Choose the right tool when you prune, and don't overwork those secateurs
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| Loppers work well when stems are too large to cut with secateurs
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'Oil all moving parts at least once a year and sharpen any blades as soon as they show signs of wear or losing their edge.'
'Some manufacturers will sharpen and recondition secateurs and saws and replace any worn parts for a small service charge, plus the cost of any replacement parts.'
To prune your plants well, you need the right equipment. Not only is it better for your plants to make a clean cut that will heal quickly, it is also better for you. If you do a lot of pruning, you need something that will take the strain out of the job, or you will soon have aching wrists and blisters on your hands. Don't struggle - change what you're using.
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| Use secateurs for small stems
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Secateurs
Secateurs will do a good job on most stems up to 2cm (1in) but they must be kept sharp and well-oiled to work efficiently.
Cross-cut or blade-and-anvil types are the most common, but regardless of your preferred cutting action, make sure the handles are comfortable and fit well into your hand. Try before you buy! Most importantly, never try to cut through anything too large, as the natural tendency is to twist the secateurs and this results in the blades being sprained (not meeting) and producing ragged cuts.
Loppers
Loppers are the best choice if the stem you are cutting is too large for secateurs. The long handles will give you extra leverage, so you can apply sufficient pressure to cut through thicker wood.
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| A pruning saw produces a smooth and straight cut
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Pruning saw
If the wood of your chosen shrub is too thick to tackle with loppers, a pruning saw could be th answer, which will leave the cut surface smooth and straight. It may have a rigid blade or, more conveniently, a folding blade with a locking device to fix the blade in an open or closed position. Again, make sure you choose one that is a good size and weight for you to work with, and has a handle that is comfortable to hold.
Long-handled pruners
Long-handled pruners are the answer where a longer reach is required for large shrubs or small trees up to about 6m (20ft) high, especially if you are not keen on working off the ground. The head of the pruner can be fitted with a saw or secateur-type cutter for easy working. This type of pruner has an extending handle so it can be adjusted to give exactly the right length of reach to the part of the plant to be pruned.
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| Reach further into tall trees with long-handled pruners
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If the branches that need cutting are too thick to cut with a pruning saw, or so high that you need ropes and ladders to reach them, it is safer to call in a qualified tree surgeon to do the work. You will find them in your local directory, but make certain that he/she is qualified and insured to do the work. Your local parks department or horticultural college may be able to recommend someone if you contact them.
Tool care
Whichever tools you use, look after them or you won't get the best out of them. Plant sap can be quite corrosive if it is left on any metal surfaces, as can water if the tools get wet. It is far easier to stop rust before it forms, rather than trying to scrape it off afterwards, so clean them with a cloth after you have used them.
Oil all moving parts at least once a year and sharpen any blades as soon as they show signs of wear or losing their edge.
Some manufacturers will sharpen and recondition secateurs and saws and replace any worn parts for a small service charge, plus the cost of any replacement parts.
One useful tip for your tools is to choose those with very brightly-coloured handles (or paint them yourself). Then they will be much more visible if you mislay them in the garden.
Protective gear
No-one wants to have to garden wearing so much protective clothing that they can hardly move. It takes all the fun out of doing it! However, it makes sense to take certain basic precautions before you work with anything sharp.
The most obvious piece of kit for pruning is a pair of good quality, tough gardening gloves, especially for handling rose prunings or any other thorny material. Goggles or safety glasses are important if you need to work right into the plant, or if you are shredding prunings, and ear defenders are advisable if you have a shredder which is particularly loud when it is working.
denotes Subscriber-only content | Thursday 20 November 2008 | Help | Glossary 
