Q: I have a pyracantha growing beside my house. You’ve really got to love gardening to prune one, as you will have to endure getting stuck by its thorns. Is there a better way?

A: I generally tell folks that hand pruning is best for shrubs but I can make an exception for pyracantha. Its thorns regularly draw blood when I prune. I bought a battery-powered hedge trimmer last fall and let me tell you, it is a life saver when pruning pampas grass or Chinese holly or pyracantha. I recommend you get one too, so you can save the blood-letting for your next doctor visit.