The Best Way To Cut Small Tree Branches

 

Why You Need To Cut Small Tree Branches

Cutting small tree branches may be necessary for a variety of reasons. One common reason is to maintain the health and appearance of the tree. By removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, you can help the tree grow stronger and prevent further damage. Additionally, cutting small branches can help to shape the tree and promote better growth patterns. It can also be necessary to cut branches that are obstructing a pathway or causing potential hazards or blocking views. You also may have a yard full of branches after a storm.  Whatever the reason, cutting small tree branches can be a beneficial task for both the tree and its surroundings.

When To Call The Pros To Trim Tree Branches

Before we get into how best to cut small tree branches, it's best to call professionals to cut tree branches if you are unsure about how to do it safely or if the job is too big or dangerous for you to handle on your own.  Here's some reasons why you should leave the job to the pros.

• The tree branches are too high: If the tree branches are too high for you to reach them safely, then it's best to call professionals. They have the proper equipment and training to safely climb tall trees and cut branches.
• The tree is near power lines: If the tree branches are near power lines, it's best to call professionals who are trained to deal with these situations. Cutting branches near power lines can be dangerous and should only be done by professionals who know how to do it safely.
• The tree is diseased or damaged: If the tree is diseased or damaged, it's best to call professionals who can assess the tree's health and determine the best course of action. They may need to remove branches or the entire tree to prevent it from falling and causing damage or injury.
• You are not experienced with tree cutting: If you don't have experience cutting trees, it's best to call professionals who can do the job safely and efficiently. Cutting trees can be dangerous and requires proper training and equipment.

In general, it's best to call professionals to cut tree branches if you are unsure about how to do it safely or if the job is too big or dangerous for you to handle on your own.

What Tool To Avoid When Cutting Small Tree Branches

No doubt the chainsaw has its place for big jobs and professional work but is it worth the risk for those smaller jobs you need to tackle?  According to the CDC approximately 36,000 people a year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries from using chainsaws.  Sure, professionals use chainsaws every day mostly without issue.  According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a person using a chainsaw should be skilled at the task and be protected by headgear, hearing protection, eye/face protection, leg protection such as Kevlar pants or chaps, work gloves, and appropriate footwear.  In general, a chainsaw is probably an overkill tool for the weekend home DIY gardener/landscaper. 

According to the CDC approximately 36,000 people a year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries from using chainsaws.

What Hand Tools Are Best For Cutting Small Tree Branches

When cutting small tree branches, hand tools can be a great option.  If the tree branch is about an inch or less in diameter, a pruning shear is a good choice.  For the slighter larger branches a "lopper" which is basically a pruning shear with longer handles for more leverage, work well.  With either of these two tools, you can make quick work of a pile of downed branches.

Pruning Shears

For larger tree branches, a bow can get the job done quickly.  A bow saw is a hand-held cutting tool used for sawing wood and other materials. It consists of a metal or wooden frame in the shape of an arch, with a thin, flexible blade stretched between the two ends of the frame. The blade is typically between 12 and 30 inches long, and has teeth on one side that are used to cut through wood, bone, or other materials.

Bow Saw

You might reach for a bow saw in your garage to trim a branch.  But you will quickly find the bow saw can easily get jammed up in a wet or green tree branch which makes it nearly impossible to get the job done.  In this case, there is a better option - a power tool.

What Power Tool Is Best For Cutting Small Tree Branches

A reciprocating saw is a powered handheld saw with long straight blade extending from the front end with a cutting action that is back-and forth (reciprocating).  The saw is held with both hands with the shoe of the saw up against the workpiece for stability.  Cuts are fast and irregular making making the saw best suited for demolition and rough cuts for construction or other jobs.  Reciprocating saws are usually electric powered by cord or by rechargeable battery.

Reciprocating Saw

Like any power tool, the reciprocating saw can be dangerous and should be used with the appropriate personal protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, etc.

Versatility

Having a powerful long narrow blade that can get into tight spots, reciprocating saws have found a place in demolition work.  The saw can easily cut through everything from drywall to kitchen cabinets.  The cuts are rough but fast.  You will never be using the saw for fine woodworking but the reciprocating saw is plenty versatile depending on the blade you select.  From metal work to tree pruning, the reciprocating saw might be to right tool for you.

Must Have Blade For Reciprocating Saw

There's a use for your reciprocating saw you may not have considered beyond demolition work and rough cuts.

With the right blade, the reciprocating saw makes an excellent tool for tree branch cutting.

In order to use a reciprocating saw effectively to cut green or wet tree branches and limbs, a special wood pruning blade should be used.  These blades have course irregular teeth and are available in a variety of lengths.

9-Inch Wood Pruning Saw Blades for Reciprocating/Sawzall Saws

Most reciprocating saw blades are universal and will fit most brands of saws. But before purchasing any blade, check with the product details to make sure it will work with your saw.

Okay, now here's the proof.  Check out this video that shows how a reciprocating saw is superior to the bow saw when cutting wet wood.

Keep in mind a reciprocating saw will be limited to smaller tree branch trimming jobs.  Depending on the pruning blade you select, you're limited to cutting a 6 inch or so tree branch.  Cutting larger limbs can overstress the saw and cause it to overheat and possibly fail.

Best Way To Bag Small Tree Branches In Lawn Waste Bags

You may live in a community that requires you to dispose of yard waste in lawn waste bags.  If so, you'll want to minimize the number of bags used.  The best way to do this is to chop all the branches down to smaller 1-2 foot lengths.  For each tree limb, cut all of the extending branches so you only have straight sticks.  Now when you put the branches in the lawn waste bags, they will take up significantly less space and save you lawn bags.  A quick way to do this is to first get all the branches to be disposed of on the ground.  Then, use the tools of choices as described in this article and go branch by branch until you've chopped down all the pieces into smaller manageable sections before putting them into lawn waste bags.

Last Words

When it comes to tackling yard work that involves cutting small tree branches, you have plenty of options.  But always be safe and call the professionals when the job is too big or too risky.