How To Trim A Tree

The right tools are the key to successful pruning. When stocking your toolshed, make sure you choose quality tools that will last. While they may be more expensive, high-quality tools are often of better quality and offer replacement parts. They can also withstand repeated sharpenings and can last a lifetime.

The size of the branches that you are pruning will play a major role in choosing the right tool. It is better to cut smaller branches than larger ones, as a tree can close a small wound much more quickly than one that is larger.

It will be easier to prune trees if you do it when they are young.

Hand Pruner

Hand pruners are best for cutting branches that have a diameter of less than 1 inch. You can get the best cuts with bypass pruners. They are like a pair of scissors and have a curved cutting edge that glides past a wider blade.

Lopper

A lopper, also known as lopping shears is the best tool for cutting branches up to 2 inches in diameter. The branch size that the lopper will cut should be indicated on its label. Bypass cutting blades are more efficient and less likely to damage plant tissue. Many lopper designs have a gear-like feature that increases cutting power and multiplies your effort. Loppers with handles of different lengths and telescopes to extend your reach are good options.

Pruning Saw

The majority of pruning saws can cut branches up to 3 inches in diameter. However, they can be used to cut larger branches with greater effort. The blades are made of tempered metal and can be used for many purposes. Pruning saws are different from other saws. They cut both on the pull stroke and the push stroke. This ensures that each movement produces a cut.

Rope Saw

A rope saw is a chain-type cutter blade that can be used to cut branches up to 5 inches in diameter. However, it will also cut through thicker limbs more efficiently. Rope saws can be used to cut branches up to 25 feet in height. To increase reach, you can add extension ropes.

Chainsaw

When you have limbs that are more than 3 inches thick, a chainsaw is the best choice. A certified arborist is recommended if your job involves a chainsaw.

Pole Pruner

You can use a pole pruner to trim branches that are too far away. Pole pruners can cut branches up to 2 inches wide. A bypass pruner is the best choice for cutting clean, healthy branches. A pole pruner with interchangeable tools for the pruning head, such as a bypass pruner or a pruning saw, will allow you to tackle larger branches more effectively.

Tool Maintenance

Sharp tools make the best cuts and reduce fatigue. Sharpen your pole, hand, and lopper pruners' cutting edges with a sharpening tool or stone. If your pruning saws are dull, you can have them professionally sharpened. You can either learn how to sharpen your chainsaws or rope saws by yourself or hire a professional.

When you are dealing with a tree that is infected, it's important to clean the tools between cuts. Pruning is a perfect place to introduce disease organisms like bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. By pruning in the dormant seasons, when disease organisms are not active, you can reduce the amount of sanitizing needed between cuts.

For disinfection between cuts, soak blades in Lysol, rubbing alcohol, or Listerine for 1-2 minutes. The corrosive metal-corroding chemicals Pine-Sol and Bleach can also be used to clean tools. After soaking them in the sanitizing solutions, wash your tools with soap and water. Before using, dry thoroughly.

After use, clean cutting blades. Use a rag that has been dipped in a solvent to clean the blades. To prevent rust, rub blades with lubricating oils. To keep tools running smoothly, lubricate moving parts and joints.

 

 

Tree Trimming Pros St Lucie

Port St. Lucie, FL