Tree Trimming Tools For Homeowners

Regular tree trimming is an important part of landscape maintenance. Ideally, the trees are pruned annually by professionals, usually in late winter or early spring. It's also a good idea to have a few trimming and pruning tools on hand, that way you can maintain the trees the rest of the year.

Bypass Shears

Bypass shears make quick, clean cuts through smaller branches, typically those smaller than a pinky finger in width. Shears are excellent for quickly shaping a young tree or bush, or for removing suckers and twiggy growth along the trunks of larger trees. 

Loppers

Loppers have a long handle and a cutting head that is powerful enough to cut through slightly wider branches compared to those that bypass shears cut. Loppers work well for cutting out dead wood or trimming back overgrown branches. Loppers can also be used for trimming informal hedges and small bushes. 

Pruning Saw

A pruning saw allows you to make cuts on larger branches that need to be removed or trimmed back. These small saws are made to be maneuvered into tight spots, such as a narrow branch crotch. You can cut through a branch of just about any width with a good pruning saw, so they make a good all-purpose tool for maintaining trees between professional annual trims. 

Pole Saw

A pole saw allows you to trim and remove branches that are far overhead without the need for a dangerous ladder. It's a good idea to have a pole saw even if you typically have your trees trimmed professionally each year. A pole saw is a safe way to remove a damaged or broken branch between professional tree service, for example, such as in the event of storm damage.

Hedge Trimmers

Hedge trimmers are needed by every homeowner, but they are a must if you have some trees that have been trained to a more formal hedge. There are manual trimmers that are suitable if you only have moderate trimming needs or only want to maintain the trimming between professional trims. A powered hedge trimmer is a better investment if you have large hedges to trim. 

Chainsaw

For minor tasks, a smaller 18-inch chainsaw is suitable for the average homeowner. This size allows one to trim out larger branches quickly, or even to take down small trees that need to be removed. Along with a chainsaw, one also needs the proper safety equipment, such as eye protection and chaps. 

Contact a tree trimming service in your area for more assistance when it comes to maintaining your landscape trees. 


Share