TOOLS THAT MAKE THE CUT

HERE’S HOW TO GET YOUR GARDEN LOOKING TRIM, TAUT AND TERRIFIC!

The beauty of a garden is that it’s alive. The downside is it keeps growing – and needs a haircut once in a while. But one tool doesn’t cut all – there are different cutters for different jobs. Here’s how to choose the best one for your patch!

HEDGE SHEARS

The long, straight blades are designed to cut a much larger area with each stroke than any other pruning tool. You can also get them with a wavy edge to make it easier to grip stems as you cut, but these edges are harder to sharpen.

PRUNING SAW

Pruning saws look like carpentry saws, except that they’re designed for cutting through living timber. To make a clean cut and not damage your tree, first, make a cut underneath the limb you’re removing, about halfway through, then cut from the top to meet this boom cut. This way the limb doesn’t tear and a tract disease.

SECATEURS OR PRUNERS