The Ortho Problem Solver

I have a chemical lawn/tree & shrub business, and I use it. The only negative I can see is that the Home Gardener's Problem Solver covers most of this book for $30. That said, I gave my techs the home gardener's version and kept this one for myself.

Having just completed training in the Master Gardener program in our state, I found that I still needed a better visual reference to correctly identify garden problems. Recently, while shopping for a pesticide, I was able to pinpoint my exact problem because the store had prominently displayed a copy of "The Ortho Problem Solver" by Michael D. Smith! Its brilliant photographs and easy to understand narratives were surpassed only by its explicit and wonderfully cross-referenced index feature. I was unable to tear myself away - and kept calling my husband over to help me remember photos for later diagnosis at home.As a serious photographer, I was able to appreciate the clarity and specificity of the photographs - and as a gardener, I was determined to own my own copy of this book immediately! (I will only be disappointed with this purchase if a newer version of the book is published before I receive my copy!)

This book is the best source I have found to help diagnose plant problems. The fifth edition has better color pictures than previous editions, and it is wider to allow more space for the pictures and writing. Of course, since it is an Ortho book, the product recommendations are for Ortho products. However, this gives the reader a clear indication of the type of compound they should consider for control. Well worth the money for the avid gardener.

Much more comprehensive than the book Ortho offers for the "home gardener", incorporating many more plants and their problems. I recommend this for the true avid gardener or one that has invested a lot of money into their landscaping. It includes most problems and solutions that you can encounter in your yard. Though this book is normally available for reference at many landscaping/garden stores that sell Ortho products, those visits to look at it can become very time consuming. A quick look-up in the book and treatment is complete (if I have the correct chemicals) before I'd even have a chance to get by a store. I have recouped the cost of the book just in the time I've saved.

I am a neophyte gardener with my first yard, garden etc. This book has become a constant companion in my endeavors to make things grow. I was startled by the price, but it has proven itself to be worth every penny. Anyone who sees this book always remarks on how dirty and worn it is. The book has earned every mark, and every spot. And my respect.