The Second Edition of ‘Van den Berk on Trees’ appeared at the end of January 2015. It follows the successful First Edition, which was immediately given the status of major reference work when it appeared in 2002. The Second Edition has been fully revised and updated. It now includes an additional 383 species and cultivars, and each description is accompanied by a lovely image. The foundations of the book, which describes a total of 1101 species and cultivars, were laid by two former directors, Jan and Paulus van den Berk. Production Manager, Cees van Casteren, who has worked at Van den Berk Nurseries for more than 40 years, is in charge of all additions to the selection.
Biodiversity
New cultivars that have since proven themselves have been added along with many other cultivars that are still little known or used. In view of their characteristics, these cultivars have also earned a place in the book. They also form part of the book’s power, because knowledge of little-known species and cultivars can contribute to original planting schemes and increased biodiversity. This last point is a spearhead within the company. “Biodiversity is a must,” according to Managing Director Pieter van den Berk. “It makes us less vulnerable to diseases and pests and it enriches the habitat for birds and insect life.” It is one of the reasons behind publishing this book, from which, incidentally, dozens of cultivars have been removed on account of the fact they are hardly ever planted and because there are currently better ones available.

Tony Kirkham wrote the following on this subject;
‘Space is valuable and I am a believer in making the most of opportunities and every tree that I plant either at Kew or in private gardens needs to be a “hard working” tree; that means it must tick several boxes of scientific or horticultural attributes throughout the year such as attractive flower or fruit, coloured or fissured bark, unusual leaf shape and autumn colour, so our general knowledge and understanding of each species is vital to ensure the correct tree selection. We only have “one go at it” and must ensure that we plant the right tree in the right place, thinking ahead - well ahead; how much space will it need and what the ideal soil conditions will be for the ambient conditions to ensure successful and healthy growth and development? Putting the right tree in the right place will provide pleasure and enjoyment; reduce the need for potential, future pruning work or prevent removal when in its prime of life.
We have no excuse today for getting it wrong but have every reason to get it right. There are books, many books on the subject with a wealth of information to help us make that right decision, but some books make it easy for us and the original copy of this book, ‘Van den Berk on Trees’ does just that, with information and images that whet the appetite and steer the tree planter towards the correct selection’.
Harry van Trier, a famous Flemish botanical author and lecturer was given a preview and is delighted about this new edition. He too has cleared a space in his bookcase and wrote the following: The Second Edition of ‘Van den Berk on Trees’ is more than just a supplement to the First Edition. It is a new book which will undoubtedly grow quickly into a popular reference guide for all tree fans. The information in its words, icons and pictures is comprehensive and focused on our climate. New are a number of introductory articles which I had great pleasure in reading and which will be of huge assistance in drawing up planting records. For instance, there is a comprehensive section about the hows and whys of species choice. The importance of proper ground preparation is also discussed as is how to unload such large trees when they are delivered. How do you plant and take care of them? Questions that are uppermost in many landscapers’ minds and to which there are seldom proper answers in existing literature. These additions make this new edition even more valuable than the previous one.”

Practical information
Besides the described selection being adapted extended, the Second Edition also includes a number of new chapters containing practical information. There are tips and guidelines about which species to choose, how to organise good planting sites and how to unload and plant large trees. A great deal of attention has also been given to trees for the future and honey plants.

User groups
The 1032 page edition contains more than 1700 photos by dozens of photographers from various countries. The updated symbols and extensive search system make it easy for the user to select the right trees to suit their plans. It is aimed at landscape architects, horticulturalists, public space planners, garden designers and tree fans throughout Europe and it is once more available in Dutch, English German and French.

Facts about the book:
• 1032 pages.
• 1101 species and cultivars with description and photo.
• 383 new species and cultivars compared with First Edition.
• 1700 photos by dozens of photographers.
• 5 new symbols: fruitless cultivar, edible fruit, pinnate leaf, evergreen, honey plants.
• New chapters about choosing a species, habitat layout, unloading large trees, planting and after care, honey plants and trees for the future.
• Includes each tree’s winter hardiness and hardiness maps of Europe and North America.
• Selection Supervisor: Cees van Casteren
• Dendrological Editor: Ronald Houtman
• Editing: Johan van den Berk and Anneke de Jong
• Striking design, resembling a paving slab
Size 22 x 22 cm, 7.3 cm thick, weight 3.1 kg.