Expand on Beginners Guide | Cut Above Tree Care

Use the right equipment

Looking after your tree as it grows, especially when it gets big, can be tricky. The best way to ensure everything goes smoothly is to invest in the right equipment. Some of the basic things you would benefit from having to hand when undertaking more intensive jobs like pruning a larger tree include:

Shears

The most important item for pruning is shears, but you can get secateurs and loppers for smaller branches. These will require you to use both hands in order to make any cuts, so for very thick branches, you may need a saw instead.

Extendable pruner

Long-reach pruners can help you tackle more difficult-to-reach branches without overstretching. Often, you can use these without having to stand on a ladder, so you can work from the safety of the ground.

Adhere to safety advice

When it comes to more complicated tasks like pruning branches higher up, it is important that you pay attention to safety advice. The general rule is that if you have to take both feet off the ground to complete the job, you are better off contacting a professional in order to avoid injuring yourself. This includes the use of ladders and attempting to climb the tree.

Wear safety gear

Even if you're confident you can complete the task yourself, there are still a few items that will minimise the risk to your safety. Here are some of the items you will need when dealing with growing trees:

Safety goggles

It only takes a bit of dirt or debris flying into your eyes once to cause permanent damage. To protect your eyes from debris as well as sharp branches or twigs, make sure to wear safety goggles at all times.

Gloves

Some high-quality gloves can make your job a lot easier, providing grip and preventing any sharp branches or rough patches from causing you discomfort. You'll save yourself from annoying, painful splinters too.

Hard hat

When pruning a tree, it's important that you wear suitable head protection in order to protect yourself from any branches that might fall onto your head. It's not always possible to control where branches fall, so it's best to be prepared as a bump from a heavy branch can cause serious injury.