Tree Trimming Tools You Need To Know And Own

Top Five Must-have Tools for Tree Trimming

Before heading out to give your trees a makeover, make sure you have all the equipment you need. If you’re a first-time buyer and confused about which item to buy, here’s a list of the best tools for tree trimming you must add to your toolkit:

Pruning Shears

Also called secateurs or hand pruners, pruning shears are a type of scissors used for plants. Although it is not recommended to use them on larger branches, pruning shears are an indispensable tool for cutting stems and branches up to about two centimeters in diameter.

Pruning shears are light and very easy to use, so you can conveniently carry them around while attending to your garden and trimming your trees. Although small, hand pruners have strong and sharp blades, which means you can rely on them when ensuring that your plants and trees are in good shape all the time.

There are different types of blades you can choose from when buying pruning shears. If you are looking for a more durable and long-lasting option, carbon steel blades are great. But in case you want something resistant to corrosion, you would like to go for stainless steel hand pruners.

Loppers

With long, sturdy handles, loppers are an incredible tool to add to your trimming arsenal. It allows you to reach far with minimal exertion, so you can comfortably cut twigs and smaller branches without the need for a larger piece of equipment.

When it comes to cutting action, you’ll find two types of loppers: anvil and bypass loppers. Anvil loppers are equipped with a blade that cuts to the center of the fat lower base. They are more user-friendly but less precise than bypass.

Bypass loppers are a more popular option with a blade the cuts past a thick base as it closes. They are often used for those looking for more accurate slices.

Loppers can actually cut virtually anything that hand pruners can. However, they can be easy to misuse, causing the blades to dull faster. Make sure you keep them sharp and clean them before storage.

Pole saw

A well-manicured yard or garden is a nice thing to have, but often it requires more than just cutting twigs or small branches. In that case, you will need a pole saw, which is an incredible tool known for its functionality and versatility.

As the name suggests, a pole saw is a small saw mounted on a long handle or pole, used to trim branches beyond your arm’s reach. It may be a miniature saw but powerful enough to take care of your landscaping and tree trimming needs. It can also be powered by batteries, electricity, or gas, so you can choose the right one for your budget and needs.

The gas-powered pole saws are a popular choice among professional landscapers. They are typically easy to use, heavy-duty, and provide fantastic cutting powers. Electric pole saws are available in various sizes and reach, but professional-level models often extend to around six to ten feet.

Battery-operated pole saws may be less powerful than gas-powered ones. But if you are looking for a very quiet tool with low noise levels, this type of pole saw is a great choice.

Hedge Shears

Unlike pruning shears that you can easily carry around in your pocket or fit in the palm of your hand, hedge shears look like giant scissors with their pair of long, straight blades. Thanks to such long blades, hedge shears can cut a much larger area with every stroke than other tree trimming tools.

Hedge shears are typically used for cutting through soft, non-woody stems of trees and plants. You cannot really rely on them for efficiently and cleanly cutting through woods. But due to their ability to cut long, straight lines, they are great for maintaining a straight-edged hedge.

If you want to keep your greenery to be in great shape, hedge shears are a must-have tool to consider. Its long blades are also ideal for trimming hard-to-reach stems and twigs in large bushes.

Pruning saw

You can accomplish a lot using a pole saw, loppers, or shears, but if you are doing more serious tree trimming, then you will need a pruning saw to complete the job. Pruning saws come in many different types and styles and can take on bigger branches from 1.5 to five inches in diameter.

Pruning saws are a type of hand saws, as they are not electric- or gas-powered. They often have a curved blade between six to twelve inches in length and are used for pruning and trimming trees. They play a crucial role in improving your trees’ growth by removing overgrown or dead branches from your healthy greeneries.

Tree Trimming Safety Gear and Practices

Before using any of these tools, make sure you follow proper safety guidelines to avoid any accidents or prevent injury. No matter what piece of equipment you choose, these tools have incredibly sharp blades, which could hurt you or those around you.

Other safety measures you should always consider include:

• Read and follow instructions in the operating manual before using any trimmer or tree pruner.
• Wear a pair of durable, non-slip gloves when trimming trees to help protect your hands from cuts, scratches, and blisters.
• Wear a jacket or a long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms from scrapes and cuts.
• Use safety goggles to protect your eyes. You never know when sharp leaves or a branch might suddenly spring toward your face.
• Clean your work area of glass, metal, debris, and stones.
• Don’t overreach, and keep your balance at all times.

Full tree trimming safety gear | Source: Dir.ca.gov

In Summary

Whether you are a professional landscaper or a homeowner struggling with tree trimming and pruning, you’re more likely to succeed if you use the right tree trimming tool for the job. If you haven’t got any of these tools yet, now is the time to add them to your toolbox to complete your yard work and ensure that your trees look neat and stay healthy all the time. And remember, always practice caution when handling any of these dangerous cutting materials.