A selection of the basic tools of various sizes and styles is quite important for the serious gardener. Pruning, trimming and moving material needs to happen in most gardens pretty much as ongoing work. The following lists most of the important tools and advice on using them in the right way.

Specialty shears for roses Hand pruning shears Loppers Hedge trimmers Pruning saws

The general types of hand pruning devices are fine specialty shears for roses and the like, basic hand pruning shears, loppers, hedge trimmers or scissors and pruning saws. The most essential is a hand pruning shear and when selecting yours make sure that it fits your hand. Good quality brands are available in left and right handed models and have straight or various off-set styles of ergonomic design. I recommend that you definitely select a bypass design as it is rare to find a professional landscaper who uses anvil type cutters.

Although entire books have been written on the use of these pruning devises, I have observed that one of the most common misuses of a tool occurs when pruning, which leads to damaging the plant. The key is to have the tools available to handle all sizes of cutting to be encountered, or to be patient enough to come back with an appropriate tool at a later time. Trying to cut a ½ inch diameter elm branch with a hand shear, when a lopper or pruning saw should be used, causes extra work for the user, potential tearing damage of the plant and unnecessary wear and tear on the tool. Large scissor-style hedge shears and heavy duty scissors are most useful for trimming hedges and dead heading respectively.

IN FEBRUARY - PART 2 - DIGGING AND MOVING