Pruning Tools - It Pays to Own the Right Ones

Pruning task vary a great deal. Pruning can consist of removing a small, dead twig or a large branch. Naturally, the equipment used for pruning also varies a great deal. There are pruning tools designed for the small as well as large branches. To do a good job of pruning, you should have the proper equipment to meet the various tasks.

The Smallest Tool - The Knife

Starting with the smallest tools and working up, we have a knife. Yes, a knife is a pruning tool when you use it to nick off a dead twig or spent flower. Some knives labeled as “pruning” knives have massive blades alleged to cut off good-sized stems. Actually, though, larger branches should be cut with shears and only the very smallest material left for a knife then, even a good-sized penknife will do.

Hand shears naturally come next. Shears in themselves vary in size for different chores. The smallest is the “ladies” size. Even though they have a feminine tag on them this doesn’t mean that the men can’t use them too. They are useful for thin material, and especially for cutting rose blooms. Larger shears can be a handful and will take a heavier stem. In fact, you’ll find that most of your pruning will be done with hand shears. Another member of the hand-shears family is a pair which demands the use of two hands. These are too large to use with one hand but the handles are not long enough to classify them as loppers. Naturally, they will cut a stem larger than the one-handed kinds will.

There are two types of pruning shears available. One has a scissor-type cut. It has two sharp blades which cross over and cut as scissors do. The other type is the anvil-cut. On this type there is but one sharp blade and this comes to rest in a groove made in a section of soft metal the anvil. The cutting action here is similar to that of a knife used on a wooden bread board.

Loppers are used for even larger branches. The cutting head either scissor or anvil-type is a little larger than on the hand shears. In addition, it has long handles. By using two hands, a great deal of leverage is possible.

Pruning saws might come next. These are similar in appearance to a keyhole saw, which you may have in your basement shop. Pruning saws vary a great deal in size and cutting action. Some cut on the back stroke, just the reverse of normal saws. Also, the teeth are quite large to prevent them from clogging.

Tree pruners are specialty tools. Actually, they are small tools at the end of a long pole. The purpose, of course, is to reach into the tree while standing on the ground. The usual combination is a pruner activated by pulling a rope or extension grip and a saw. These can be purchased separately or in combination. Motorized models are also available.

Hedge trimmers are very important pruners to some gardeners. In fact, many small gardeners confine all their pruning to hedges. The conventional hedge shears with long scissor-like blades are still the favorite among many. They come with various lengths of blades, as well as straight or serrated (wavy) blades. Both types do an excellent job.

Electric or gas hedge trimmers are almost a must for the owner of several hundred feet of hedge. There are two styles: one has a straight blade and the other has a whirling blade resembling a miniature rotary lawn mower. The straight-bladed kinds have teeth which move back and forth, just like the teeth in a sickle-bar mower.

Chain saws, once thought to be a tool only for the professional forester, are very common for the home gardener. Naturally, they do a marvelous job of cutting and felling trees. Chain saws are big tools, but there are small models also, electric powered ones and gas powered as well, which is ideal for the gardener with a woodlot which needs thinning out from time to time. Pruning tools will last for years, provided you give them a little care. Keep them sharp which is necessary for a good pruning job and clean.

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