PRUNING
101
Why Maintain Your Tools?
- Reduce
the spread of disease
- Make
clean cuts
-
Prevent rust & damage
Steps to Cleaning & Sharpening Your
Tools
-
With soapy water and Scotch Brite pad or steel wool remove any sap or dirt on
blade, handle and mechanisms.
- Place
sharpening tool against the beveled blade edge pushing in forward motion away
from the inside of the tool to the outer tip of the blade. (I suggest using a
Corona 8300 sharpening tool or oil stone with light mix of oil ½ kerosene &
½ 30 oil.)
-
Run sharpening tool lightly on the outside flat edge of the blade to remove any
metal burrs.
- Using a cloth, wipe down blade and mechanisms with light
oil mix to help prevent oxygen from oxidizing the steel
- WD-40 the gears and mechanisms
Why Prune?
- Encourage
healthy growth
-
Rejuvenate older plants
-
Maintain shape & size
-
Encourage flower & fruit production
Dormant Pruning – (November-March) This is the best time to prune while
plants are in a dormant state to avoid damage to plant. Invigorates new growth.
Spring & Fall Pruning – (post dormancy & pre dormancy) The least desirable
time to prune as it can leave plants most vulnerable.
Summer Pruning – Reduces vigorous new growth and slows re-growth. Heavy
pruning should be avoided.
4 Basic Pruning Rules
-
Remove dead, dying & diseased limbs
-
Thin crossing branches and limbs heading into the interior of the plant
-
Eliminate hazardous branches
-
Repair damage
For More Pruning Information with great visual diagrams visit the website link to the
Other Great Pruning Resources Include:
HAPPY PRUNING!
