What tool is best for cutting thick branches?
Pruning saws When a branch or stem is too thick to cut with secateurs or a lopper, a pruning saw is what you need. Designed with a variable-toothed blade, this allows for cutting on the pull and push stroke for faster sawing. If branches larger than the diameter of your wrist need to be removed or if there is a lot of work up ladders needed, it would be best to call in a professional arborist. Pollarding, crown lifting and crown thinning are also all best undertaken by a professional.When a branch or stem is too thick to cut with secateurs or a lopper, a pruning saw is what you need. Designed with a variable-toothed blade, this allows for cutting on the pull and push stroke for faster sawing. Our pruning saws are available with: Hardened steel blades for extra strength.Loppers. Great for branches up to 2 ½ inches thick and are especially useful for pruning fruit trees, nut trees, and vines. This tool is really similar to a pair of hand shears but the blades are thicker and the handle is much longer. Loppers also come in anvil, bypass and ratchet styles.
How thick of branches can garden cutters cut?
Pruning shears (or pruners, clippers or secateurs) These are probably the most-used tool when it comes to pruning shrubs, flowers, vines, and small growth on trees. Pruning shears are hand-held and can cut branches and twigs up to ¾ of an inch thick. Trimming is the process of cutting away overgrowth on plants to keep them looking neat while pruning aims to remove dead or diseased branches to maintain the plant’s health. Keep reading to learn how trimming is different from pruning, and why your trees and shrubs need both.Before pruning shrubs in hot, dry summer weather, take care to prepare them by watering beforehand to help them recover.Badly overgrown shrubs respond well to pruning in late winter/early spring, just before new leaves appear. Managing large shrubs isn’t done overnight. Instead, prune neglected, overgrown shrubs over three years. Each year, take out a third of the heaviest stems to start new growth development.We want to create trees that have good light and air circulation, attractive qualities, and strength. Trees can be pruned in four ways for general pruning: crown thinning, crown raising, crown reduction, and crown cleaning. The crown of the tree is involved in each pruning method.
How to cut a heavy branch?
Use the three-cut method when removing large branches. This prevents trunk damage caused by the weight of the branch ripping it and the bark off the tree. Make your first cut about one foot away from the trunk. Cut from the bottom, moving upward about 1/3 of the way through the branch. A pole saw with a 12 foot extension handle or a pruner can be used to cut tree limbs that are too high to reach. If the branches are smaller but higher, pole saw loppers can be used. They can cut a diameter of 1½ inches. The loppers can be placed over the branch and a rope can be used to pull off the branch.Pruning Saws Pruning saws are designed to cut branches larger than 1. They have curved or straight blades with sharp teeth that can easily slice through branches. Pruning saws are ideal for removing deadwood and large branches or cutting back thicker shrubs.Make the pruning cut at a lateral branch that is at least one-third the diameter of the stem to be removed.Cut branches on a 45 degree angle with the top towards the bud or branch you want to become the leader. Do not cut on too steep of an angle. Stay 1/8 away from the bud. Pruning on an angle allows water to drain off the surface, and helps the cut heal.
How to cut tree limbs that are too high to reach?
A pole saw with a 12 foot extension handle or a pruner can be used to cut tree limbs that are too high to reach. If the branches are smaller but higher, pole saw loppers can be used. They can cut a diameter of 1½ inches. The loppers can be placed over the branch and a rope can be used to pull off the branch. Most blades can cut branches up to 3/4 inches, but larger capacity trimmers are available. Blades are made either from steel (stainless or carbon) or aluminum. A hand guard protects you as you cut. Weight and balance are important since you’ll be holding the machine at chest height or higher.
What is the best pruner for dead branches?
For dead branches, an anvil pruner is the best tool for the job. At the most basic level, a bypass pruner is ideal for pruning and cutting live green stems. This tool makes the cleanest cuts, allowing the plant to properly heal and promote new growth. An anvil pruner easily cuts through dense material, like hard deadwood, without risking the plant, tree or tool.