There are a few good reasons to keep your pruning tools sharp. For one thing, it’s easier to prune with a sharp blade than a dull one. But more important, a cleaner cut heals faster and more efficiently, resulting in a healthier plant that will be better prepared to fight disease and insect infestation.

If you’ve ever wondered about how to sharpen pruners, then be sure to check out this video with Lee Reich. Reich is a horticultural consultant and the author of The Pruning Book, published by The Taunton Press.

You’ll need only simple tools to get your pruners sharpened: a carbide sharpening stone, a diamond sharpening stone, lubricant oil, and water.

STEP 1

Take the pruner apart. With bypass pruners, only one blade will get sharpened.

STEP 2

Pour some oil on the carbide sharpening stone, and lay the flat side of the pruner blade flat against the stone. Drag the blade across the stone several times.

STEP 3

Flip the blade over to the beveled side, and hold it against the stone at an angle. Slowly drag the blade at an angle across the carbide stone several times until it feels sharp to the touch.

STEP 4

Pour some water on the diamond stone, and lay the flat side of the pruner blade flat against the stone. Drag the blade across the stone several times.

STEP 4

Flip the blade over to the beveled side, and hold it against the stone at an angle. Slowly drag the blade at an angle across the diamond stone several times until it feels as sharp as you’d like it to be.

STEP 5

Reassemble the pruners, and tighten the gear.

If you use your pruners regularly, then you’ll need to sharpen them on a regular basis too. And always remember to clean dirt, debris, and sap off your pruners after every use. This will help extend their life and allow you to go longer between sharpenings.