Use Pruning Shears to Maintain Shrubs and Trees

Pruning shrubs and trees is necessary to maintain the appearance and general health of a plant. Many shrubs become lanky without pruning. Foliage can grow at the ends of twigs, leaving the interior of the plant bare, creating a scraggly effect. Pruning encourages growth and shapes a plant so that it looks lush and healthy.

Pruning season varies depending on the plant and the region in which you live.

• Some shrubs, like azaleas and spring flowering bushes should be pruned just after flowering. That's because the plant works on the creation of new buds over the growing season.

• Most trees should be pruned in late winter before spring buds emerge.

• Prune rose bushes shortly before the plants set out their first growth in early spring when the forsythia blooms. Cut canes back depending on the type of rose bush you have in order to encourage new growth.

In all cases of pruning, the first job is to remove dead or dying twigs and branches. Clear out crossed branches and branches that rub against one another. If the shrub has a messy tangle of twigs on the interior of the plants, open it up by removing some of that excess growth so the plant gets some air circulation.

You can shape the plant into a more attractive form by pruning. Remove branches that stick out at odd angles or mar the appearance of the plant.

PRUNING TIPS

• Prune just above a new growth bud

• Prune to an outward facing bud so the canes or branches grow outward instead of toward the center of the plant

• Prune plants smaller than desired size (because they will grow)
  

• Cut twigs and branches at an angle so that moisture drops off and away from the plant.

• Sometimes, when a shrub looks leggy, a harsh pruning will actually thicken the plant, making it stronger and more attractive.
  

Pruning shears generally come in 3 types:

• Bypass Pruners look like clunky scissors. The edge of the blades pass one another. Also called hook and blade pruners, they have 2 opposing curved blades.

• Anvil Shears feature one blade that cuts the branch against a flat edge. Anvil shears can crush the edge of stems making them prone to disease or insect infestation so are not recommended.

• Ratchet Pruners are easy to use. The ratchet action does the work for you, and makes the pruners simple to operate and less stress on muscles.

Purchase a good quality product. Cheap pruners do not hold their edge and rarely last as long as good ones. Inexpensive pruners bought from big box stores may look attractive, but probably will not hold up to wear and tear.

The Felco Classic Manual Hand Pruner are long lasting and retain a sharp cutting edge. The scissor action pruners are good for heavy duty and average pruning jobs and are used by many professionals.

Fiskars Professional Pruning Shears have a comfortable grip, and fits many sized hands. This set of shears is best for small twigs and branches and is a good, all-purpose pruner. The handle is comfortable for both right and left handed people.

Fiskars Power Gear Pruner is great for extended use. Reviewers claim that the Fiskars Power Gear Pruner can be wielded for some time without making your hands sore or giving you blisters. This strong, sharp pruner can be adjusted to the shape and size of your hand. The ease of cutting prevents hand cramping and muscle soreness.

If you are a left handed person, you know how hard it can be to adapt your natural movement to tools created for right handed people. One of the few pruner made specially for lefties, these last long, and have a smooth action and a sharp blade.

For high or hard to reach branches up to 1 1/2 inches, the steel, Teflon coated blades of the GT Ratchet Action By-Pass Lopping Shears have cushion grips handles to help prevent blisters.

The Claus 8 Inch Heavy Duty Ratchet Action Pruner is a sturdy and easy to use tool. This heavy duty ratchet pruner can cut branches up to 3/4 of an inch with ease. However, the Claus 8 Inch Pruner can be difficult to operate with small hands.

The hard chrome plated blades of the ARS Heavy Duty Pruning Shear are rust resistant and have a 3/4 inch cutting capacity. They have cushion grip handles to protect your hands.

Whichever type of pruner that you use, make sure that you keep them clean and dry to keep them in good condition and to avoid spreading diseases. If one of your rose bushes has black spot, thoroughly clean the pruner with rubbing alcohol before moving to another bush.

Oil the pruner and hinges for ease of motion and to prevent rust on the bolt that hold the two blades of the pruner together.

Sharpening your pruner will make them easier to use and leave a clean cut to ensure the health of your tree or shrub. A smoothly cut surface will heal more quickly and encourage new growth.

First, clean the blade with a brush and soapy water to remove debris. Sharpen with a whetstone that has been dampened with a lightweight motor oil or vegetable oil Use smooth, gentle stokes. After sharpening, wipe the blades with a light coat of oil. Or, you can check the manufacturers' guidelines for cleaning the blades of a specific product.