Home Gardener's Pruning (UK Only). David Squire

badly neglected, cut out half of the old and thick stems to their base during spring; in the following year, cut out the rest. During each of these two years, cut out the stems evenly from around the plant, not just from one side.

      CUTTING OFF LARGE BRANCHES

      It is essential that large branches are cut off in small pieces, rather than all at once. If cut off in one piece, there is the risk of the trunk being damaged by the branch, when partly cut, falling and tearing the bark. Cut back the branch in several stages until about 18 in (45 cm) from the trunk. Be sure to leave the branch collar when pruning. The branch collar is the slight swelling around the base of the branch. Cutting a branch off flush with the trunk will remove much of the collar, and the collar is what grows to cover the pruning cut.

      1 Use a sharp saw to cut the underside of the branch, half to two-thirds of the way through it.

      2 From the top side, cut through the remaining part of the branch. Hold the branch.

      Equipment you will need

      Strong pruning shears that make clean cuts are essential for pruning shrubs, roses and thin stems on trees, fruit bushes and canes. For branches and thick stems, however, saws are essential. Long-handled pruning shears, sometimes known as loppers, are ideal for cutting thick stems, especially those at the center of a dense, prickly shrub. Hedges need sharp garden shears, or power hedge trimmers if the hedge is large. Always use power tools with great care.

       How much equipment will I need?

       Safety with chainsaws

       When cutting off a large branch or cutting down a tree, chainsaws are invaluable – but take extreme care when using them.

      • Keep children and domestic pets indoors.

      • Do not use during wet weather.

      • If electrical, use a power-breaker in the circuit to ensure safety if the cable is cut.

      • Wear goggles, strong gloves and a jacket.

      • Do not wear a scarf or necktie.

      • Have an assistant with you.

      • Do not stand on a box or ladder.

      • Do not use above waist height.

      TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

      Pruning shears

      These are available in two basic forms. The bypass type (also known as parrot or cross-over) has a scissor-like action and cuts when one blade passes the other. The anvil type has a sharp blade that cuts when in contact with a firm, metal surface known as an anvil. Both cut well, but must not be strained in cutting thick shoots.

       For general pruning

       Bypass pruning shears

       Anvil pruning shears

       RIGHT- OR LEFT-HANDED?

       Most pruning shears are for right-handed gardeners, but left-handed types are available and these make pruning an easier and more pleasant job for “lefties.” These pruning shears allow the cutting positions of the blades to be more easily seen, and therefore the risk of damage to buds is reduced.

      Long-handle pruning shears

      Also known as long-handled loppers, these have the same cutting actions as pruning shears – bypass and anvil. Most of them have handles 15–18 in (38–45 cm) long and cut wood up to 1½ in (3.5 cm) thick. Heavy-duty types have handles 2½ ft (75 cm) long and cut wood 2 in (5 cm) thick. Additionally, some have a compound cutting action that enables thick branches to be cut with very little physical effort.

       For out-of-easy-reach shoots

       Bypass long-handle pruning shears

       Anvil long-handle pruning shears

      Hedge trimmers and power hedge trimmers

      Hedge trimmers are ideal for trimming hedges and beds of decorative grasses. Ensure that they open and close easily, cut cleanly and do not unnecessarily jolt hands and wrists. Where a hedge is large, power trimmers make life easier. Most are driven by electricity, some by gas-powered generators (ideal in areas far away from a power supply), while others are cordless and cut about 100 sq yds (83 sq m) between charges.

      Cutting blades range from 13–30 in (33 to 75 cm) in length. Some have cutting knives on one side only; others have them on both sides.

       Hedge trimmers

       Electric hedge trimmer

       High-reach electric hedge trimmer

      Saws for all purposes

      Folding saws are usually 7 in (18 cm) long when folded and extend to 16 in (40 cm). They cut on both the push and pull strokes, severing wood 1½ in (3.5 cm) thick. Straight-bladed saws with fixed handles cut branches about 5 in (13 cm) thick, while some have curved and pointed blades and cut on the pull stroke. They are ideal for cutting branches in awkward positions. Bow saws are 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) long, with a blade kept under tension by a lever. They are ideal for cutting thick branches.

       For cutting branches of all sizes

       Pruning saw

       Straight-bladed saw

       Folding saw

       Crosscut saw

      Pruning knives