Fiskars Tree Cutter Tips For Efficient Pruning (7 Pro Techniques)

Fiskars Tree Cutter Tips for Efficient Pruning (7 Pro Techniques)

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and aesthetics of trees and shrubs. A good tree cutter can make the job easier and more efficient. The Fiskars tree cutter, known for its lightweight design and powerful cutting action, is a favorite among both amateur gardeners and professional arborists. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite pruning techniques, honed over years of hands-on experience.

Understanding the Fiskars Tree Cutter

The Fiskars tree cutter is designed with a telescoping pole and a rope-operated cutting head. It allows you to reach high branches without using a ladder, making pruning safer and more accessible.

Key Features of the Fiskars Tree Cutter

Telescoping Pole: Extends to various lengths, providing extended reach.
Rope-Operated Cutting Head: Delivers precise cuts with minimal effort.
Lightweight Design: Reduces fatigue during extended use.
Sharp Blade: Ensures clean and efficient cuts.

Why Choose Fiskars?

From my experience, Fiskars tools stand out due to their durability and ergonomic design. I’ve used many different brands over the years, but Fiskars tools consistently perform well, offering a great balance of quality and value. I appreciate that they are designed to reduce strain, which is crucial when you’re spending hours pruning.

Technique 1: Planning Your Pruning

Before you even pick up your Fiskars tree cutter, it’s crucial to have a plan. Pruning without a clear strategy can harm the tree and lead to undesirable growth patterns.

Assessing the Tree

Identify Dead or Diseased Branches: Look for branches that are brittle, discolored, or show signs of disease. These should be the first to go.
Evaluate Branch Structure: Determine which branches are crossing, rubbing, or growing inward. These can create future problems and should be pruned to improve airflow and light penetration.
Consider the Tree’s Natural Shape: Prune in a way that enhances the tree’s natural form. Avoid excessive cutting that can distort the shape.

Timing is Everything

Dormant Season Pruning: The best time to prune most trees is during the dormant season (late winter or early spring). This is when the tree is not actively growing, and pruning cuts heal more quickly.
Avoid Heavy Pruning During Growing Season: Pruning during the growing season can stress the tree and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases. However, light pruning to remove dead or damaged branches can be done at any time.

Personal Anecdote

I once made the mistake of pruning a young apple tree heavily during the summer. The tree struggled for months, and its growth was stunted.

Technique 2: Mastering the Cutting Technique

Using the Fiskars tree cutter effectively requires mastering the basic cutting technique. Proper cuts promote healthy growth and prevent damage to the tree.

Preparing the Cutter

Extend the Pole: Adjust the telescoping pole to the desired length. Ensure it is securely locked in place before starting to cut.
Inspect the Blade: Make sure the blade is sharp and clean. A dull blade can tear the bark and damage the tree.
Test the Rope Mechanism: Check that the rope mechanism is working smoothly. A properly functioning mechanism ensures clean and efficient cuts.

Making the Cut

Position the Cutter: Place the cutting head around the branch you want to remove. Position the blade so that it will make a clean, angled cut.
Pull the Rope: Pull the rope firmly and steadily to activate the cutting blade. Avoid jerky movements, which can damage the cutter or the tree.
Follow Through: After making the cut, release the rope slowly and carefully remove the cutter from the branch.

The Three-Cut Method

For larger branches, I recommend using the three-cut method to prevent bark tearing:

First Cut: Make a shallow cut on the underside of the branch, a few inches away from the trunk.
Second Cut: Make a second cut on the upper side of the branch, slightly further out than the first cut. This will cause the branch to break off, preventing it from tearing the bark.
Third Cut: Make the final cut close to the trunk, just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch joins the trunk). This cut should be clean and angled to promote healing.

Takeaway

Mastering the cutting technique is essential for efficient and safe pruning. Practice on smaller branches before tackling larger ones to get a feel for the cutter and the three-cut method.

Technique 3: Pruning for Shape and Structure

Pruning is not just about removing unwanted branches; it’s also about shaping the tree and promoting a strong, healthy structure.

Understanding Branch Angles

Wide-Angled Branches: These are stronger and less likely to break under heavy loads. Encourage wide-angled branches by pruning competing branches that grow upward.
Narrow-Angled Branches: These are weaker and more prone to breakage. Prune narrow-angled branches to promote the growth of stronger, wider-angled branches.

Promoting Airflow and Light Penetration

Thinning the Canopy: Remove some of the inner branches to allow more sunlight and air to penetrate the canopy. This helps prevent diseases and promotes healthy growth.
Removing Crossing Branches: Prune branches that cross or rub against each other to prevent damage and promote better airflow.

Balancing the Crown

Symmetrical Growth: Aim for a balanced crown by pruning branches evenly on all sides of the tree. This promotes stability and prevents the tree from becoming lopsided.
Dominant Leader: Maintain a dominant central leader (the main vertical stem) to encourage strong vertical growth. Prune competing leaders that may weaken the tree.

Example: Pruning an Apple Tree

When pruning an apple tree, I focus on creating an open center to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the tree. I remove any branches that grow inward or cross each other. I also prune the tips of the branches to encourage the development of fruiting spurs.

Technique 4: Safety First

Safety is paramount when using any tree-cutting tool. The Fiskars tree cutter is relatively safe compared to chainsaws, but it still requires caution and proper technique.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Gloves: Wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
Hard Hat: Consider wearing a hard hat, especially when pruning larger trees or working in areas with overhead hazards.

Safe Operating Practices

Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from power lines and other hazards.
Stable Footing: Ensure you have stable footing before starting to cut. Avoid working on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Clear the Area: Make sure the area below the tree is clear of people and obstacles.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of any potential hazards.

Case Study: Avoiding Accidents

I once witnessed a colleague who was pruning a tree without wearing eye protection. A small twig flew into his eye, causing a minor injury. This incident reinforced the importance of wearing PPE at all times when pruning.

Technique 5: Maintaining Your Fiskars Tree Cutter

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your Fiskars tree cutter in good working condition and extending its lifespan.

Cleaning the Blade

After Each Use: Clean the blade with a damp cloth to remove sap and debris.
Stubborn Residue: For stubborn residue, use a mild detergent or a specialized tree-cleaning solution.
Drying the Blade: After cleaning, dry the blade thoroughly to prevent rust.

Sharpening the Blade

Regular Sharpening: Sharpen the blade regularly to maintain its cutting efficiency.
Using a File: Use a file or sharpening stone to sharpen the blade. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct sharpening angle.
Professional Sharpening: If you’re not comfortable sharpening the blade yourself, take it to a professional sharpening service.

Lubricating the Moving Parts

Rope Mechanism: Lubricate the rope mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
Telescoping Pole: Lubricate the telescoping pole to prevent it from sticking.

Storing the Cutter

Dry Place: Store the cutter in a dry place to prevent rust and corrosion.
Blade Protection: Cover the blade with a protective sheath or wrap it in cloth to prevent accidental cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

I recommend the following maintenance schedule for your Fiskars tree cutter:

After Each Use: Clean the blade.
Monthly: Lubricate the moving parts.
Annually: Sharpen the blade and inspect the cutter for any signs of damage.

Technique 6: Dealing with Different Types of Trees

Different types of trees require different pruning techniques. Understanding the specific needs of each tree is essential for successful pruning.

Deciduous Trees

Pruning Time: Prune deciduous trees during the dormant season (late winter or early spring).
Focus: Focus on removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Examples: Maple, oak, birch.

Evergreen Trees

Pruning Time: Prune evergreen trees in late spring or early summer.
Focus: Focus on shaping the tree and removing any dead or damaged growth.
Examples: Pine, spruce, fir.

Fruit Trees

Pruning Time: Prune fruit trees in late winter or early spring.
Focus: Focus on promoting fruit production and maintaining an open canopy.
Examples: Apple, pear, cherry.

Specific Tree Needs

Maple Trees: Avoid pruning maple trees in early spring, as they tend to bleed sap heavily.
Pine Trees: Prune pine trees in late spring, after the new growth (candles) has emerged.
Fruit Trees: Prune fruit trees to encourage the development of fruiting spurs and to maintain an open canopy for sunlight penetration.

Real-World Example

I once pruned a neglected apple tree that had not been pruned in years. The tree was overgrown and had many dead and diseased branches. By carefully pruning the tree over several seasons, I was able to restore it to health and improve its fruit production.

Technique 7: Advanced Pruning Techniques

For more experienced pruners, advanced techniques can help you achieve even better results.

Espalier

Espalier is the art of training trees to grow flat against a wall or fence. This technique is often used for fruit trees and can be a beautiful and productive way to utilize limited space.

Training the Branches: Train the branches to grow horizontally along wires or supports.
Pruning for Shape: Prune the branches regularly to maintain the desired shape.

Topiary

Topiary is the art of shaping trees and shrubs into ornamental shapes. This technique requires patience and skill, but the results can be stunning.

Choosing the Right Plant: Choose a plant that is dense and has small leaves, such as boxwood or yew.
Pruning for Shape: Prune the plant regularly to maintain the desired shape.

Pollarding

Pollarding is a pruning technique in which the upper branches of a tree are removed, promoting a dense head of foliage. This technique is often used for street trees and can help control their size and shape.

Cutting Back the Branches: Cut back the branches to a point where they will sprout new growth.
Maintaining the Shape: Prune the new growth regularly to maintain the desired shape.

My Experience with Espalier

I once helped a friend create an espalier apple tree along a south-facing wall. It took several years of careful pruning and training, but the results were well worth the effort. The tree not only looked beautiful but also produced a bountiful crop of apples.

Conclusion

Efficient pruning with a Fiskars tree cutter involves a combination of planning, technique, safety, and maintenance. By following these seven professional techniques, you can achieve the best results and keep your trees healthy and beautiful. Remember to always prioritize safety and to adapt your pruning techniques to the specific needs of each tree.

Pruning is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes. With time and experience, you’ll become a skilled pruner and enjoy the satisfaction of caring for your trees.