Can you use a chain saw to trim bushes?

Chainsaws make short work of large tree limbs and fallen trees, but they are not the most effective tool for regular shrub pruning. Whether you choose to thin your shrub or shear a bush into a perfect globe or inverted keystone shape, select the correct tool to get the job done safely and well.

Can I trim my hedge with a chainsaw?

You can use a chainsaw to trim a hedge and it will make quickly cut through shrubs and hedge plants. However a chainsaw is not as precise as using hedge trimmers or shears and should be saved for tough trimming jobs or working with trees.

What to use to cut down bushes?

When it comes to how to prune a shrub, good pruning tools are a must-have. The three pruning tools that will get you through most pruning jobs are hand-held pruners, pruning loppers, and a small curved saw. Pruning shears are available in two basic designs: bypass pruning shears and anvil pruning shears.

What is the best tool to cut large branches when pruning shrubs that are hard to reach?

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.

What do you cut bushes with?

Hand shears are most useful for trimming small, easy to reach branches, no thicker than 3/4 of an inch. These pruning tools are available in bypass and anvil types. Use hand shears when making precise, small cuts on bonsai specimens, and when making minor cuts on the outer extremities of bushes.

Do I need a hedge trimmer or chainsaw?

Chainsaw and hedge trimmer are as different as drill and router. Chainsaw is only for cutting large solid branches/trees. Hedge trimmer is only for trimming foliage. Electric chainsaws are totally rubbish – better off buying a bowsaw.

When should you not trim bushes?

After “how?”, the second most-asked question we get about pruning is “when?” (Or, “Can I prune this now?”) The rule of thumb is to prune immediately after bloom for flowering shrubs, in late winter or early spring for non-blooming shrubs (particularly for heavy pruning), and not after mid-August for any shrubs.

How far back can I trim my shrubs?

The 1/3 rule can be applied to most shrubs and small ornamental trees, but for larger shade trees, pruning should be limited to no more than 1/4 of the total branches.

How far can you cut back shrubs?

Don’t remove more than one-quarter of a stem’s overall length in any single cut. For shrubs that are dramatically lopsided, use thinning cuts to remove older wood from the longer side as well as heading cuts on the shorter side.

How do you trim bushes and shrubs?

When pruning mature, overgrown shrubs, remove the thickest branches first. Cut them back to the base of the shrub to promote new growth. Hand pruners are useful for smaller branches. Some can handle diameters up to an inch, but long-handled loppers give you leverage to cut branches 1 to 2 inches in diameter.