Pruning is the most prevalent method of tree care. Landscape trees, unlike forest trees, require more attention to maintain structural integrity and attractiveness. Pruning should be done with the knowledge of tree biology because inappropriate pruning can cause long-term damage or limit the tree’s life. Each cut can alter the tree’s growth, and it’s crucial to remember that no branch should be trimmed without reason. Removing dead branches to improve shape and safety, increasing light and air penetration for plants below the tree’s crown, or corrective and preventative measures are all common reasons for pruning.
If you live in Canada, you should know that city of Toronto is best for tree pruning. However, few special tools are used for pruning trees, and you can read about them in this article given below-
Best Tree Pruning Instruments
The size of the branches you wish to cut determines the tool you should use for tree cutting. Pruning with smaller limbs is ideal since a tree can heal from a wound much faster than a large one.
Pruner for the hands
Hand pruners, also known as pruning shears, are the best instrument when trimming branches and twigs with a diameter of one inch or less. It’s recommended to use bypass pruners if you want to make clean, precise cuts. They include a curved cutting blade that makes it easier to chop branches at an odd angle. On dead twigs, use anvil pruning shears with a straight, knife-like edge.
Lopper
A lopper, also known as lopping shears, is perfect for cutting branches with a diameter of two inches or less. It comes with a label that tells you what size branch it will cut so that you can pick the proper one. Lops come in two styles: bypass and anvil, similar to hand pruners. Anvil loppers are perfect for trimming dead branches, and bypass cutting blades can help you make cleaner cuts without damaging the tree’s tissues. A gear-like feature is also offered on some loppers to help boost cutting power. To enhance your reach, search for lopping shears with a variety of handle lengths.
Saw for Pruning
Pruning saws are ideal for cutting limbs that are three to five inches in diameter. You can also use them to clip somewhat larger branches with a little more effort. They have tempered metal blades that stay sharp for a long time. Pruning saws cut on both the pull and push strokes, which speeds up the operation, and they come in a variety of types to suit different demands.
Chainsaw
When pruning branches larger than three inches, a chainsaw can assist you in making the cleanest cut possible. However, if you believe your tree trimming project necessitates the use of a chainsaw, you should consult a competent arborist. They have the knowledge and abilities to do the task without jeopardizing the safety of the individuals on the property or the tree’s health.
How to Keep Your Tree Pruning Tools in Good Shape?
Sharpening produces the best cuts and helps to prevent cutting fatigue. This is why you should sharpen pruning shears, pole pruners, loppers, and other equipment with a sharpening device or stone. If your pruning saw is dull, get it professionally sharpened or replaces the blade for the best results. You can find various services in the tree removal city of Toronto, ON.
Sanitizing
Fungi, bacteria, and other microbes thrive in pruning cuts, making them ideal entrance places for disease-causing organisms. When pruning a diseased tree, sanitizing instruments between cuts is important to protect the tree’s health. Cutting branches during the dormant season, when organisms are often dormant, can help reduce the requirement for sterilizing your tree trimming instruments.
Disinfecting
When it comes to disinfecting tree trimming equipment between cuts, soak them in Listerine, Lysol, or rubbing alcohol for about two minutes. While Pine-Sol and bleach disinfect equipment, they corrode metal. After using any of these sanitizing treatments, make sure to thoroughly clean the instrument with water and soap before drying it.
Cleaning and Maintenance Clean the blades completely after each usage. Make sure to wipe away any sticky sap with a cloth coated in a solvent like turpentine or mineral spirits. Rub lubricating oil into the pruning tools to prevent rust and lubricate the joints and other moving parts to maintain them in good working order.
