The Best Dormant Pruning Tools for Roses
Greetings! Winter still has its grip on the farm, the rain came down this week. I'm talking 3 inches in a 3 day time period, so much rain, but signs of the coming season are emerging. Our peach and apricot trees started to blossom and the daffodils are popping. The days are getting longer, and I'm deep into preparations for a busy spring ahead. In warmer zones (10-8), it's the perfect time to tackle dormant pruning—a crucial step in setting up our roses and other perennials for a strong growing season.
Essential Pruning Tools
Last week, we explored the "why" and "when" of dormant pruning, one of the most crucial practices for maintaining healthy, productive roses. By removing dead, diseased, or weak growth, we prepare our plants for strong, vibrant blooms in the months to come. But pruning isn't just about making cuts—it's about making the right cuts with the right tools. The proper equipment can make all the difference, improving efficiency, precision and plant health while making the task far less labor-intensive. High-quality, ergonomic tools not only reduce strain on your hands but also ensure cleaner cuts that promote faster, healthier healing for your plants.
Over the years, I've tested dozens of tools, and trust me—when you're pruning thousands of roses, you quickly learn the value of investing in the best. The right tools don't just make the job easier; they make it enjoyable. I've curated a list of my favorite, tried-and-true workhorses, and I'm sharing them with you today.
Essential Pruning Tools
- Bionic Rose Gloves – Durable and protective, these gloves provide excellent thorn resistance without sacrificing dexterity.
- ARS Pruning Shears – Sharp, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, these shears make clean cuts that promote plant health.
- Felco Rose Pruning Shears (F 100) – Unique twin-blade design for precise, clean cuts, an ergonomic handle for comfort—ideal for effortlessly pruning rose stems.
- Fiskars Power Tooth Folding Saw – Perfect for tackling thicker branches with its sharp, efficient blade.
- Fiskars 15” PowerGear Super Pruner/Garden Lopper – A versatile tool that provides extra leverage for tough cuts.
- Fiskars 28” Steel Blade Garden Bypass Lopper – Great for reaching and cutting through thicker stems with minimal effort.
- DeWalt Hedge Trimmer – A powerful tool for shaping and taking down the height of the plant.
- DeWalt Max XR Blower – Use to quickly clear away pruned debris and keep workspaces tidy.
- Gorilla Carts Garden Dump Cart – A workhorse for hauling away pruning waste or transporting heavy tools with ease.
- Rubbermaid Commercial Round Brute Container 32 gal – Heavy-duty durability, a large capacity for debris and easy handling with reinforced grip handles.
This week, take stock of your current pruning tools and assess their condition. Replace or upgrade any outdated or inefficient tools. Practice good hygiene and clean your tools before pruning; otherwise, if you have a disease infestation, you may spread it from one plant to the next. If you already completed your dormant pruning good for you! Take notes on what worked well and what could be improved for next season. Start building a wishlist of tools to invest in for next year or take advantage of seasonal sales to stock up now.
Next week, we'll dive into the Five D's of Dormant Rose Pruning—my simple yet effective framework to guide you though your dormant pruning projects. Got pruning questions? I want to make dormant rose pruning simple and stress-free for you! SIGN UP for my weekly newsletter and send me your question to be featured next week in my Dear Felicia Q&A Series.
THE LIST: THINGS I'M LOVING THIS WEEK
- Rainy evenings are perfect for a HEARTY soup, and this Minestrone was my savior last week. Toss the ingredients into a slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you'll have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy. It's a recipe that serves generously—I feed my family of four with half and freeze the rest for an easy, delicious meal later on.
- Last year, we introduced a new step in our shipping process at Menagerie. After scanning packages to mark them as fulfilled in our shipping software, we began stamping them with a cheerful red HAPPY face. Initially, this was just a way to ensure we didn't miss a step in the fulfillment process. However, it has turned into something more—a delightful detail that our customers look forward to seeing on their packages. I've even received a few requests asking where to find the "happy stamp." So, here it is for anyone interested! I hope you grab one and start spreading joy with every stamp. It's amazing how something as simple as a smiley face can brighten someone's day.
- A tool you never knew you needed! This versatile handheld calculator seamlessly converts feet, inches, fractions, decimals, yards, and meters, while also handling square areas and cubic volumes. Daily I am repairing, fixing, or replacing something on the farm, this HANDY device is far more convenient and user-friendly than pulling out my phone. Get one now and thank me later when you are tackle your next garden project!
- Every year, I make heart-shaped waffles for our Valentine's Day breakfast. My kids always think they're so “FANCY” but little do they know, the secret lies in the simplest, most budget-friendly waffle mix. It's so much better than the “fancy” mixes I've tried.
- This week for Sunday Self-Care, I'm returning to an old favorite: my TRUSTED Lancer skincare routine. Cleanse, polish, nourish—simple yet transformative. I feel like a brand-new person!
WARMLY, AS EVER,
JOIN THE FUN!
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You can also find me on Instagram for more rose garden inspiration and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. You can check out my favorite rose varieties and browse garden supplies at the Menagerie Shop! I also have all of things I love for my home, garden and life in easy to find collections on my Amazon Storefront and my new ShopMy Page.
Photos by: Jill Carmel Photography
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