMoreHostages show less

Now you may need to double check some of this, it was published originally in 1975 and there are probably some changes in guidelines since then about hygiene etc. The photography is all 70s cookbook but the basics are all there. Probably more useful to someone with experience than a beginner.

Basic how-to book for first time hard landscape builders. Clearly written with appropriate graphics to guide user to a goid end project.

Dimond's book is an easy and accessible guide to ground covers. His information is adaptable to most section of the USA. While not exhaustive in scope, it seems thorough and adequate for the price.