Proper Pruning – Tools 101: Why We Need Quality, Sharp, and Clean Tools When Pruning Trees

Pruning is an essential part of maintaining healthy, productive plants. Whether you’re tending to trees, shrubs, or flowering plants, the right tools can make all the difference in your gardening success. But it’s not just about choosing the right tool – it’s about maintaining it, ensuring it’s sharp, and keeping it clean. At Frank P. Matthews, we understand that quality tools lead to better results, healthier trees, and a smoother gardening experience. Here’s why proper pruning tools are essential, and how quality, sharp, and clean tools make all the difference.

The Importance of Choosing High-Quality, Sharp Pruning Tools

When it comes to pruning, the tools you use are just as important as the technique. High-quality pruning tools use top materials and are designed to make cuts cleanly and efficiently, without damaging the plant. Poor-quality tools can cause tearing, which opens up a wound on the tree and increases the risk of infection or disease. Keeping them sharp allows you to create these clean cuts which heal quickly and cause less stress to the tree – Not to mention it makes pruning a much less strenuous task for you.

What You Get From Choosing Quality Tools?

Durability: Quality tools are built to last longer. The steel used in high-end pruning shears, for instance, is stronger and resistant to rust and wear – with some TLC.

Efficiency: Well-designed tools reduce the effort required for pruning, meaning you can get more work done with less strain.

Precision: Precision in pruning ensures a cleaner, healthier cut, which minimises the risk of damage to the plant. Quality tools allow for smoother, more controlled cuts, leading to healthier regrowth.

How to Keep Your Tools Sharp

Sharpening stones are perfect for keeping your tools in tip-top shape. Make sure to sharpen them evenly and also follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, they’re always full of wisdom.

As well as keeping your tools sharp, you also need to keep them moving so be sure to apply a light coat of oil to the moving parts of your pruning shears or saws. This helps prevent rust and ensures smooth operation.

The Importance of Keeping Tools Clean

So, you have a high-quality, sharp tool but that doesn’t mean anything if they’re dirty. It’s best practice after each use, especially when pruning diseased or infested plants, to clean your tools. This prevents the spread of disease and keeps your tools in optimal working condition. Clean tools also function better as sap, resin and dirt builds up on your tools, especially shears and will reduce their longevity and effectiveness.

How To Keep Your Tools Clean

Wipe down your tools (after each use) with a cloth to remove sap, dirt, and any debris.

For a deeper clean, use a mild detergent solution and a brush to scrub away any stubborn build-up.

It’s also important to store your tools in a dry, safe place to keep clean between uses and also avoid rusting

Best Pruning Tools for Trees

We know how to look after them but what about the tools we need to keep our trees healthy and looking amazing. Here are some of the best tools to use when pruning trees:

Secateurs

For small branches secateurs are the go-to tool. These tools feature two blades that work like scissors, making clean cuts with minimal damage to the plant.

Secateurs Are Best For:

Cutting thinner, softer branches.

Providing clean, sharp cuts, reducing the risk of tearing or injury to the tree.

Pruning live wood or new growth.

Here at Frank P Matthews we love using the Felco Secateurs, perfect for pruning young trees – Felco Secateurs | Buy and Save from World of Felco

Loppers

Loppers are a step up from hand shears and are designed for cutting thicker branches. They have long handles for extra leverage, allowing you to reach higher or cut thicker branches without straining.

Loppers Are Best For:

Providing extra reach and cutting power.

Branches too thick for hand pruners but still within a manageable size.

Leverage, making them perfect for tough cuts.

Here at Frank P Matthews we love using the Felco Loppers. As you can imagine we use our tools daily and these have been incredible – Felco Loppers | Buy and Save with World of Felco

Pruning Saws

When it comes to thicker tree branches that your loppers aren’t quite right for, a pruning saw is a fantastic choice. These tools are designed for larger cuts and are available in various styles, including folding, curved, or straight blade designs. Pruning saws work like a traditional saw, with teeth designed to efficiently cut through wood.

A Pruning Saw Is Best For:

Cutting larger branches or limbs.

Make quick work of thicker wood due to the aggressive teeth.

Hard-to-reach areas where larger, bulkier tools might not be effective.

Here at Frank P Matthews we love using the Silky Fox Hand Saws > Zubat Arborist and for a folding saw we’re a fan of Silky Fox Folding Saws > Super Accel 21

Investing in quality pruning tools and taking care to keep them sharp and clean is essential for maintaining your beautiful gardens. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a hobbyist gardener, the right tools will make your work easier and more enjoyable while promoting healthy plant growth.

Remember, pruning isn’t just about cutting; it’s about doing it in a way that promotes the long-term health of your trees – Check out our guides on the website for more pruning advice.

So, keep your tools sharp, clean, and ready to go—and watch your garden flourish!