Basic Pruning Terms and Tools

Assemble a Pruning Tool Kit

experience the right equipment will help to insure pruning success . Here are the basictools to get the job done correctly .

Tools for your outfit

1 . condom glassesare an essential part of any pruning kit . Safety glasses rated for pruning work are tag “ Z87 ” or “ Z87 + ” .

2 . Leather glovesare the safe option for protecting your hand against cuts from pruning pecker .

3 . Bypass prunersshould be sharp , white , and well - lubricate .

4 . A full - size pruning sawwith a hardened steel blade will be your go - to tool for many cuts .

5 . A bonsai sawis optional , but very useful for making fine cuts in tight spaces .

Essential Pruning Vocabulary

Before you turn over for your tools , take a minute to review these vulgar pruning terms and definitions .

Three Types of Pruning Cuts

1 . Areduction cutshortens a offshoot through write out a larger - diameter stalk back to a smaller - diam stem at the branch collar . This cutting can be used to take the weighting off the end of an overextended arm , making it less susceptible to break .

2.Athinning cutremoves an total branch at its base . These cuts allow more light to penetrate the plant life ’s canopy and advance the growth of inner branches .

3.Aheading cutshortens a branch by hire the end of the branch off just above a leaf client . This excision stimulates growth at the trimmed ending of the branch and should be used very sparingly .

Tip: Cut heavier branchesin three steps

make believe a serial of three cuts will preclude bark from tearing and Ellen Price Wood from snapping or splitting while you are remove a large ramification .

A.Start by make a ¼- to ½-inch - recondite track on the underside of the branch , about a pes out from where your concluding snub will be .

B.Make the 2nd cut a few inch further out on the branch than the first . This will cause the ending of the branch to come away cleanly .

C.Make the third cut outside the branch neckband or above a leaf lymph node . It should go all the way through the branch .

Jen Kettell is an arborist and horticulturist and the possessor of Radiant Leaf Consulting , a firm based in Nattik , Massachusetts , that provides training to green - manufacture professionals and homeowners .

Photos : Carol Collins . Illustrations : Jessica Daigle

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

ARS telescope Long Reach Pruner

BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Hedge Trimmer , Cordless , 24 - Inch Blade , Battery and Charger Included ( LHT2436 )

SHOWA Atlas 370B Nitrile Palm Coating Gloves , Black , Medium ( Pack of 12 Pairs )

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