Few things are more frustrating than a messy front yard. In addition to disrupting your curb appeal, overgrown, messy landscaping can also harbor pests and make it look like you don't care about your property. Fortunately, tidying up your yard doesn't have to be difficult. I have spent years learning more about landscaping, and this blog is all about how to become a landscaping enthusiast. Check out these articles about fun topics like planting flowers, perfecting pruned trees, and decorating your yard with whimsical additions. After you know more about landscaping, your yard might become the talk of the town.
One of the key components to properly pruning your trees is having the right tools and knowing how to use them. Otherwise, even a well placed cut can damage the tree or invite pests and disease infestation. Knowing what mistakes to avoid can help you trim properly
Mistake #1: Using the same tool for all types of pruning
Not all pruning tools are the right tool for the job. For more small pruning jobs you only need two tools – a pair of bypass shears and a small pruning saw. Bypass shears have two sharpened blades, which means they cut cleanly through both sides of the branch instead of crushing it. Use these tools to cut through branches that are smaller in diameter than your thumb. For larger branches, use a small pruning saw. These saws have a narrow blade that can fit into tight branch crotches. The multiple teeth quickly cut through both dead wood and green, living branches.
Mistake #2: Ignoring dull blades
Trying to prune with a dull blade or shears is just time consuming and frustrating, it also tears up the wood and leaves the tree more susceptible to damage or disease. Take the time to sharpen your blades annually. Saws should be rubbed with oil before storing them to prevent rust. Many pruning saws have replaceable blades for when the teeth begin to dull, bend, or break. As for shears, these should also be oiled to prevent rust. You can then sharpen them using a whetstone or grinding stone, depending on which method you are most comfortable with. Many hardware stores also provide sharpening services.
Mistake #3: Skipping basic tool hygiene
Your tools can be disease or insect pest vectors. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and insect eggs can all be carried on the blades, most often embedded in sap. This means you can unknowingly spread disease from a sick tree to a healthy tree. The key is to keep your tools clean between trees. You can mix up a dilute 10% bleach solution in water and rinse your tools in this between each tree. If your trees are especially sappy, wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol instead. It kills disease and pest organisms while also dissolving the sap that adheres to the blades. Your blades should also be thoroughly cleaned before you store them away after each use.
For more help, contact a tree trimming contractor like Ironwood Earthcare in your area.
Share