If you’re a DIY gardener, a pruning shear is one of the most important tools you can have under your shed. It’s a small but powerful piece of equipment designed to make trimming convenient and effective.
A good pruning shear is all you need to keep your garden free from unnecessary bushes, overgrown branches, and dead stems. It lets you make clean, precise cuts, keeping your plants healthy and beautiful.
In this guide, we’ll talk about different uses of pruning shears and why they’re perfect for gardeners with limited hand mobility.
Let’s dive in.
What are Pruning Shears?
Pruning shears, also known as pruners, are a small yet powerful gardening tool. They’re like scissors, but instead of cutting paper, they cut through plant stems, small branches, and overgrown foliage.
A typical pruning shear has three parts:
- Blades of metal that cut through stems and branches
- A handle that’s usually covered with a rubber or another soft material to provide a comfortable grip
- Spring mechanism between the handles that automatically opens the shears between each cut, reducing strain on your hands
What are Pruning Shears Used For
Knowing how to use pruning shears can make a huge difference in your garden’s growth. Here are their most important use cases:
Trimming Dead or Diseased Parts
Probably the most common use of a pruning shear is removing dead, dying, or affected parts of plants. This helps prevent the spread of infections and promotes healthy growth.
Shaping Plants and Shrubs
Pruning shears lets you trim your plants precisely, making sure they don’t overgrow and develop a controlled and attractive shape. So, if you desire a tidy hedge or a well-formed rose bush, a pruning shear is what you need.
Boosting New Growth
Hand pruning is a perfect way to remove unwanted branches and promote healthy plant growth. When you trim back overextended branches, you stimulate your plants to produce fresh roots. The method is perfect for flowering plants and fruit trees as it promotes blooming and better fruit production.
Deadheading Flowers for Continuous Blooms
Deadheading is a procedure where you remove faded and wilted flowers from a plant. The technique encourages the plant to focus its energies on producing more blooms instead of developing seeds.
By trimming the spent flowers from a plant, you can extend the blooming season and keep your garden colorful and lively for much longer.
Harvesting Soft Produce and Herbs
A pruner is typically a small, hand-held tool and offers a smooth trimming experience. This makes it perfect for clipping delicate herbs like rosemary and soft fruits like berries and grapes. And, since it makes clean cuts, you won’t have to worry about damaging your plants.
Taming Overgrown Vines
Climbing plants like ivy, wisteria, and jasmine can easily get out of control if left unaddressed. You can use a pair of pruning shears to make sure they grow in the right direction and not disturb your landscape.
Note: These were a few common uses of hand pruners. The right application will depend on your gardening and landscaping needs.
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Benefits of Good Pruning Shears
Let’s talk about why hand pruners are a gardener’s best friend, especially if you have limited hand mobility.
- Ergonomic handles: Most modern pruners use ergonomic handles with a cushioned grip, which reduces stress on your hands and wrists
- Ratcheting mechanism: Some even come with a ratcheting mechanism. They make cuts in stages, requiring less force from the user
- Spring-loaded action: A built-in spring that opens the blades after each cut reduces strain on your hands and wrist
Types of Pruning Shears
Not all pruning shears are ideal for every gardening job. Some come with unique features to help you tackle specific tasks more effectively and easily. Let’s talk about the 3 types of pruning shears and how to pick the best pair for your gardening needs.
Bypass Pruners
Bypass pruners are similar to scissors, with two curved blades sliding past each other. They’re best for:
- Cutting flowers and herbs
- Making clean cuts
Tip: If you have limited hand mobility, look for bypass pruners with a ratcheting mechanism.
Anvil Pruners
These pruners have a blade that presses down onto the anvil, a metallic flat surface. Unlike bypass shears that make clean cuts by slicing through stems, anvil pruners crush them, making them ideal for cutting:
- Dead branches and tough stems
- Heavy-duty pruning
Ratchet Pruners
Unlike other pruners that cut all at once, ratchet pruners cut in stages. This means you can squeeze and release the handles multiple times to complete the cut. The mechanism requires less effort on your part.
Related: What are Ratchet Pruners Used For?
Electric or Battery-Powered Pruners
These shears use electric power to do the cutting for you, which makes them ideal for gardeners who struggle with squeezing traditional shears. Battery-powered pruners are ideal for:
- Effortless pruning with minimal hand movement
- Cutting thick branches
- For large gardens or more frequent pruning
Maintenance Tips
Properly clean, disinfect, lubricate, and store your pruning shears to ensure effective performance and long life.
- Remove debris: Wipe the blades with a damp cloth after every use to remove sap, dirt, and other residues
- Deep cleaning: Soak the shears in warm soapy water and use a brush for effective, deep cleaning
- Disinfection: Periodically disinfect the pruning blades with 70% isopropyl alcohol or a bleaching solution to prevent the spread of diseases between plants
- Lubrication: Lubricate the metal blades with mineral oil after cleaning them thoroughly to prevent corrosion
- Storage: Store your shears in a dry place inside a box to prevent rust
FAQs About the Uses of Pruning Shears
What is a Pruner Tool Used for?
Pruners, also known as hand pruners or pruning shears, are typically used for trimming and shaping plants, cutting small branches, and removing dead or diseased stems.
Should I Use Pruning Shears or Saw?
A pruning shear is suitable for branches and stems up to ¾ inch thick. For branches thicker than ¾ inch, use a pruning saw to ensure clean cuts and healthy plant growth.
What is the Best Tool to Cut Back Bushes?
Bypass pruners are an excellent option for cutting back bushes up to ¾ inch thick. Their scissor-like design makes clean cuts, which promotes healthy growth.
How Do I Choose the Right Pruning Shears for My Needs?
Consider the following factors before buying a pruning shear:
- The type of plants you’ll trim
- The thickness of the branches
- Your hand strength
For instance, bypass pruners are ideal for precise cuts, and anvil pruners work better on tough and dead branches.
Conclusion
A good pair of pruning shears is an essential part of every gardener’s tool set. It helps maintain plant health, promote new growth, and enhance your garden’s beauty.
The smooth cutting action, comfortable handles, and features like the Ratchet mechanism make this trimming tool a must-have for every DIY gardener.
Last but not least, regular cleaning and disinfecting are essential for preventing the spread of diseases from one plant to the next and prolonging the tool’s life.