As the gardening season transitions from autumn to winter, the desire to start pruning and tidying up the garden can be tempting. However, as professional landscaper and gardening enthusiast Ben Hamilton Anderson points out, patience is essential. In a recent YouTube video, Ben shares valuable insights on the importance of letting the garden rest during the cooler months, while also diving into an often-overlooked aspect of gardening—proper tool maintenance, specifically secateurs (hand pruners).
The Right Time for Garden Pruning
Though many gardeners are eager to get started, Ben emphasizes the importance of holding off on pruning tasks. Late autumn, while still bustling with life, isn’t the right time for heavy pruning. Ben recommends waiting until late January for herbaceous perennials, with rose pruning best reserved for February and March. This allows the garden to experience the full spectrum of seasonal change, benefiting plant health and promoting vigorous spring growth.
It’s important to note that pruning schedules can vary depending on the region and climate. Gardeners in colder areas may need to wait until late March or April, while those in milder climates may begin slightly earlier. As Ben suggests, following the cues of nature—such as the first signs of new growth—and consulting local gardening resources can help determine the best timing.
By giving the garden a quiet period, gardeners avoid stressing plants during a time when they naturally conserve energy. Cutting too soon can disrupt this balance, leaving the plants vulnerable to frost damage or weakened regrowth.
Choosing the Right Secateurs for the Job
While the video touches on seasonal advice, Ben takes time to answer one of the most frequently asked questions he receives—what secateurs are best for the job? Without hesitation, he recommends Felco secateurs, a brand he has relied on for over 30 years. Specifically, Ben prefers the Felco No. 8 model, which accommodates larger hands and offers comfortable use for extended periods.
Follow along with the original video here:
For those considering secateurs as a holiday gift or personal investment, Ben suggests visiting a garden center or trade show to handle different models. Feeling the weight, balance, and grip can make a significant difference in selecting a pair that feels like a natural extension of the hand. Left-handed options and rotating handles designed to reduce wrist strain are also available, ensuring that all gardeners can find a suitable tool.
Bypass vs. Anvil Secateurs – Which is Better?
Ben highlights an important distinction between two major types of secateurs—bypass and anvil models—and explains why the choice matters.
- Bypass secateurs feature two curved blades that pass by each other, similar to scissors. This design allows for clean, precise cuts, making them ideal for live stems and branches. They are less likely to crush or damage plant tissue, promoting faster healing.
- Anvil secateurs, on the other hand, have a single blade that cuts down onto a flat surface (the anvil). These are typically used for cutting dead wood or thicker branches where crushing is less of a concern. While effective, they can sometimes leave jagged cuts when used on live stems, increasing the risk of tearing bark.
Ben makes it clear that bypass secateurs are his preferred tool for most pruning tasks due to their ability to make smooth, clean cuts—particularly important when working with roses or delicate plants.
Why Quality Matters
The longevity and reliability of Felco secateurs make them stand out. Ben humorously compares them to a classic barber coat—durable, practical, and even eligible for professional reconditioning. Felco offers a service where tools can be sent back for a full overhaul, returning them sharpened, polished, and ready for action. However, day-to-day maintenance is equally important to ensure that these tools remain in top condition.
Step-by-Step Maintenance for Secateurs
Ben’s tutorial focuses on a detailed process for cleaning and sharpening secateurs, stressing that sharp, clean tools lead to healthier plants and easier work. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of the secateurs but also ensures cleaner cuts, which minimize the risk of disease transfer.
Here’s a breakdown of his recommended process:
- Clean Regularly
Ben advises keeping a disinfectant-soaked cloth or rag on hand during pruning sessions. Wiping secateurs between cuts reduces the spread of pathogens and fungal spores, which can be especially critical when pruning roses prone to diseases.
- While Ben references brands like Zoflora, gardeners in North America might prefer more widely available options such as isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%), bleach diluted at 1:10 ratio, or commercial horticultural disinfectants. The key is using a solution that effectively kills pathogens without corroding the blades.
- Lubricate Frequently
A can of WD-40 or similar lubricant is essential for keeping secateurs rust-free and smooth. Ben even recounts instances where lost secateurs left out for months were restored with a generous application of WD-40. A quick spray after each use protects the blades and mechanisms from moisture. - Sharpening
To maintain sharp blades, Ben uses a diamond sharpening block passed down through his family. He stresses that sharpening secateurs regularly—sometimes even daily during heavy pruning seasons—makes the task easier and less strenuous. A sharp blade creates clean cuts, reducing the chance of damaging plant stems. Sharpening stones or specific sharpening tools for garden shears can also be used, depending on preference. - Disassemble for Deep Cleaning
Felco secateurs come with a key for disassembly, allowing gardeners to take the tool apart for thorough cleaning. While Ben doesn’t do this daily, he recommends a full breakdown if the tools show significant sap buildup. He wipes down each part carefully, ensuring that dirt and grime don’t accumulate in crevices. - Storage Matters
Ben briefly touches on the importance of keeping tools dry and properly stored. After cleaning and lubricating, secateurs should be kept in a dry location to prevent rust and corrosion. Hanging them or storing them in a toolbox ensures they stay in peak condition until the next use.
Final Thoughts
Tool maintenance may seem like a minor task in the grand scheme of gardening, but as Ben illustrates, it plays a vital role in the health of the garden and the efficiency of the gardener. Properly cared-for secateurs not only last for decades but also make pruning a joy rather than a chore.
For those looking to invest in quality gardening tools, Felco secateurs, with their reputation for durability and precision, remain Ben’s top choice. By incorporating these maintenance tips into their gardening routines, readers can ensure their tools stay sharp and ready, just like the garden waiting patiently for its time to bloom.
