11.07.2024
During winter, many gardening activities go into hibernation. However, there is one important task that should not go dormant: pruning. Winter is the correct time to prepare trees and shrubs for rest and cut them back for proper care.
Pruning is done to:
- shape the plant.
- remove diseased and dead wood.
- remove weak shoots and underdeveloped wood.
- encourage plant growth.
- remove frost and storm damage.
- promote flowering and fruiting.
Before pruning, check that you have the right tools for the task at hand. This makes pruning work easier and ensures clean, healthy cuts.
Secateurs
These are small to medium-sized cutting tools that are used to prune small branches and offshoots. Secateurs need to be very sharp so that the cut is clean. Blunt secateurs make ragged, torn cuts which are vulnerable to infection. The GARDENA ExpertCut Secateurs has a particularly sharp and hard-wearing stainless steel blade that provides a clean, precise cut every time. All GARDENA secateurs have sap drainage on the blade that prevents the blades from getting sticky while pruning.
Pruning tall trees or plants with thick crowns can be a particularly challenging task. Loppers are the ideal tool as they are designed to reach higher, tougher branches. Telescopic tree and pruning loppers, such as the GARDENA StarCut 410 plus, allows you to prune your trees from the comfort and safety of the ground. The lopper has a working height of 6.5m when fully extended, making it suitable for pruning tall trees. Cut branches can also easily be removed from the crown using the clever hook feature.
Now that you have the right tools, here are a few tips you can follow for effective winter pruning.
Tip 1
Avoid pruning in very cold or frosty conditions.The cold could harm the exposed tissue of the plant, slowing down its growth and healing time.
Tip 2
Always wear thick gardening gloves to protect your hands from sharp branches and thorns. Gloves also keep your hands warm and dry, making it more comfortable to work in the cold. Eye protection is also recommended, especially when pruning dense shrubs. Did you know that the GARDENA gloves have mobile sensitive finger tips, so no need to remove your gloves to operate your smartphone.
Tip 3
Prune roses at the end of winter or throughout their flowering season to promote more flowers. Make sure to remove dead wood and dried leaves from the rosebush. Also make sure to remove and burn any diseased leaves and branches to prevent fungal diseases.
Tip 4
When pruning, it is a good idea to stand back and take a good look at the plant before starting. If you have an overgrown, sprawling shrub with lots of ‘leggy’ branches, it’s worth cutting it right back to encourage young shoots to grow from the base.
Tip 5
Use the GARDENA SlimCut Lopper to thin out dense shrubs, focusing on loose or dying branches and branches growing in the wrong direction. The telescopic function makes it easy to prune in hard to reach areas.
Tip 6
Once your pruning is complete, wash your secateurs or loppers.Then apply alubricating oil on the blades to prevent rust and keep them in good working condition.
Follow these tips to ensure that your garden is well prepared for winter rest, and well rested to thrive and flourish in the spring.
About GARDENA
For over 50 years GARDENA has provided everything passionate gardeners need. The broad assortment of products offers innovative solutions and systems for watering, lawn care, tree and shrub care and soil cultivation. Today, GARDENA is a leading European supplier of high-quality gardening tools and distributed in more than 100 countries worldwide. GARDENA is a brand of Husqvarna Group. Further information on gardena.com.