Garden Design

Although spring is the best time for pruning, a light fall pruning can benefit many shrubs and trees. Some plants need preparation for the winter, especially large, overgrown shrubs. And, in the case of deciduous trees, pruning when the leaves are off will give you a better idea of how it will affect the shape of the tree.

Proper tools are essential for fall pruning chores. Having the right tool for the job not only means less work for you but also ensures that your plants and trees will heal more quickly. The choice of which tool to use depends largely on the size of the branches that are to be pruned and the amount of pruning you need to do. In general, hand pruners work well for small jobs, loppers for thicker branches up to 3 inches in diameter, and tree pruners for those hard-to-reach tree limbs.

Look for tools that feature mechanical advantages to increase your cutting power, as well as ergonomic attributes that add to your comfort. Fiskars Garden Tools, for example, has a line of tools that use gear mechanisms to maximize cutting power and reduce strain and fatigue.

For more information on FISKARS® PowerGear® family of tools, or to find a retailer near you, call (800) 500-4849 or visit www.fiskars.com.

WHAT SHOULD YOU PRUNE?

· Any dead or diseased twigs or branches should be cut off as soon as you see them.

· If you wish to do further tidying up, cut thin, weak twigs that have not borne flowers or fruit.

· Any crossing branches that rub against and damage one another should be pruned to leave a strong framework for the plant or tree.

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PICTURED ABOVE: The PowerGear® Hand Pruner features a gear mechanism that doubles cutting power. The rotating handle minimizes strain and fatigue, especially during extended use.

Local Resources

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