Tools that’ll give you the edge for that big tidy-up
AS THE weather cools, it will soon be time to start the great autumn tidy-up. Be prepared for maintaining the shape, structure and size of plants, as well as removing dead, diseased and damaged growth, by ensuring you have the right pruning tools. Here are six great products that make the cut.
Victorinox Floral knife
Originally created for florists to cut flowers, this straight-bladed knife is perfect for gardeners who want to carry out simple pruning of soft-stemmed plants. It features a stainlesssteel blade and nylon handle and is just 95mm long, making it easy to fit into a back pocket. As well as the classic Swiss Army red, the handle is available in five other colours.
€16 (knivesandtools.ie).
Felco Model 2
It has many imitators, but few secateurs can match this classic model from Swiss brand Felco. Using a bypass cutting action, they’re ideal for pruning stems up to pencil thickness and have an ergonomic handle covered with a red, non-slip coating. The blade features a small notch for cutting wire. Every part of the tool is replaceable.
€69.95 (knivesandtools.ie).
Stihl PR16 Handycut Folding Saw
This compact, hand-held pruning saw is ideal for pruning larger branches and working in confined spaces between other stems. Made by German firm Stihl, its 16cm-long, chromeplated steel blade is perfect for tackling branches up to 65mm thick, and folds in and out of the plastic handle at the touch of a button. Weighing just 160g, it’s light enough to transport around the garden in a pocket.
€35.79 (amazon.co.uk).
Spear & Jackson Predator 21” Bow Saw
A bow saw is an essential tool for removing large limbs from trees or even cutting logs. This model comes fitted with a 21inlong, peg-tooth blade that’s suited for cutting dry and hard wood. A separate blade can be bought for cutting fresh wood. The pointed nose on the powdercoated tubular-steel frame makes it easy to work in narrow spaces, and the handle is fitted with a guard to protect fingers.
€29.95 (plantlife.ie).
Draper Tree Pruner (4-position Lock
Telescopic Handle)
If you have lots of tall trees in your garden, these telescopic pruners will help you get to those hard-to-reach places.
Extending from 1.5m to 2.5m, its aluminium pole handle has a comfortable, heavy-duty hand grip and is topped with a detachable, curved pruning saw blade suitable for severing branches up to 32mm in width, along with a bypass-action blade that’s operated by pulling on a nylon cord. €89.95 (mcquillantools.ie).