Story: The Right Tool for Pruning
Episode: 2
Presenter: Nigel Ruck
Air Date: 28 August 2021

Pruning shrubs and trees is an important part of gardening – it improves shape, reducing size and removes dead and damages branches. It’s important to make sure you’re using the right tools for the job.

• Small stems and branches are best pruned with small pruners – use loppers or saws on the larger and thicker branches.
• When pruning a branch, aim for just above the node. Cutting higher leads to the die back of the branch, which is not visually pleasing.
• Darlac bypass loppers are perfect for the job, carefully constructed for strength, durability and comfort. The oval shaped aluminium handles, carbon steel blades and cushioned buffers prevent jarring, and the rubber grips are comfortable in the hand.
• For extra power and less effort, ratchet loppers are sensational. Open and place around the branch, close to the first click, open, close, click and repeat for serious pruning purchase up to 50mm thick.
• These telescopic loppers increase your range to just over a metre.
• A folding pruning saw is handy and compact, locking open to reveal a unique sabre tooth pattern. This will make light work of wet, dry, dead or live wood by cutting on the pull stroke as opposed to the push.
• Pocket chainsaws are remarkable tools – simply pull back and forth steadily until you’re through the branch. The weighted rope allows for higher cutting – throw it over the branch and the true guide will set the teeth automatically.
• If you’re looking to cut higher branches attach the ropes at each end for extra reach.

https://www.mrfothergills.com.au