Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-25 Origin: Site
Spring and autumn are the two most critical seasons in garden management. Everything sprouts in spring, and autumn is the golden period for plant pruning and preparation for winter. Whether it is pruning shrubs, shaping flowers and trees, or cleaning dead branches and diseased branches, a sharp and suitable pruning shears is your right-hand man. Mastering the correct methods and precautions can not only make plants grow healthier, but also improve the overall ornamental value of the garden. The following is a practical guide for using pruning shears for garden maintenance during the spring and autumn seasons.
1. Spring pruning: stimulate growth and shape the outline
Spring is the most active stage of plant metabolism. Timely pruning can promote the germination of new branches, adjust the plant shape, and enhance ventilation and light transmission.
Remove dead branches in winter
Low temperatures in winter often cause some branches to freeze and die. Observe the plants in early spring, identify the dull and shriveled dead branches, and cut them off from the base with pruning shears to prevent them from consuming nutrients or breeding bacteria.
Light pruning and shaping
For ornamental shrubs, roses and other flowering plants, you can lightly prune the branches appropriately to correct the shape and avoid messy branches. When pruning, the cut should be about 0.5 cm away from the bud point and tilted at 45° to the direction of the bud point, which is conducive to wound drainage and healing.
Pruning overcrowded branches
Dense branches will cause poor internal ventilation and insufficient light. Pruning cross branches and parallel branches in spring can make the plants grow healthier.
2. Autumn pruning: finishing maintenance and disease prevention for winter
Autumn is a period when plant growth gradually slows down and begins to recuperate. Pruning at this time can reduce the hidden dangers of diseases and pests and prepare for growth next year.
Pruning diseased and insect-infested branches
The high temperature and rainy season in summer are prone to high incidence of diseases and pests. In autumn, clean up branches with traces of diseases and insects (such as blackening, rot, and insect bites), and cut them off and destroy them thoroughly.
Thinning out overgrown branches
Pruning overgrown branches in autumn can help maintain the beautiful shape of the plant and avoid being crushed by snow in winter. The cut of the long branches should be close to the main trunk to keep them clean.
Moderate pruning
For some perennial shrubs, such as hydrangea and honeysuckle, the main branches can be moderately shortened to reduce energy consumption during the winter and promote branching next year.
3. Tips for using pruning shears
Keep the blade sharp
Blunt pruning is not only laborious, but also easy to tear branches and leave wounds. Use a whetstone to sharpen the blade before use to ensure a smooth cut.
Disinfect scissors
When pruning diseased branches, wipe the blade with 75% alcohol or potassium permanganate solution at any time to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Correct force
When pruning thicker branches, first use a small saw or pruning shears to assist in cutting the epidermis, and then apply force to cut it off to avoid excessive force that causes the branches to split.
4. Post-pruning care
After pruning, apply healing agent or horticultural wax to the larger incision in time to reduce water evaporation and bacterial infection. Clean up the fallen branches and leaves in time to keep the ground clean and reduce pest breeding.
Conclusion
Pruning in spring and autumn is an indispensable part of garden maintenance. Using pruning shears well and mastering scientific methods can not only make plants grow stronger, but also make your garden full of vitality all year round. Every pruning is to lay the foundation for the prosperity and beauty of the next year. Take advantage of the change of seasons, prepare the pruning shears, and start a new round of garden care!
