I believe in having the right tool to do any job. A sharp pair of pruning shears is very important to my work as a gardener. In addition to sharp shears, I also like to have the right pruning shears for whatever pruning I need to do.
Beyond a simple pair of hand pruners, gardeners also need to consider adding pole pruners and long arm pruners to their tool mix. These long pruners come in a variety of lengths with different types of cutting action.
Long-arm pruners are designed to maintain shrubs and small trees. These pruners are on lightweight, rigid poles with pruning shears at one end a trigger mechanism that operates the shears at the other end.
Long-arm pruners range in lengths from two to four feet and cut branches up to a half-inch thick. These pruners are great for helping the gardener keep their arms and body out of a rose bush or for assisting in the gardener in reaching small branches that are just a little too high to reach with hand pruners.
Some long-arm pruners come with jaws that hold on to the cut branch after it is sheared off. This makes clean up after pruning a little easier.
Pole pruners also come in various lengths, but they are designed to cut heavier and thicker branches. Pole pruners cut with a curved blade saw or with a compound action pruner. Pulling a rope at ground level that is connected to the blade operates these pruners.
Pole pruners are great for reaching and removing small dead branches in trees that are not significant enough in size to require removal by a tree professional. Long branches can be cut into segments while still attached to the tree rather than removing the entire branch at one time to make neat cuts and to remove weight off the branch a little at a time.
When using any pruning tools, safety must be priority. While using long-arm or pole pruners, extra caution must be taken. Look around for any overhead wire that may be in place. Keep an eye out on other people or animals that may be around the area where a large branch may fall.
Sharp blades will aid in the ease of cutting. Blades should be sharpened every year or two depending upon usage, and saw blades should be replaced when dull. The mechanical portions of the pruners should be oiled frequently to aid in ease of use.
Long-arm and pole pruners are not cheap, so the gardener should invest in a good pruner that will last a lifetime. Aluminum and fiberglass models are much lighter to use. Removable blades and telescoping poles add versatility. A good source for gardening pruners is A. M. Leonard, www.amleonard.com.
Questions or comments related to gardening? Contact Joleen at missourigardener@hotmail.com
