Hacker or Manicurist? Your Pruning Style Says A Lot About You – And The Plants You Should Grow
Did you know the way you prune reveals more about you than you think? Here’s what it says about your personality – and the plants you should be growing.
Right about now is when pruning season begins in earnest, and is it any wonder? Forget the plants being ready; as the days lengthen, the sun makes her much-awaited return, and the first signs of new growth appear, we're always looking for an excuse to step outside and take stock of our gardens.
Pruning often provides us with exactly this. As temperatures begin to rise and plants come out of winter dormancy, removing all of those damaged, dead or overcrowded stems (aka the Three Ds) improves airflow and allows more light to reach the center of the plant, but it also makes us feel like... well, like master gardeners (or as close to master gardeners as we're ever going to get).
Still, if you’ve ever hesitated before making that first snip – or gone in a little too enthusiastically – you’re not alone. Some of us cut boldly, others with careful precision, and some would rather leave things alone altogether. It's unsurprising, then, that this seemingly simple garden chore reveals a lot about us and how we approach our outdoor spaces.
Article continues belowWhat Your Pruning Style Says About You
Yes, the way you prune says more about you than you might think. Whether you’re a decisive hacker, a detail-loving perfectionist, or a timid trimmer, your approach shapes not only the look of your garden, but the plants that will flourish in it.
And once you understand your pruning personality, choosing what to grow (and how to care for it, obviously) becomes a whole lot easier. With that in mind, then....
1. The Hacker
Are you fond of making bold, decisive cuts that sometimes feel a little chaotic? Then you're a happy hacker.
Branches fly, symmetry is optional, and growth is embraced, which makes a lot of sense. After all, you’re spontaneous, confident, and prefer action over perfection. Your garden is full of energy, reflecting your lively approach to life – but make sure you platy to your strengths by planting fast-growing shrubs, espaliered fruit trees, and perennial borders.
If you’re unsure whether a plant should be pruned now, gardeners often follow Monty Don's simple rule: if it flowers in spring, prune after flowering. If summer’s when the flowers appear, prune in winter (or early in the year). And take care, too, to focus on strong, healthy cuts.
Finally, know this: overdoing it can harm growth, true, but don’t ever be a hesitant hacker. Pants are resilient and will usually bounce back.
2. The Manicurist
Do you find yourself stepping back, shears in hand, checking every angle before you make a cut? Then congratulations, for you’re a classic perfectionist.
Every branch is considered, every shape intentional, and symmetry is deeply satisfying – which speaks volumes about you. Like, say, the fact that you’re detail-oriented, patient, and take pride in a garden that looks as polished as it is healthy.
No surprises here, but formal hedges, topiary, and roses are your natural match, rewarding your careful approach with structure and beauty. Just be mindful not to overdo it. Plants aren’t meant to be perfectly perfect, and a little natural irregularity can actually keep them stronger in the long run.
3. The Free Spirit
Do you prefer to let your garden do its own thing, stepping in only when absolutely necessary? Don't let anyone call you lazy – you're actually a wonderfully free spirit.
Pruning is minimal, shapes are organic, and there’s a relaxed, effortless feel to everything you grow. You’re laidback, patient, and drawn to the beauty of imperfection – which is why wildflowers, fragrant vines, and naturalistic perennials thrive in your care.
That said, don’t skip pruning altogether. Removing dead or diseased stems will keep your garden healthy while still preserving that wonderfully untamed look.
4. The Tactical Planner
Do you time your pruning to the season, the plant, the wisdom of ancient gardeners before you, and even the next flush of blooms? Then you’re a tactical planner.
Every cut has a purpose, whether it’s encouraging flowers, improving structure, or boosting productivity. You’re organized, thoughtful, and always one step ahead, which makes fruit trees, structured ornamentals, and repeat-flowering roses a perfect fit for your garden.
Your strength is strategy, so keep leaning into it. Just remember to stay flexible; nature doesn’t always follow a plan, and sometimes the best results come from adapting as you go.
5. The Experimentalist
Do you like to try something a little different, whether it’s shaping, styling, or testing out new techniques? Then howdy to you, you clever little experimentalist!
Your garden is a playground for creativity, with unusual forms, bold cuts, and the occasional happy accident. You’re curious, imaginative, and not afraid to break the rules, all of which makes bonsai, topiary, and unusual shrubs ideal for your space.
Just be sure to balance creativity with knowledge. Understanding how a plant grows will help your experiments succeed... and keep your garden thriving, not just surprising.
6. The Timid Trimmer
Do you hesitate before making a cut, worried you might get it wrong and emotionally unable to deal with the fallout? Then you’re likely a timid trimmer.
Listen, your approach may be careful, thoughtful, and a little cautious, but that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it means you notice details others might miss and take your time getting things right. Low-maintenance shrubs, hardy perennials, and forgiving plants are a great fit, giving you room to build confidence without pressure.
The key is to be brave enough to start. Pruning is essential for plant health, and once you’ve made that first cut, you’ll quickly realise just how resilient your garden really is.
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Where branches are more than a couple of inches in diameter, this saw has an astounding cutting action.
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This set of pruning shears is perfect for tough woody stems and tough branches up to 1 inch thick.
Look, no pruning style is wrong, whatever anyone might tell you. Each comes with its strengths, ideal plant matches, and small challenges to keep your garden thriving. By embracing your pruning personality and pairing it with plants suited to your approach, you’ll find gardening more enjoyable... and your plants will thank you for it.
So whether you’re snipping boldly like a hacker, carefully orchestrating every cut as a manicurist, or cautiously testing the waters as a timid trimmer, there’s a perfect match in your garden for you... and maybe a new plant to try this spring.
Good luck!
