The Popular Pruning Practice You May Want To Reconsider (& What To Do Instead)

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When it comes time to trim back stems or tidy up your garden, most homeowners reach for whatever cutting device is near. Often, that ends up being the handy pair of scissors from your kitchen drawer. This may seem like a harmless, practical shortcut. After all, why buy specialized garden tools when you already own a study set of scissors? But this simple, time-saving practice may be doing more harm than good. The truth is that gardening requires tools that are suited for the job and the environment, and using everyday scissors could create a number of problems for both you and your plants.

Scissors are just not intended to handle the tougher textures of stems, vines, or branches. They can dull, bend, or even break when used improperly, especially on thick greenery. More importantly, they don't deliver the same clean cuts that your plants need to properly heal. Whether you're propagating a peace lily with a jar of water or trimming a vibrant herb garden, clean cuts on your plants are essential in preventing pests and disease. Hygiene is another major concern. Scissors that have touched raw meat or food residue can introduce harmful bacteria into your garden, threatening the health of your plants. If you're growing edible plants, these contaminants can be transferred back into your kitchen, posing a risk to your health. In short, kitchen scissors are neither a safe nor reliable choice for gardening. 

Instead of damaging your regular scissors or putting your plants at risk, it's best to invest in a high-quality pair of gardening shears. Not only are they one of the most essential gardening tools, but shears are designed to easily cut through stems because of its thick blade and spring mechanism. The sharper, sturdier blades create a clean cut that is essential for minimizing damage and keeping your plants healthy. If you're new to gardening, bypass pruners — like the Felco F5 Pruning Shears – are a reliable option, as they act like precision scissors and make smooth cuts without crushing delicate plant material. Investing in a good pair of shears can also save you money in the long run because you're not constantly replacing them. To keep those shears in tip top shape, learn the best method for sharpening and keep them clean.

For a lighter gardening job, a solid pair of utility scissors designed for plants (like these Miller KS-1 Kevlar Scissors) can be a versatile alternative. They are handy for trimming herbs, deadheading flowers, or harvesting vegetables without damaging stems. The most important factor is not the exact model of the gardening tool, but rather that you keep it well-maintained. A dull cut, even from a pair of garden shears, can damage your plants. Just remember to make sure that your tools are used exclusively in the garden and keep the scissors in the kitchen.