Tips for Removing Tree Branches Using Loppers
Do you have trees on your property? If you have plants, caring for them is essential for healthy development and lawn aesthetics. However, it is quite unfortunate that some property owners let tree branches grow in all directions until the plants become a safety hazard. One way to encourage healthy tree development is by trimming or removing excess or dead branches. However, you need the right tools for the task, with the most crucial device being a tree lopper. Notably, tree loppers are larger versions of secateurs designed to cut and trim thick branches. This article highlights a few tips for the effective use of loppers.
Cut Towards the Side of a Branch Crown
A tree lopper is designed to operate as a pair of scissors, but instead of two sharp edges, a tree lopper's blade has one flat edge. Notably, the flat edge acts as a support, where a branch rests as the sharp edge cuts through. Therefore, if you do not position a pair of loppers correctly while removing a tree branch, the chances are high that you will injure the plant. Thus, placing a lopper's cutting edge toward the crown side of the branch you plan to cut is advisable since it leaves the collar unharmed. Conversely, positioning the lower flat jaw on the crown side increases the likelihood of crushing the bark tissue, exposing a tree to infections and pest attacks.
Cut Branches at Shoulder Height
Just because tree loppers have long handles does not mean you can stretch your arms and reach for the highest branches. Unfortunately, it is precisely what most homeowners do, but it only leads to poor trims. Tree loppers vary in size, and the biggest ones are heavy with long blades designed to cut thicker branches. Therefore, using a heavy lopper to cut high branches fatigues one's arms and increases the chances of making poor cuts. In this regard, it is advisable not to use tree loppers beyond your shoulder height. Instead, get a ladder or call tree removal services if you want to cut higher tree branches.
Avoid Branches Growing Vertically
Tree branches can grow vertically or horizontally; therefore, you must be careful when cutting them. Ideally, branches growing horizontally are the most problematic and require trimming. However, most newbies also target vertical branches, which is the last thing you should do. Since you are supposed to cut tree branches at a downward angle, trimming vertical stems allows water to settle on the wound left behind, accelerating rotting and eventual death. Therefore, only focus on horizontal branches and leave the vertical ones alone.
For more tips, contact a tree removal service near you.