Tree branches can be a pain in the neck when it comes to cutting.
It takes time and energy plus there is always that fear of the blade slipping and cutting your hand or any other body part.
To make things easier, here are the best 7 tools for cutting tree branches:
Cordless Power Pruner PPT-280 by Bosch
This tool makes use of an innovative technology called the Auto-Tension system. This system protects the users from injuries as it eliminates the need for a manual tightening mechanism which was earlier required while using pruners.
Also, it has enhanced ergonomics with an easy-to-grip handle design that fits comfortably in hand giving enough control over power pruner even while working for several hours. The other notable feature is a blade that is reversible and replaceable.
Additional features include a built-in laser line indicator, to ensure better visibility while working in tight spaces as well as an Auto-lock to avoid injuries due to accidental closing of the blades.
RM46PY Cordless Hedge Trimmer by Remington
This hedge trimmer from Remington gives high power performance with its 4500 SPM motor and delivers fast-cutting results.
It has a soft-grip handle for added comfort and control over the tool especially during the long periods of work sessions over weeks or months together.
Also, it comes with an adjustable rear handle that can be rotated up or down to give better reach while cutting hard to access branches.
Hedge Trimmer HT-230 by Greenworks
This is a lightweight hedge trimmer that weighs just 7.7 pounds, making it easy for women and older people to handle.
It has an efficient brushless motor technology which gives more power with fewer maintenance costs compared to other conventional motors used in similar tools.
Also, the tool comes with replacement blades which saves your money from buying new sets during the initial stages of use. The added comfortable grip reduces fatigue even after working for several hours over weeks or months together.
ZUKE 610300 Hedge Trimmer by ZUKE
This hedge trimmer is equipped with a 22.5CC engine and has a 6000 RPM rate which allows you to cut branches up to 3/4″ thick. It has an ergonomic handle that ensures a comfortable grip and reduces fatigue even after several hours of continuous work sessions.
Also, it comes with an adjustable rear handle that can be rotated up or down for different levels of users who might want to use it at different heights. The tool weighs just 6 pounds making it easy to lift and maneuver while cutting hard to access areas on the tree branch. Price: $69.99.
Power Hand Saw Pruner/Lopper by Greenworks
This hand saw pruner/lopper by Greenworks is a unique combination of both pruner and lopper. This can be used to cut small branches up to 1.25 inches thick easily without any additional effort.
The tool has an adjustable rear handle that rotates 360 degrees and an ergonomic grip for better control and accuracy while cutting hard-to-access areas on the tree branch.
Also, its lightweight design adds more control and comfort during extended use over weeks or months together. Price: $49.99.
Power Pruning Shear by Toro
This power pruning shear from Toro helps you get rid of twigs and small branches quickly with its sharp blades made of forged steel alloy. This is durable enough for repeated cuts up to 1/2 inch thick.
It weighs just 10 pounds and has a sleek design which makes it easy to maneuver during use. The ergonomic handle ensures comfortable grip even after hours of continuous work sessions over weeks or months together.
Goplus Pruning Shear by Goplus
This anvil pruning shear from Goplus offers durability, comfort, and good control over your tool while working with hard-to-access areas on the tree branch. It has sharp blades made up of carbon steel which can easily cut through branches up 0.5″ thick.
It comes with a replacement blade in the pack for continued use without any additional costs to maintain and replace blades frequently as compared to other conventional tools.
Additional Tools For Cutting Tree Branches
Goplus Hand Saw Pruner/Lopper by Goplus
This hand saw pruner/lopper from Goplus is a lightweight tool weighing just 1.4 pounds.
This makes it easy to handle and carry around for extended periods without hurting hands or getting tired quickly during work sessions over weeks or months together.
The tool comes with 3 replacement blades in the pack. This allows you to continue cutting small branches up to 1″ thick without having to buy new sets frequently as compared to other conventional tools used in similar applications.
Cordless Hedge Trimmer HT-130 by Greenworks
Greenworks cordless hedge trimmer is a new technology in the market that replaces gas-powered tools with its powerful battery system for portability and convenience. It has an ergonomic design with a comfortable grip handle.
This helps you get rid of twigs, small branches up to 1 ” thick easily without any additional effort. Also, it comes with LED lights that extend visibility during use at night or low light conditions helping users to see well around them as they work.
Telescopic Tree Pruner by This-2-That
This telescopic tree pruner from This-2-That is a lightweight tool weighing just 2 pounds. It offers extended reach going up to 16 feet allowing users to access hard-to-reach areas on the tree branch conveniently.
This is without hurting hands or getting tired quickly during work sessions over weeks or months together. Also, it comes with a rubberized grip that boosts comfort and control while cutting tough branches up to 1″ thick easily.
Things to consider when cutting tree branches
Minimum Angle of cutting
When cutting away at wood, you’ll need to make sure the ax or machete is held at the correct angle for making a clean cut without taking too much away from the limb on the first impact. If you strike your target branch with your machete at too high an angle.
This would be like trying to chop off a head of lettuce by coming down on it, only about half of the blade will actually come into contact with wood.
This will result in an incomplete cut that requires more than just one swing because you won’t have made it all the way through your intended limbs. On the other hand, if the blade is held too flat when making an impact, this could result in wood splitting or cracking.
The correct angle for cutting away at trees with a machete is about 25 degrees. This means you’ll need to tilt your body about 30 degrees while holding the blade at the same angle so it will contact the limb at just the right point.
When using an axe, it’s best to hold onto both handles and aim for a slight downward slice through your target limbs. The key here is to swing with enough force to get through wood quickly without causing damage.
Here are some additional angles on how to make cuts with different tools: An axe should be swung like a bat (approximately 45-50 degrees).
A chain saw should be tilted approximately 55-60 degrees and used with three-point contact (the tool, your hand holding it, and the tree limb). A pole saw should be tilted approximately 45-50 degrees.
Chopping Away at Larger Limbs
There’s no doubt about it: if you need to remove limbs from a tree that are thicker than one inch in diameter, you’re going to need either an axe or a machete.
If you have small children around the yard, make sure they know not to play near these tools when in use.
This is because both pieces of equipment can cause injury if carelessly handled.
When using a machete, hold onto both handles and angle your body at about a 30-degree angle while swinging with enough force to get the job done.
Employing the use of a machete can be time-consuming since you must make multiple swings to overcome inertia.
An axe offers the advantage of being able to cut through wood quickly without necessarily having to exert yourself at all. Hold onto both handles and aim for a slight downward slice through your target limbs.
While experienced workers are often able to wield an axe with one hand, you should always use two hands when trying to chop away at larger limbs.
And if you happen to hit your toe, it won’t matter whether or not you were using one or two hands because this mistake will result in injury anyway.
Chopping Away at Wood
When Chopping Away At Wood, Make Sure To Keep Your Eyes On The Job. Using a blade tool to cut through the wood will always be faster and require less effort compared to using a chainsaw.
You’ll need to make sure your blade is sharp enough but as long as it’s not completely dull, you should be able to get the job done fairly quickly.
When cutting away at small limbs that are one inch thick or smaller, angle the blade at about 30 degrees and make sure to use an up and down motion.
It doesn’t matter how fast or slow this process takes as long as you keep making solid contact with the tool.
Conclusion
When removing branches thicker than 1″ in diameter, hold onto both handles of your axe/machete and aim for a slight downward slice through your limb.
Try to maintain three-point contact every time: the blade, your hand holding it, and the tree limb.
