With trees bare in the dormant season, now’s the best time to see which branches need a shape up.

Knowing it’s time to trim trees often leads to a few other questions. For instance, Megan, a Davey blog reader and first-time homeowner, was wondering what tree trimming tools she should own.

Since Davey has been cutting and pruning trees for 135-plus years, we can help with this one! Below, learn the best tree trimming equipment and tools you should have on hand for those minor touch-ups.

3 Must-Have Tools For Trimming Trees

The three tools below are recommended for simple, small cuts. These tree trimming tools only cut smaller branches. 

1. Pruning Shears For Simple, Clean Cuts On Bushes Or Thin Tree Twigs

Also called hand pruners, pruning shears are perfect for cutting small twigs, up to 1/2 inch in diameter.

To touch up small, live branches, look for bypass pruning shears. The tool resembles a pair of scissors and is good for trimming twigs at awkward angles. Anvil pruning shears have a straight, knife-like edge and should only be used on dead twigs.

2. Loppers For Medium-Sized Branches

With a longer handle and sturdier blade, loppers can cut branches up to 2 inches thick.

Like pruning shears, loppers come as anvil or bypass. Anvil loppers can harm live branches, so opt for bypass loppers unless you’re cutting dead limbs.

3. Pole Pruner For The Hard-To-Reach Branches On Trees

Pole pruners extend 10 to 15 feet to reach deadwood in any tree. Look for a pole pruner with both a bypass blade and pruning saw. The bypass blade can handle branches about 2 inches thick while the saw trims slightly larger limbs.

When To DIY Tree Trimming Or Call A Professional

If you do it correctly, there’s no harm in minorly shaping your trees between annual pruning appointments with your arborist.

More advanced jobs should be left to a certified arborist. Tree trimming can be a dangerous task, so keep these things in mind to ensure you and your property remain safe:

  • Do not attempt to prune branches near power lines.

  • Avoid climbing a ladder to reach branches at risky heights. If you can’t comfortably reach a limb with an extended pole pruner, call an arborist.

  • Don’t attempt to cut branches that are too thick for your pruning tools. Those types of cuts require heavy-duty arborist equipment.

Have a question about tree trimming tools or pruning? Contact your local arborist.

Related Blog Posts

DSC 5300
Trimming & Pruning

Can You Trim Shrubs In The Summer?

Learn about the correct timing when it comes to shrub trimming.
Read More
What Is Pruning Davey Arborist Pruning A Tree Davey Tree
Trimming & Pruning

Should Mature Trees Be Pruned?

Here are some tips for trimming mature trees so you can keep your biggest leafy landscape components healthy. Learn when should mature trees be pruned and how often.
Read More
Tree
Tree

Sign Up For Free Tree & Landscaping Tips! 

Subscribe to the "The Sapling," the Davey Blog's email newsletter, for the latest tips to keep your outdoor space in tip-top shape throughout the year.

Plus, receive a free instant download of our landscape seasonal checklists when you sign up!

Image 22@2X
Image 22@2X

Request A Free Consultation

How would you like to be contacted? *
Let's Find What
You're Looking For!