Store pruning shears in a bucket of sand. It keeps them clean and rust free because sand wicks moisture.

Always disinfect shears with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar between uses to avoid disease transmission among plants followed by wiping them with WD40 to prevent sap build up and to make regular sharpening easier.

To sharpen your shears use fine sandpaper, aluminum foil, or if very dull a ceramic stone sharpener. With sandpaper, fold a piece in half gritty side outward. Make a few cuts in the paper, get a new piece of sandpaper and repeat.

Never prune pine trees in the summer. Always prune when they are dormant between December and April so they will not drip sap on your hardscape or patio furniture and so they will not attract beetles — because beetles are not active during that time. Always prune oak trees during their dormant season, June to September. It is best during the hottest days of summer to avoid attracting fungus. Azalea, viburnum and some hydrangea bloom on old wood so always prune them right after their bloom time in the spring. Before you prune be sure to research if the shrub blooms on old wood or new wood.