As the days lengthen and the promise of spring looms on the horizon, thoughts naturally turn to the annual ritual of preparing our yards for the vibrant summer ahead. Traditionally, this conjures images of gas, battery, or corded hedge shears – the tools of choice for many years. However, I'm here to challenge that norm and advocate for a practice your plants will thank you for – the art of hand pruning.
Choosing Precision Over Brute Force
Enter the realm of bypass hand pruners, loppers, and hand hedge shears, with the iconic Felco #2 hand bypass pruners leading the charge. A sharp pair of Felcos can accomplish a remarkable 90% of the pruning tasks typical in a residential landscape. Add loppers for larger branches and hand shears for the rare occasions when they are needed (probably not the ones you are thinking of), and a hand saw for anything too substantial for the loppers.
Why Hand Tools Over Hedge Hacking Machines?
Wounds: Hedge shears shear everything in their path – leaves, buds, branches – leaving large, uneven, and torn wounds. Hand pruners, in skilled hands, make precise cuts in advantageous locations, reducing disease pressure, water loss, and unsightly browning in plants.
Plant Re-Growth: Hedge trimmers indiscriminately remove all shoot apical meristems (SAM) on a shrub, triggering an eruption of unchecked growth. Hand pruners allow selective pruning, leaving some SAMs intact, preventing excessive and unsightly regrowth.
Plant Health: Pruning's goal is to increase light penetration and air circulation. Shearing results in dense outer layers, leaving the inner plant devoid of leaves. Hand pruning opens up the canopy, promoting healthier growth and reducing susceptibility to disease and pests.
Time: While hand pruning might seem slower initially, with practice and selective cuts, it can be faster than shearing. Hand pruning requires fewer cuts, and the plants rebound more quickly, reducing the need for frequent future pruning.
Appearance: The geometrical appearance achieved by shearing doesn't align with the natural form of shrubs. Hand pruning allows plants to grow in their natural form, fostering a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing landscape.
Parting Thoughts
Powered shears have their place, particularly in large commercial settings. Still, for homeowners seeking a natural and sustainable approach, hand pruners are the way forward. So, grab your Felcos, embrace proper horticultural practices, and watch your landscape flourish naturally.
Thank you for advocating for the health and beauty of your plants.
-Mike
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