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The Garden FAQ Index |

Pruning Equipment

Know and practicing the rules of pruning are most
important, but almost equally important is using the right
tools. It's not necessary to have an extensive collection
of equipment. All you need are tools that are matched to
the job, keep a sharp edge, and are easy to sharpen and
handle.

Proper care will help equipment do a better job and last
longer. Keep equipment sharp and in good operating
condition and store it in a dry room. When pruning diseased
plants, disinfect all shear and saw blades with alcohol or
liquid chlorine bleach after each cut to prevent spreading
diseases to healthy plants.

Power equipment, such as lightweight chainsaws, can be
purchased or rented. These are particularly useful in
cutting fallen trees or large limbs. For pruning in trees,
power saws should be used only by professional landscape
managers.

Hedge shears are used mainly for shearing plants into
hedges or formal shapes. The most common type is manually
operated, but power driven shears may be more practical if
large areas of hedges are involved.

Pruning saws, both rigid and folding, are very useful
for cutting larger branches than hand shears or loppers can
handle. Tree saws are also available for cutting large tree
branches. Pruning saws, which usually cut on the pull
stroke, are preferred over carpenter's saws because they cut
faster and easier.

Pole pruners are used to remove tree branches that
cannot be reached from the ground. Two types are generally
available. One has a small tree saw attached to the end and
can be used to remove small as well as large branches. The
other and more commonly used type of pruner is similar to a
large pair of loppers. The operator pulls on a rope or
lever to bring about a cutting action.

Pruners of both types are available in various lengths.
The poles--wood or aluminum--either are one piece or consist
of collapsible sections.

Lopping shears are for cuts larger than those made with
hand shears. Usually they will cut branches up to 2 inches
or more, depending on the size of the blade opening. Select
loppers with handles no longer than are comfortable to use.

Hand pruning shears are of many kinds. Most of them are
designed for cutting stems up to 1/2 inch in diameter. If
you have to twist the shears to make a cut, the branch is
too large. Make a close cut by placing the blade of the
shears against the branch or trunk from which the limb is to
be removed. The blade should cut upward.

Credit for information from the following sources: Denver Botanic Gardens, MSU Extension Office, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension