Three Tree Tools Every Homeowner Needs
If you have landscape trees, knowing how to maintain them and what tools to use is a must. Fortunately, mature trees only need a bit of annual maintenance to look their best, which can often be done by the homeowner. The key is having the right tools and knowing how to use them. Here are three must-have tools for any homeowner with trees.
#1: Bypass shears
Bypass shears have two blades that come together to slice cleanly through a branch without crushing it. When it comes to trees, these shears are for use on branches that are no larger than the size of your thumb in diameter. You will use them to cut back small overgrown branches and suckers. Suckers are the stems that sometimes spring up around the base of a tree or along the trunk below the main canopy of branches. Bypass shears are most used in spring and early summer when active new growth can lead to a profusion of shrubby, unwanted suckers and branches. Make sure to clean the shears with turpentine or isopryl alcohol after use. This will remove any sap so that the shears don't get stuck in a closed position.
#2: Pruning saw
A pruning saw is small, so you can fit it into tight angles. It for use on any branch that is too large for your bypass shears. These small toothed saws make quick work of larger branches that require removal, such as those damaged or dead. When removing a branch such as these, make the cut as close to the trunk juncture as possible. Any part of a dead branch left protruding can begin to rot, which attracts pests and disease. If you suspect disease was the cause of the branch's death, make sure to wipe down your saw with alcohol so any disease pathogens are killed. Otherwise, you could accidentally spread the disease to healthy trees the next time you use the saw.
#3: Pole pruner
A pole pruner is little more than a pair of shears or a small pruning saw on the end of a pole. The shears have a cord or rod you use to operate the pruner at the top of the pole. The purpose of a pole pruner is to remove damaged or dead branches from higher up in the canopy so you don't have to use a ladder. Keeping your feet firmly on the ground can be much safer than pulling out a ladder. The usage and care of pole pruners is similar to that of bypass shears and pruning saws.
If you need more help for pesky branches, contact your area tree service, such as Carlos Tree Service Inc.