Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Sharaj
Were there times you needed to prune your overgrown backyard and you just knew hand pruners will not do the job? Well, pruning saw might help.
Pruning saws come in very handy when the wood that needs pruning exceeds a thickness of 1.5 inches. So, you can count on this garden tool to help tackle branches of various thicknesses.
However, because of the kind of work pruning saws are used for, one has to exercise the utmost care while using them. Unlike loopers which are much easier to handle, saws require a great deal of power and skill. If you want to know how to use this saw cautiously make sure to not skip any part of this post.
Tips on Using a Pruning Saw (How To)
When pruning a dense shrub, it is required that you wear strong gloves as well as safety goggles to protect yourself. Once you’ve figured out where to cut choose a cutting angle that works best. Then start pruning with the following steps.
Note the Wood You’ll like To Keep: Pruning saws can easily slip and make you cut shrubs unintentionally. For this reason, coupled with the fact that you’ll be working in a tight crotch, you need to first figure out which wood you think you want to keep. This way you’ll be extra careful as you cut.
Pick a Comfortable Angle to Cut From: An easy trick when using a pruning saw is to trim wood from a high side to a lower side. Automatically, gravity will draw the saw into the wood and thus make the task easier.
Make Preliminary Cuts to Reduce Weight: Thick branches are quite weighty. As such, they will likely tear away before you finish cutting. However, you wouldn’t want this to happen. Therefore, tactically cut off a portion of the branch to reduce its weight so that your last cut won’t leave a tearing wound on your plant.
Starting Your Final Cut: The best way to commence your final cut is with a groove. This prevents your saw from slipping away, especially on branches that are not horizontal.
Begin to Cut: Now that you’ve made a groove to direct your strokes, you can start cutting at a fast speed. Move your saw in a back and forth motion. Use more power as you pull as this is when the cutting happens
Finish Cutting: This is the part where you keep sawing until the branch falls away. If you notice any rough wood left after the cut, you can trim them off with a slight stroke of your blade pushed flat against the rough spot
Pruning Saws Safety Tips (Things To Consider)
Prune Comfortably: It would be best if you were comfortable and balanced while pruning. Where possible, ensure the backstrokes of your saw are long. You might also want to lean your body or whole arm forward as you pull.
Conserve your strength as best as you can to reduce mistakes
Keeping the Blade Straight: Too much pressure on pushing strokes and wobbled pulling strokes can cause your saw to flex. Only apply pressure when you pull and make sure your strokes are straight.
When Working Near the Ground: Sometimes working close to the ground is inevitable. However, ensure your blade doesn’t go into the ground as the blade can quickly get blunt if it comes in contact with sand and stone.
How to Wear Your Saw?: It is safe to attach your saw in a holster on your belt. You can also use a pruning saw that folds because you can carry it in your pocket. The disadvantage of this saw, however, is that its hinge flexes and accumulates grit.
Clean Your Saw Before Storing: You’ll get rid of a significant portion of sawdust by tapping the tool against deadwood. Afterwards, you can clean the saw using a durable clothing material.
Pruning your garden with a pruning saw is quite challenging. However, once you’re able to follow this guide, you’ll quickly get the hang of things and avoid many mistakes.
