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

Автор: David Squire

Издательство: Ingram

Жанр: Сад и Огород

Серия: Specialist Guide

isbn: 9781607652434

isbn:

СКАЧАТЬ 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

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       Bypass long-handle pruning shears

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       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.

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       Hedge trimmers

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       Electric hedge trimmer

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       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

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       Pruning saw

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       Straight-bladed saw

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       Folding saw

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       Crosscut saw

      Pruning knives

       For experienced gardeners only

      Knives have been used to prune plants for many decades, but their use is best reserved for gardeners with practical experience of them. They must be very sharp, and in the hands of a novice can be a lethal weapon. Take care when using a knife.

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       Pruning knife

      High-reach pruners

       For safety-first pruning

      Also known as branch or tree loppers, these enable high branches to be pruned while the pruner stands safely on the ground. They cut shoots 1 in (2.5 cm) thick at heights up to 10 ft (3 m). They are ideal for pruning large and vigorous fruit trees.

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       High-reach pruners

      Gloves and kneeling pads

       When pruning roses

      Stout but flexible gloves prevent hands being ripped by thorns, while a kneeling pad makes bush roses easier to reach. Kneelers are also useful as their side supports help infirm gardeners to get down and up easily without back strain.

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       Kneeling pad

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       Gloves

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       Knee pads

       Buying good tools

      It is false economy to buy a poor-quality gardening tool as it will soon fail and may harm you, especially if a powered type. In addition, sharp-edged tools may soon lose their sharpness. Therefore, always buy a reputable brand from an established store.

       Renting tools

      Many gardening tools can be rented, but usually it is those that are only occasionally needed, such as chainsaws. Before hiring a chainsaw, confirm that it is in good condition, with a sharp chain and any additional oils or tools required.

      TOOL MAINTENANCE

       Pruning tools must be kept sharp and in good condition if they are to operate and function easily and properly.

      • Wash and wipe tools after use and coat bright surfaces with thin oil, especially if stored for several months.

      • Chains on chainsaws need frequent checking during use, but first unplug СКАЧАТЬ