Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
2/1/99
Contacts:
Richard Jauron, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-1871
Elaine Edwards, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-5168
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning Feb. 5
Pruning Equipment
By Richard Jauron
Extension horticulturist
Iowa State University Extension
Late winter or early spring is an excellent time to prune many trees and shrubs. A key to pruning woody landscape plants is a basic understanding of pruning techniques. It's also important to select the right pruning tools for the job. The best tools are determined by the size of the plant material and the situation.
Hand pruners or pruning shears are generally used for cutting branches up to three-fourths inch in diameter. There are two basic types of hand pruners. Scissors-type have curved blades that overlap (scissors action) when making the cut. Anvil-type pruners have a sharpened upper blade that cuts against a flat surface (anvil). Each type is available in different sizes. Generally, scissors-type hand pruners are preferred. Sharp, properly used scissors-type pruners make close, clean cuts. Anvil-type pruners can't cut as close as scissors-type and are more likely to crush stems when pruning.
Attempts to prune branches larger than three-fourths inch in diameter with hand pruners often results in torn, jagged pruning cuts and may damage the pruning shears. Branches from three-fourths to 1 1/2 inches in diameter can be cut effectively with lopping shears. Lopping shears consist of blades attached to long handles. The long handles give the gardener greater leverage, so cuts can be made through larger branches. Lopping shears are also excellent for pruning difficult-to-reach places.
A pruning saw is used on branches larger than 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Various types of pruning saws are available. Small tree branches that are hard to reach from the ground can be pruned with a pole saw or pole pruner. A pole saw is essentially a saw blade attached to a long pole. Pole pruners consist of a stationary hook and hinged blade operated by a rope and mounted on a long wooden or fiberglass pole. Pole saws and pole pruners are generally used to cut branches up to 2 inches in diameter.
Chain saws are often used by professional arborists when cutting large tree branches. Chain saws, however, can be extremely dangerous to individuals with little experience or skill operating these machines. To reduce the risk of injury, home gardeners should use pruning saws rather than chain saws when pruning trees. In potentially hazardous situations, such as the pruning of large branches high in the tree or limbs near power lines, individuals should always contact a trained arborist.
Another tool sometimes used by the home gardener is the hedge shears. Hedge shears (manual or electric) are used to shear formal hedges to a definite size and shape. They should not be used to prune trees and shrubs.
When buying pruning equipment, select high quality tools. Good, high quality tools are expensive. However, if they are used and cared for properly, they will perform better and far outlast the poor quality, less expensive choices.
For some individuals, pruning is a scary, intimidating chore. However, a basic understanding of pruning techniques and proper pruning tools, plus a little courage should enable most home gardeners to overcome their apprehension and result in well-pruned trees and shrubs.
ml: isugarden
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