How to use pruning sickles: the garden tool everyone needs

During the fall and winter months, pruning can feel like a never-ending job. If you have lots of clumps of perennials such as coneflowers, black-eyed sunflower and salvia, it is important to cut the plant back to the base before shoots emerge in the spring. Luckily, I have a tool that makes this time-consuming gardening job quick and easy.

When I was working at Aberglasney Gardens in Wales a few years ago, the head gardener introduced me to sickle pruning. This traditional tool easily cuts perennial stems and is now one of many garden accessories that I don’t want to be without.

If you’re interested in investing in some new essential pruning tools, or perhaps want to find out about Japanese gardening tools, my sickle pruning guide has all the information and deals you need to know.

Garden tools on a self-made wooden frame

What are cut sickles?

When it comes to supplies for your gardening, certain tools can really make a difference. For example, hori-hori knives can speed up weeding and bulb planting, while high-quality pruning sickles are essential when it comes to pruning annuals and perennials.

Sickles have curved metal blades, either smooth or serrated, that easily cut through grass, leaves and stems. Pruning sickles have been a traditional tool in fields and gardens for centuries, and when you use one you quickly see why.

Buy cutting sickles

Japanese weeding sickle garden tool

Billhook Sickle Machete Knife Brush for Cleaning Sickle Machetes with Carbon Steel Blade

Shanfeek Japanese weeding sickle hoe, garden tools

How to use pruning sickles

Garden sickle cuts the grass edge of a lawn

(Image credit: Getty Images/Kristyna Sindelkova)

Hold the plant material you want to cut in one hand while wielding the pruning shears with the other hand to cut through the stems and leaves. If you have a serrated blade, use more of a chopping motion to allow the blade’s teeth to cut through. Be careful when wielding the sickle and pull the blade toward you when pruning.

The trick is to limit the amount you cut. In my experience, it is much easier to cut through smaller amounts of vegetation than to go through the hassle of cutting through a large amount of stems.

Pruning sickles are available on Amazon and make excellent gifts for gardening enthusiasts.

How to care for pruning sickles

Pruning sickle and hori hori knife in a garden

(Image credit: Alamy/Rob Walls)

Like any tool, pruning sickles require regular maintenance to ensure the best performance. Additionally, proper care extends the life of your tools, so you don’t have to buy new accessories every year.

Perhaps the most important part of pruning sickle care is sharpening the blade. With frequent use and contact with various trunks and branches, the blade can quickly become dull, making it less effective at cutting.

First, you should always clean garden tools by removing dirt and debris with a warm solution, such as this tool cleaner available on Amazon. Once your blade is clean, use a sharpening stone available on Amazon that will allow you to easily sharpen your pruning tool.

In the fall, when pruning is a constant task, you may need to clean your pruning sickle several times. Although this may seem like a chore, it is an important task that makes the job a lot easier.

Accessories for cutting sickles

Sharpal 103n All-In-1 Knife Garden Tool Multiple Sharpener

Wider Garden Kneeler and Seat Heavy Duty Thick Garden Bench

Cleaning tool, juice and rust eraser set

FAQs

Which is better: a serrated or a smooth cutting sickle?

Both serrated and smooth cutting sickles are effective. However, serrated blades are better for cutting through tough stems like ornamental grasses and established perennials, while smooth blades are ideal for harvesting herbs and cutting back thin stems like annual flowers. It wouldn’t be a bad thing to have both in your tool shed.

Pruning sickles are effective gardening tools, but be warned, they are incredibly sharp and can cause serious damage. Always keep your tool shed locked and keep garden tools out of the reach of children.

For more garden ideas or garden inspiration, check out our guide to potting shed organizer deals to keep your storage areas and tools neat and tidy.

How to use pruning sickles: the garden tool everyone needs

ByAmelia Journalton

What are cut sickles?

By Amelia Journalton

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