Top Tools for Tree Trimming
If you need to trim branches from your tree, hire a professional. If you don’t want to wait days for the job to get done, these tools may help you out.
The pruning saw
The best way to cut branches begins with an excellent, clean-cut, and this is where the pruning saw comes in handy. This tool is often used to change a tree’s shape and position; however, it can be used for trimming branches. Choose a saw that speciously fits your hand’s grip and has a quality blade.
Pruning shears
These are long-handled scissors designed for delicate work on plants and small shrubs. The blades are thin, making them less likely than in other gardening tools to damage or defoliate the plant they’re being used on.
Long-handled loppers
Loppers are great for pruners because they have a long handle that’s easier to use, and you don’t have to step on the plant. Although not explicitly made for trees, it can be used with little risk. You can get long-handled garden loppers in gardening and hardware stores.
Rope
Rope and a good carabineer are good tools for cutting down branches. A rope and pole can be used to hoist larger branches or to chop them down. A sturdy rope is helpful because it’s less likely to damage the tree than rope that’s less than 1/2 inch in diameter.
Pole saw
This power tool has a blade on a long pole. It can reach the tops of trees, and it’s too heavy to fall on you if it’s kicked or bumped. You can get one at home centers and lawn equipment dealers.
Wheelbarrow
Get a wheelbarrow to haul branches. Whis is better than trying to carry them in your arms or over your shoulder because the barrow prevents you from accidentally dropping branches on yourself or someone else or injuring yourself by taking them improperly.
Sturdy gloves:
These are very important when dealing with a tree; you’ll need protection to avoid getting scratched or cut. The best ones have leather or Kevlar palm, leather straps and reinforced fingers to increase their life span.
Workboots
For safety’s sake, get a pair of steel-toed boots for working around trees. You can get them online or at home centers.
Safety glasses
Sunglasses can’t protect you from falling branches or hitting your face against a tree trunk if you’re cutting it down. Get safety glasses with hard plastic, metal or shatterproof lenses. The best ones have side shields to prevent them from getting broken when you’re using them, and they have other safety features such as anti-glare, side shields, light filtration and UV protection. They should also be able to cover the entire eye area, even over your prescription eyeglasses. The lenses should be free of scratches and fractures.
Cane pruner
You can get a cheap steel cane pruner or one made of plastic. The plastic ones are cheaper, but they’re prone to cracking. Steel is sturdier and more likely to last longer, especially if you don’t use it hard or often, though you shouldn’t leave them in the rain or on the damp ground because it’ll rust.
Chisel
A chisel is used for cutting trees and other large branches. You can get a chisel with a bevelled edge, which is better for cutting branches because it allows you to make neat cuts without breaking them. A chisel with a concave edge is best for chopping down branches and getting into hard-to-reach places such as between branches or on large limbs.
Axe
You can get an axe to chop down trees or branch up hedges. It needs to be at least 10 inches in length, and the axe needs to be heavy enough to do the job. It should have a broad, sharp blade and a wooden handle that is pretty heavy, so it doesn’t bend when you’re using it. A metal handle will let you grip it better than wood, but you’re more likely to drop or damage the axe if it’s not strong enough for the job.
Chainsaw
You can use a chainsaw to cut down trees if you’re experienced with this tool. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get the job done, but it can be dangerous and requires a lot of skill to operate. The chain moves at high speed, so you have to know how to use it properly. If you don’t, you can cut off body parts, both yours and others.
Power saw
This is also a powerful tool that requires skill and experience to use correctly. It’s used for cutting down trees and other large branches.
Woodchipper
A wood chipper lets you dispose of branches quickly. If you don’t have enough room to cut them up yourself, hire a professional to take the branches away. You can also dispose of small branches by burning them.
Black plastic
Black plastic is used for mulching trees and keeping limbs from rubbing against their trunks. It’s an excellent deterrent to insects, especially moths, and it prevents soil erosion when you use it under the branches of young trees.
Weedeater
This tool is used for cutting weeds around trees. You don’t want weeds growing up to the tree’s base because they can strangle the roots.
Rake
A rake removes leaves and other material that accumulates in the garden, and it’s also used to clear away branches, twigs, and other material at the base of a tree after you chop it down or remove limbs.
Lopping shears
These are used for pruning trees. The lopping shear is similar to pruning shears but more extensive; it’s for chopping off larger branches than pruning shears can handle and dealing with tree trunks.
Edger
An edger is used to make straight, even cuts in grassy areas or around trees. It’s too large for most people to operate, though, so it’s best to hire a professional for the job.
Based on your location, a professional arborist will be able to give you an estimate on how much your tree will cost to be trimmed, how often we’ll need to cut the tree, and if any special pruning is required.
We provide free estimates with our Tree Trimming services in Chattanooga, TN. Our trained arborist’s goal is to make sure that the tree is healthy and safe and that the trimmings are processed in a way that protects you and your property.
