Are you struggling to choose the right pruning shears for your perennials? Do you often find yourself unsure which type of shears will work best for each plant? You're not alone! Choosing the right pruning shears can be confusing, but fear not, this article will cover everything you need to know about how to use pruning shears for perennials, including how to choose the right ones for the job. Let's get started!
Choosing the Right Pruning Shears
Before we dive into how to use pruning shears on perennials, it's important to understand the different types of pruning shears available and what they are best used for. Choosing the right pruning shears can make all the difference in the health and appearance of your plants, so it's worth taking the time to choose wisely.
- Hand Pruners: Also known as secateurs, hand pruners are the most common type of pruning shears. They have two sharp blades that come together to make a clean cut and are best for stems up to ¾ of an inch thick. Hand pruners come in both bypass and anvil styles. Bypass pruners have blades that pass each other while cutting, while anvil pruners have one blade that closes onto a flat surface, making them better suited for deadwood and thicker, tougher branches.
- Loppers: Loppers are larger and can handle stems up to 2 inches thick. They have long handles that provide greater leverage, making them ideal for branches that are harder to reach. Loppers come in both bypass and anvil styles as well. Bypass loppers are best for live wood and anvil loppers for deadwood or thicker branches.
- Pruning Saws: Pruning saws have serrated blades that are great for cutting thicker branches and deadwood. They are available in folding or fixed styles and come in a range of lengths to handle various pruning needs. Pruning saws are especially helpful for older and mature perennials that may require more extensive pruning.
Now that you know the different types of pruning shears, it's important to choose the right ones for your perennials. Using the wrong tool can lead to improper cuts, which may damage or even kill your plants. So, take the time to assess your perennials and determine which pruning shears will work best for each plant.
Preparing Your Pruning Shears for Use
Before starting to prune your perennials, it's essential to make sure your pruning shears are in good condition and ready for use. Follow these steps to prepare your pruning shears:
Clean the blades: Use a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean the blades thoroughly. This will remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated on the blades and also disinfect them.
Sharpen the blades: A sharp blade is essential for clean and precise cuts. If your pruning shears have become dull, sharpen them using a sharpening tool or get them sharpened by a professional.
Apply lubricant: After cleaning and sharpening the blades, it's important to apply lubricant to help the shears perform smoothly. Use a lubricating spray or wipe a small amount of oil onto the blades.
Adjust the tension: The tension of the pruning shears plays an important role in their performance. Too much tension can make the blades difficult to open and close while too little tension can make them loose and ineffective. Adjust the tension according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Check for damage: Inspect the pruning shears for any damage to the blades, springs, or handles. If you notice any visible damage, do not use the shears and get them repaired or replaced.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your pruning shears are in good condition and ready for use. A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in keeping your pruning shears efficient and long-lasting.
Identifying Which Parts of the Perennial to Prune
Pruning perennials can be a bit tricky, as different plants have different growth habits and pruning needs. Some perennials require very little pruning, while others need regular pruning to encourage healthy growth.
The first step to pruning perennials is to identify which parts of the plant need pruning. Here are some tips to help you figure it out:
- Dead or damaged growth: The first thing to look for when pruning perennials is dead or damaged growth. This can include wilted or brown leaves, broken stems, or any other part of the plant that looks unhealthy. Remove these parts of the plant first, as they are not contributing to the plant's overall health and may even be harming it.
- Old growth: Many perennials have stems or branches that become woody and unproductive over time. You can recognize old growth by its dry, brittle texture and lack of new shoots or leaves. Removing old growth can help keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new growth.
- Crossing or rubbing branches: When two or more branches rub against each other, it can cause damage to the bark and lead to disease or pests. Look for branches that are crossing or rubbing and remove one of them to prevent further damage.
- Overgrown growth: Some perennials have a tendency to grow too large or too quickly, which can make them unmanageable or prone to lodging (falling over). In these cases, prune back the growth to a manageable size, taking care to maintain the plant's natural shape.
- Deadheading: Deadheading is the practice of removing spent blooms from a plant to encourage new growth and prolong blooming. Not all perennials require deadheading, but for those that do, it's important to do it regularly throughout the growing season to maximize the plant's bloom time.
By identifying which parts of the perennial to prune, you'll be able to give your plants the care they need to thrive and grow to their full potential.
Proper Cutting Techniques for Different Types of Perennials
When it comes to pruning perennials, there are different techniques you need to use depending on the type of plant you're working with. Here are some general guidelines:
- Grasses: Cut back ornamental grasses to a height of 2-3 inches above the ground either in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This will allow for new growth to come in and prevent any dead or diseased foliage from spreading.
- Herbaceous Perennials: Deadhead spent flowers of herbaceous perennials with pruning shears to promote new growth and to keep the plant looking tidy. Cutting back herbaceous perennials to ground level in late fall to early spring will also help to promote new growth.
- Woody Perennials: Prune woody perennials such as hydrangeas and butterfly bushes in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back to the first healthy bud above the old wood. Don't be afraid to give the plant a good pruning as this will encourage new growth and promote stronger branches.
- Evergreens: Prune evergreens such as boxwoods and yews in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Use pruning shears to selectively cut back new, unwanted growth and thin out old, woody branches to promote better air circulation and light penetration.
Remember to always clean your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol before and after each use to prevent the spread of disease. And be gentle with your cuts, making sure to avoid damaging the plant's main stem or crown.
After-Pruning Care for Your Perennials
Once you have finished pruning your perennials, it’s time to give them the care they need to thrive. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your plants recover quickly:
Water your plants - Pruning can be stressful for plants, so it’s important to give them a good drink of water to replenish the moisture they may have lost during the process. Water deeply but make sure your soil is not waterlogged as this can also harm the plant.
Apply fertilizer - Your plants need nutrients to grow and thrive, so consider applying a slow-release fertilizer to the soil around the plants. This will provide them with a steady supply of nutrients over time.
Remove dead or decaying material - After pruning, you may notice dead or decaying plant material. Be sure to remove any of these parts, as they can attract pests and disease and harm your plants.
Monitor for pests and disease - Keep a close eye on your plants to make sure they are not showing any signs of pests or disease. If you notice any issues, address them as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading.
Keep an eye on growth - As your plants recover from pruning, they will begin to grow. Keep an eye on their growth progress to ensure they do not become too leggy or develop new growth in undesirable areas.
By following these steps, you can help your perennials recover quickly from pruning and continue to grow and thrive throughout the growing season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Pruning Shears on Perennials
Pruning shears are essential tools for maintaining the health and beauty of your perennials. However, improper use of these shears can result in damage to your plants or even injury to yourself. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using pruning shears on perennials.
- Using dull blades: Using pruning shears with dull blades will crush and damage the stems of your perennials, making them more susceptible to diseases and pests. It is vital to sharpen your pruning shears regularly to ensure a clean cut.
- Pruning at the wrong time: Pruning at the wrong time of year can also damage your perennials. For example, pruning in the fall or winter can cause new growth that will be killed off by the cold weather. Similarly, pruning in the spring can remove the buds that would soon bloom. It is best to consult a gardening guide or professional to determine the appropriate pruning time for your specific type of perennial.
- Pruning too much: While pruning is essential for the health of your perennials, pruning too much can cause more damage than good. Removing too many leaves or branches can shock the plant and weaken it. It is best to prune only the dead or diseased parts of the plant and avoid excessive pruning.
- Not cleaning your tools: Dirty tools can spread diseases from one plant to another. Before using your pruning shears, make sure to clean them with a disinfectant to prevent any cross-contamination.
- Not wearing protective gear: Pruning shears are sharp tools that can cause injury if not handled properly. Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when using pruning shears to avoid any accidents.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can effectively use your pruning shears to maintain the health and beauty of your perennials. Remember to consult a gardening guide or professional if you are unsure about the appropriate pruning time for your specific type of perennial.
