A good pair of loppers is an indispensable tool in pruning trees and bushes. But before buying one, you should know some tips to help you choose the right model.
Look for tree loppers Adelaide Hills near me with PTFE or titanium-coated blades, which reduce friction and provide a clean cut. These coatings also resist rust and sap residue.
Blades
While at first glance, loppers look pretty much the same, there are significant differences between models. The biggest is in the blades, which are usually categorized as either anvil or bypass. The former is better for cutting dry, brittle stems and branches, while the latter makes it easier to cut soft green material.
Both types have a scissor-like cutting action that requires you to open and close the handles. The best loppers have tough, hardened steel blades, which resist rusting and bend easily without dulling. Some also have a non-stick coating that helps with cutting sticky materials like sap or pitch.
The gullet depth of the blades affects how thick of a branch you can cut, with deeper gullets being better for larger cuts. The material of the blades is important as well, with stainless steel being less prone to corrosion than carbon steel.
Some loppers have a ratcheting mechanism that enables you to increase the cutting force. It allows you to get more cutting power with each squeeze of the handles, although you mustn’t try to use them on branches that are too large for this tool; instead, switch to a saw. Also, be careful that the loppers don’t twist as you cut; this can reduce the quality of the cut and cause arm fatigue.
Length
If you’re pruning trees or bushes, it’s important that your tree loppers Adelaide Hills near me are long enough to reach the branches you need to cut. Some loppers have extendable handles, which give you more flexibility when trimming tall shrubs or trees. Others may be top-heavy, which can make it difficult to use them for extended periods.
Besides the length of the handles, you should also consider the size of the blade opening. Most loppers have a blade opening of 2 inches, which is sufficient to cut through most branches. However, if you want to trim smaller branches, it’s best to get a pair of loppers with a narrower blade opening.
Lopper blades can be either bypassed or anvilized. Bypass blades have two sharp, scissor-like cutting edges that overlap when closed and cut plant matter cleanly without damaging soft, green growth. Anvil blades, on the other hand, have a flat blade that “hammers” the branch or woody material until it cuts through.
Handle
Garden loppers are ideal for trimming and pruning trees, shrubs, and hedges because of their long handles and strong blades. They are also able to cut through thicker stems than pruners, making them a better option for larger outdoor plants. However, they are not as effective for indoor plants or small trees that require precise cuts.
The length of the handle is important because it influences how much leverage you have when cutting. Longer loppers tend to be heavier and harder to use, while shorter ones may not provide enough leverage for the task at hand. In addition, you should consider how comfortable the handle is in your hands. Many loppers have padded grips that reduce slippage and help you work comfortably for longer periods. However, it is best to wear gardening gloves to protect your hands from blisters and nicks while using loppers.
When considering tree loppers Adelaide Hills near me, it is important to find an experienced and qualified arborist. Although lopping a tree can enhance its appearance, it can also cause significant damage to the structure of the plant and become a hazard for anyone walking under it.
A qualified tree lopper will use specialist techniques to ensure the structure of the plant is not impacted. They will also assess the condition of the plant and recommend the most suitable course of action.