An Israeli garden withstanding heat and sun requires the right tools and working at the right time. Sharp pruning shears, quality hoe, and good cultivator save time and ensure your plants survive the summer. This guide explains when and how to use each tool.
Quick Summary
✅ Prune trees in late winter (February-March) before spring blooms
✅ Hoe the garden in the morning — not at noon in the hot sun
✅ Sharp shears cut correctly; dull shears crush and wound the trunk
✅ Prune hedges after rain — branches are more flexible
✅ Oil garden tools after each use — prevents rust
Basic Garden Tools Every Gardener Needs 🧰
For an Israeli garden: 8-inch pruning shears for regular pruning, hedge shears for hedges, hoe for hoeing and weed removal, 3-prong cultivator for soil aeration. For olives and large fruit trees: add a pruning saw or long-handle shears.
⚠️ Pruning in Summer Heat — Risk to Plants
Heavy pruning in summer months (July-September) can cause wound death — the plant cannot protect itself. Prune before summer or after summer. Urgently — only prune broken and dangerous branches.
Step by Step — Working in the Garden Correctly 👷
1. Pruning trees with shears 🌳
Cut at a 45° angle above a bud, 5mm from the bud. The angle lets rain run off the stem. Never cut completely straight — water will pool and rot. After cutting large branches: apply pruning paste to the wound.
2. Correct pruning time in Israel 📅
- Jan-Mar: winter pruning for fruit trees (olive, citrus, apple)
- May-Jun: light summer pruning to remove dry branches
- Aug-Sep: do not prune fruit trees — they are under summer stress
- After first rain: prune hedges (September-November)
3. Hedge pruning with hedge shears 🌿
Prune bottom to top (not top to bottom) — so the hedge is wider at the base and gets sunlight to the lower parts too. Maintain a straight line with a string stretched between two posts.
4. Hoeing (soil) with a garden hoe 🔨
Hoe only 4-6cm deep — deeper damages roots. Direction: from the center outward around plant roots. Hoe after watering — moist soil is easier to work.
5. Breaking up soil with a 3-prong cultivator 🌱
After hoeing — use the cultivator to break up soil clumps and improve aeration. Work in crossing directions: forward-backward, then sideways.
6. Cleaning and storage after work 🧹
Rinse each tool with water and dry with a cloth. Apply Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to metal parts before long storage — prevents rust even in Israel's damp winters.
💡 Pro Tip
Sharp shears = small wound = fast healing. Check sharpness before each pruning season: cut a piece of paper — good shears cut in one clean stroke. If they tear — send for sharpening at a blacksmith or buy a replacement blade.
Products at ramo.co.il 🛒
| Image | Product | Price (incl. VAT) | Stock | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | מזמרה לגינה 8 אינץ מקצועית DINGQI | **₪18** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
 | מזמרה מקצועית 8 אינץ RAMOX | **₪41** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
 | מספרי גדר חי 55 ס"מ RAMOX | **₪45** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
 | מעדר גינה ידית עץ RAMOX | **₪18** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
 | מקלטר 3 שיניים RAMOX | **₪15** incl. VAT | ✅ In Stock | 🛒 Buy |
Products You'll Need ⭐
DINGQI Professional 8 Inch Garden Pruning Saw
₪18
View product
8-Inch Professional Pruner – Precise and Easy Cutting
₪44
View product
55cm Hedge Shears – Quality Gardening Tools
₪45
View product
Garden Hoe with Wooden Handle – Perfect Gardening Tool
₪26
View product
3-Prong Cultivator – Perfect for Precise Gardening
₪15
View productFAQ ❓
When should I prune olive trees in Israel?
January-February are the ideal months for olive pruning in Israel — after harvest and before flowering. Prune 20-30% of the volume each year to renew fruiting branches.
How do I know the shears need sharpening?
Three signs: the cut isn't clean (torn not cut), you need more force than usual, and/or you hear a crushing sound during pruning. Sharpen with a special pruner sharpening stone.
Can I prune a hedge in winter?
Yes, but carefully. Deciduous hedge trees (like ligustrum) are pruned in winter. For evergreens — only prune sick branches; heavy winter pruning may damage them.
What's the difference between a hoe and a cultivator?
A hoe is for cutting weeds and breaking soil — a sharp tool for vertical action. A cultivator is for loosening and aerating soil — tines for shallow horizontal work.
How often should I oil garden tools?
At least once at the start of the season and once at the end. Moving joints (like shear pivots) — before each extended exposure to water (prolonged rain or irrigation).
Conclusion
Quality garden tools with correct maintenance last years and ensure a green, healthy garden. Choose your tools at ramo.co.il and work smarter.