Winter Pruning Tool Essentials For A Thriving Spring And Summer Landscape

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Pruning is one of the most essential gardening tasks. It lets you remove old, dead, damaged, and weak wood that might otherwise cause serious problems for plants. And when it comes to pruning, experts agree that late winter is the best time. Most trees and shrubs are lying dormant during this time, and many have shed their leaves as well. This makes a plant's structure easy to see and cutting decisions simpler to make. Plus, pruning in winter puts less stress on the plant. However, timing is not the only thing that matters here. You need the right tools, too. And when it comes to pruning your shrubs and trees in winter, some essential tools include pruning shears, loppers, hand saws, hedge shears, sturdy gloves, and a leaf rake or a hard rake.

When done correctly, pruning in winter with the right tools can boost a plant's health and look. That's because it aligns with the plant's natural growth cycle, and this allows trees and shrubs to respond quickly and heal better. The trick, though, is to know what to cut, what to keep, and which tools to use, and that's when remembering the three D rule and three C rule might come in handy. Essentially, what you want is to get rid of branches that might be a problem for future plant growth in any way. Get it right, and your plants will reward you with a thriving garden in spring and a lush and green landscape in the coming summer.

The first and probably the most important tool you need when pruning your plants is good old pruning shears. They mainly come in two forms. One is the bypass shear, which works like scissors and is best for cutting live branches. The other is the anvil shear, which has a flat surface and is better for pruning dead or tougher wood. But what all pruning shears have in common is that they are primarily designed to handle branches that are about ½ inch to ¾ inch thick. It is not recommended to use them on larger stems or branches, as they can not only damage the tool but also cause plant injury and wounds that can serve as entry sites for pests and diseases.

Don't worry, though. That is where loppers come in. Loppers are similar to shears but have much longer handles. They not only extend your pruning reach but also allow you to cut stems that are about 1½ inches in diameter. However, some types might be able to cut through thicker wood as well. Just make sure that you don't skip sharpening your loppers before pruning season arrives.

And lastly, there are the saws. If you have a stem or branch that is even too thick for a lopper, that is where saws can help. And just like shears, they also come in two forms: hand saws and pole saws. You can pick the one that best fits your needs, or both, since they don't cost much. Our recommendation is the REXBETI Folding Saw and the VEVOR Manual Pole Saw. They are lightweight and sturdy, and you can pick them both up for about $100.

In some winters, you may not need to cut down any branches or stems at all. A simple shaping and topiary might be all that you need, and that is where you will need a tool like hedge shears instead of pruning saws, loppers, and shears. Hedge shears are great for keeping bushes and small trees tidy, as well as for adding crisp, clean lines to your landscape and plants. Just make sure that you check blade alignment, pivot tightness, and handle comfort carefully when buying a hedge shear. The comfort and quality of a tool directly influence how efficiently you can prune.

And when it comes to comfort, it might also be a good idea to invest in some good-quality gloves. Not only will they keep your fingers from the freezing temperatures and chilly air outside, but they will also protect your hands from blisters, thorns, and cuts. Plus, they improve grip and tool control in cold conditions. Just make sure that the ones you purchase are made from sturdy materials and have a snug fit. Also, bonus points if they are waterproof, too.

And lastly, you will also need some good-quality rakes. Winter pruning isn't complete unless you also get rid of the "confetti" of twigs and leaves that you just cut down. And when it comes to rakes, there are mainly two types. Leaf rakes, which, as the name suggests, can help you rake away leaves or small twigs, and garden rakes, which are usually made of steel and are used to move larger branches and clumps of twigs and wood from the yard.