After Pruning

Should you seal pruning cuts?  Recommended pruning sealants include orange shellac, rose paste, tree-wound paint, and aerosol sprays.  I used these concoctions the first two years I pruned seriously.  Later I learned that sealing was just so much busywork, since it's really meant for those who must protect against caneborers, and those pests aren't found in my area.  Check to see if you have any such pests or if your local consulting rosarian know of any other regional peculiarity that might require sealing.

As for sealing pruning "wounds," that shouldn't be necessary if you prune at the right time.  If sealing is required in your area, you might at least restrict your efforts to those cuts larger than one-half inch in diameter.

Cleaning up after pruning is another matter.  Everyone must do it.  All foliage, twigs, and cuttings should be removed from bush areas; they just lead to disease.

After you prune, settle back in your easy chair and read the catalogues that have begun arriving; they'll tempt you.  So will I with my twenty-four best bets.