The subtleties of choosing pruning shears for pruning tall trees

Among the owners of gardens and vegetable gardens, one of the most important issues is the pruning of tall trees and shrubs. These manipulations are performed to cut old, dry and diseased branches, shape the crown and give the garden an aesthetic appearance. The pruner becomes the main assistant in this matter.

Most modern pruning shears are equipped with a long handle, with which site owners can cut tree branches directly from the ground without the use of ladders or stepladders. Thus, the productivity of work is increased, so much less time and effort is spent on removing even the thickest branches. Brush cutters can be used for branches with a diameter of up to 5 cm, more modern models do best with this, they are equipped with a ratchet mechanism, as well as a telescopic handle.

There are several types of secateurs:

• bypass - a device in which the blades are offset relative to each other;
• persistent - when the blade rests against a rather wide furrow.

These pruners can be called versatile, as they are good for both cutting withered branches and living ones. But modifications with an anvil have a slightly different mechanism of operation. They seem to squeeze the branch and therefore can damage the soft tissues of the tree, therefore it is better to purchase such products for cutting dry branches of trees and shrubs.

Brush cutters are often equipped with a ratchet mechanism, so a branch with a diameter of up to 3 cm can be cut with just a few clicks, while not particularly straining your hands. Such devices are suitable for use by physically weak and elderly people, adolescents and women, however, and they are more expensive.

Experts recommend purchasing at least 2 types of loppers for complete garden maintenance:

• tools for thin branches with a diameter of less than 12 mm - brush cutters with an extended sharp knife correspond to these tasks;
• for trunks and branches over 30 mm - here the pruner with a toothed cutting part is optimal.

When choosing a brush cutter, special attention should be paid to the return spring. Everything is simple here - the simpler it is, the more convenient it will be to work with it. The most durable and durable are strip types of plate springs. It is optimal that they are made of strong dense metal.

Pruners can also be mechanical, electrical, battery and gasoline.

Mechanical ones work due to the influence of the muscular force of the operator, these are the cheapest and technically primitive models, their advantages are undoubted:

• products can have different power, are often equipped with a ratchet mechanism that transports return rotary movements into reciprocating ones;
• the cutting head of a mechanical pruner has a small size, it is lightweight, due to which increased maneuverability is achieved, thanks to which such hedge trimmers allow cutting branches even in the most inaccessible areas;
• the handle of such a mechanism has a T-shaped stop, which prevents the risk of slipping;
• The instrument is not tied to AC power - it does not need to be plugged in or charged from time to time.

There are also disadvantages, namely low power and labor intensity. These hedge trimmers can cut branches up to 5 cm in diameter. Electric pruners, as the name suggests, must be connected to a power source at all times.

This feature can be attributed to shortcomings, but among the advantages are the following:

• environmental safety, absence of toxic exhaust pollutants;
• the possibility of turning the working part by 180 degrees, due to which the coverage of branches is significantly improved;
• compactness and dynamism - these qualities make it possible to work with pruning shears even for the elderly and adolescents;
• ease of use;
• low noise and vibration level;
• extremely high cut quality, which is due to the presence of a chain saw;
• rubberized handle with control panel.

Electric models are often equipped with a high-altitude telescopic mechanism, so that branches can be effectively cut at a height of 5.5 meters or even higher. Most modern models are usually equipped with an automatic cord that allows the cord to be tightened as the hedge trimmer moves.

Electric models do not differ in special power characteristics, they are designed for cutting branches no more than 2.5 cm in diameter... The use of such a device is sometimes associated with a low level of convenience, because the power cord is often entangled in branches and has to be “released”.

Cordless models combine all the advantages of mechanical and electrical products. They are characterized by good maneuverability and outstanding performance. The device is powered by a battery, so that work can be carried out autonomously, and this is one of the undoubted advantages of the model.

There are other benefits to using high quality cordless pruning shears:

• the operator can freely move around the site;
• if desired, you can always replace the "native" battery with a more powerful one;
• the device is easy to maintain;
• has a relatively low weight;
• works almost silently.

Gasoline models run on liquid fuel, are equipped with a two-stroke engine and an air-cooled system, and are lightweight. The main controls of the device are located on the ergonomic handle, and there are also built-in elements to prevent accidental start-up.

The pluses of such pruners include:

• convenience of work;
• increased power;
• the ability to cut fairly thick branches and even stumps and trunks;
• the ability to carry out work at any slope.

There are also disadvantages:

• harmful exhaust emissions are emitted during operation;
• makes quite a lot of noise;
• requires professional maintenance.

Such products are quite expensive because they are professional equipment. They are rarely bought for work in summer cottages and small garden plots; their main field of application is park zones, squares and reserves.

A separate category of pruning shears include rod hedge trimmers. They are equipped with an extended handle in which a pulley is mounted, which reinforces the transmission to the cutting elements.

When choosing a suitable model of pruning shears, you should pay attention to some minor parameters that have an important impact on the convenience of working with the tool.

This factor can be key if the gardeners are older people, teenagers or single women. Many modern models weigh less than 1 kg, which increases the degree of comfort, but at the same time increases the cost of the hedge trimmer. Typically, the price tag for such products exceeds their counterparts by 15-25%.

This is one of the determining factors of the purchase. Such a device is a plastic device with the option of extending to the required height. These handles have absolutely no backlash and are made of durable material that eliminates the risk of jamming when extended.

Depending on the modification, this parameter can vary from 1 to 4 meters.

Most modern hedge trimmers will allow you to cut branches up to 2.5 cm thick. These tools are optimal if you need to care for young trees.

This is a very important device that minimizes the risk of injury when pruning branches. In such products, the blade is covered, so you cannot damage yourself while carrying the secateurs.

For information on choosing a tool for pruning trees, see the next video.