It’s time to use cutting-edge tools
Winter pruning can rejuvenate wind-damaged or overgrown branches on your trees and shrubs, says LOUISE MIDGLEY
STRONG winds which have been experienced in most parts of the UK this winter, can be extremely damaging to both mature and newly planted trees and shrubs.a sudden, strong gust may rip a branch from the main body of the plant causing it to tear as it falls.
If left, this damaged wound is vulnerable to disease and fungal infection which may spread to other parts of the plant.
So rather than leaving it until spring to make good the damage, at a time when the sap has begun to rise and the foliage unfurl, tackle any pruning jobs now while you have a clear view of the bones of the whole plant. A clean cut will callous over quickly during winter and keep the plant in good health.
Use a sharp saw or a cordless, batterypowered pruner.the latter will power through branches effortlessly.
These useful tools are particularly beneficial if you need to prune branches while balancing on a ladder, as less effort is involved than manual sawing, allowing you to work at greater speed.
New to the market this spring is the Stihl GTA 26 Cordless Pruner (recommended retail price £149).This compact, lightweight pruner is ideal for tackling mature shrubs and tree branches with a diameter of up to 4cm.there is no requirement to wear protective gear, however as with any electrical cutting tools, you should at least wear protective glasses and gloves.
Remove damaged or disease wood from large shrubs, also thin crowded stems and any that are crossing paths too closely, all of which will promote vigour in the plant.
Once you have trimmed branches don’t let them go to waste; invest in a wood chipper and use the chippings as a mulch to suppress weeds in borders and beds.
Wood chippers are great for speeding up the process of turning general garden waste into compost, as smaller pieces decompose faster. Skarper supply professional compact wood chippers that are narrow enough to be wheeled through alleyways and garden gates.
● Upsonmowers.co.uk/skarper-wood-chippers.html