Pruning trees isn’t just about snipping away arbitrarily. It’s about giving your trees a proper haircut while keeping them happy, healthy, and thriving. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or gardening professional, or a hobbyist trying not to murder the greenery outside your window, this guide has got you covered…
Hand pruners
Compact, straightforward, and deceptively simple, hand pruners are a gardener’s best friend when it comes to precision pruning. Also known as pruning shears, these handy devices are the right tool for branches or twigs with a diameter of an inch or less.
Don’t be fooled by their modest appearance however. As you will see, wielding hand pruners effectively requires a combination of technique, knowledge, and a dash of patience.
Blade types for hand pruners
There are two main blade types found on hand pruners: bypass blades and anvil blades. Both are indispensable, but each has its specific role in your pruning arsenal.
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Bypass blades: these blades resemble a pair of scissors and are designed for live wood. They’ll slice effortlessly through green, healthy branches, creating clean, precise cuts that facilitate rapid healing. If you want to keep your plants happy and free of disease, bypass blades are your go-to.
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Anvil blades: these blades are more robust and are tailor-made for tackling dry or dead wood. The flat cutting surface and single blade make them ideal for situations where precision is less critical. Think of them as the tough, no-nonsense counterpart to the more refined bypass blades.
Top tip: having both types of pruners in your toolkit means you’re ready for any branch-related dilemma that comes your way.
How to use a hand pruner
Hand pruning isn’t just a matter of snipping branches, there’s an art form to it. Mastering your technique will mean your plants and trees continue to grow healthily, and prevent long-term damage. This is how you use a hand pruner:
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Position the pruner’s sharp blade against the branch. The flat side should always face away. This keeps your cuts clean and reduces the likelihood of crushing delicate plant tissues.
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Make cuts just above a bud or branch collar, and always at a slight angle of around 45 degrees. This angled cut stops water from pooling on the wound, which could lead to decay or disease.
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Aim for approximately a quarter of an inch above your target point. Too close, and you risk damaging the bud. Too far, and the leftover stump may die back and invite trouble.
Top tip: a well-pruned branch is your plant’s way of saying “thank you” for the meticulous care.
What to avoid
Mistakes are a common part of life, and this is no different in the garden. Every gardener has had their share of pruning mishaps, from oversized cuts, to trimming in the wrong season.
Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
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Over-pruning: less is often more. Pruning too much can stress a plant, leaving it vulnerable to disease.
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Wrong timing: pruning at the wrong time can interrupt flowering cycles or expose the plant to harsh weather. Do your research ahead of time to learn your plant’s optimal pruning schedule.
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Ignoring tool maintenance: dull blades don’t just make your job harder, they can harm your plants by tearing rather than cutting branches.
The joy of precision
Using hand pruners can be oddly therapeutic. There’s a sense of control and satisfaction that comes with shaping your plants to perfection. While it may seem like a small task, using hand pruners is one of the most direct ways to connect with your garden and the life within it.
Hand pruners are the epitome of “simple but effective.” Whether you are tidying up a sprawling rose bush or gently shaping your ornamental trees, hand pruners offer unparalleled precision and ease.
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Pole pruners
When you need to reach a little higher, pole pruners are the way to go. These elongated tools make tackling tall branches a breeze and save you from precariously balancing on wobbly ladders while reaching for the skies.
The power of extension
What makes pole pruners stand out is their ability to extend your reach. Adjustable poles allow you to prune branches several metres above your head while keeping your feet firmly on terra firma.
Before you get started, however, it’s worth taking a moment to make sure you’ve set the pole length just right. If the pole is too short, you’ll find yourself attempting awkward stretches that can offset your balance, making the job much more difficult than it needs to be.
Go too far the other way, and you’ll encounter problems as well. A pole that’s overly extended will be cumbersome and difficult to manoeuvre, leaving you fatigued and less accurate.
Top tip: the sweet spot is a length that allows you to prune comfortably while maintaining control over your movements. A bit of trial and error will help you discover your perfect pruning posture.
Manual vs powered pruners
Pole pruners come in two styles: manual and powered. Understanding the specifics of each can make all the difference in your pruning journey.
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Manual pole tree pruners: this is the classic option, featuring a rope and pulley system to engage the blades. They rely entirely on your physical effort, making them a good fit for an experienced or professional gardener. The trick is to use steady, controlled pulls so you get clean cuts without overstraining your arms.
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Powered pole tree pruners: designed with a motorised cutting mechanism, these tools require a press of a button or trigger to slice through branches with ease. Powered options are especially useful for tougher, thicker limbs, saving you effort and speeding up the process.
Top tip: when choosing between manual and powered pruners, consider factors like branch thickness, your physical ability, and the level of convenience you desire.
How to use a pole pruner
Using pole pruners may seem straightforward, but working at height adds an extra layer of risk. Proper precautions can save you from a world of trouble.
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Watch your surroundings: before even lifting the pole, check for overhead hazards like power lines, telephone wires, or unstable branches. These obstacles can turn a productive afternoon into a trip to A&E if ignored.
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Plant yourself: always position yourself on solid, even ground. No matter how tempting it might be to lean over or twist into a better angle, maintain good posture and stability. If you’re straining to reach, it’s time to adjust the pole.
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Get started: for manual models, use steady, controlled rope pulls to initiate the cut, while powered pruners require a gentle press of the trigger. With precise placement, make a clean cut above the branch collar, maintaining a slight angle.
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Take your time: assess your progress, and don’t rush. Going too fast could lead to avoidable injuries and careless mistakes.
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Watch out for falling objects: there’s a certain satisfaction in watching the branch you’ve just pruned drop neatly to the ground. However, a falling limb can be unpredictable, so plan your escape route and stay out of the way.
The three P’s: precision, patience, and practice
Pole pruning isn’t just about reaching high branches, it’s about doing so with skill, care, and precision. Keep your cuts clean by positioning the blades correctly, whether you’re using a manual pruner or its powered sibling. Take your time, especially if you’re working in tricky spots. Rushing is a recipe for uneven cuts or, worse, mishaps.
And remember, tree pruning is an art. With a little practice, you’ll be navigating the branches like a seasoned arborist, giving your trees the care they deserve. If you make a mistake, learn from it so that next time you can cut like a master of your trade.
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Maintenance and safety tips
Pruning tools are an investment, and proper maintenance keeps them effective and durable. Neglecting your tools not only impacts their performance but can also lead to rust and damage.
Here are some essential tips for maintaining and caring for your tree and pole pruners:
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Clean after use: sap, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the blades during pruning. Wiping the blades down clean after each use to stop rust forming. For tougher residues, warm soapy water and a soft brush can do the trick.
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Sharpen regularly: sharp blades are important for the clean cuts you’ll need to keep your trees healthy. Use a sharpening stone or file to maintain their edge. For bypass pruners, only sharpen the bevelled side of the blade, while anvil blades may require both sides to be honed.
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Inspect for wear and tear: take the time to occasionally check for loose bolts, damaged blades, or worn components. Replace any worn parts promptly to avoid compromising safety or efficiency during use.
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Store properly: always store pruners in a dry place to prevent rust and damage. Hanging them in a tool rack or storing them in a protective case is ideal.
Taking these simple steps can boost the lifespan of your pruners and make sure they are always a pleasure to use.
Find the best tree pruners at Hughie Willett Machinery
We hope you’ve found this article helpful. If you’re ready to start pruning those trees, make sure you have the right equipment. At Hughie Willett Machinery, we have a range of tree pruners to make your pruning jobs a breeze.
Not only that, but our friendly and experienced team is available to provide you with all the advice and guidance you may need to make an informed decision.
Have more questions about tool maintenance? Contact us online, or call 0121 308 1262 to speak to a member of our team who will be happy to answer any queries.
Find pruning tools at Hughie Willett Machinery
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