What is a Tree Lopper?

In the same way that we call in a plumber to fix a blocked toilet or an electrician to wire up our new light, there are times when we need the services of a professional tree expert. Whether you’re looking to prune your hedge or bring down a large specimen, a specialist Tree Lopper is an invaluable tool for any gardener. However, before you call a tree lopper, make sure you understand what they actually do.

A tree lopper is a general term used to describe someone who cuts branches or limbs with hand pruners, shears and sometimes even chainsaws. The key difference between them and a true arborist (also known as a tree surgeon or arboriculturist) is that they understand the structure and growth habits of trees and can give informed advice. Arborists use the most up-to-date scientific methods to ensure your trees and plants are healthy, safe and well maintained for their entire lifespan.

As the name suggests, loppers are designed to cut larger limbs and branches up to around two inches in diameter. They can be used to remove diseased or dead twigs, branch stubs and overgrown areas. Using a pair of loppers to regularly remove these sections can help re-train a tree’s growth by removing the damaged or unwanted parts and allowing sunlight to filter through the canopy to encourage regrowth.

All loppers feature fully hardened, precision-ground blades that cut right to the tip and stay sharp – even through heavy use. Some models have a low-friction blade coating that reduces gumming and improves rust resistance. Others have a telescopic handle that extends for greater leverage, making them easier to operate and more suitable for high branches or thicker wood.

Most loppers work in either a bypass or anvil style. Bypass loppers operate a bit like scissors in that one sharp blade passes past another, creating clean cuts. These are best for pruning live vegetation as they leave smaller wounds and are less prone to infection. Anvil loppers, on the other hand, have a single sharpened, often curved, blade that closes onto a flat anvil base to complete the cut. They can crush stems rather than cutting them, which is not ideal but they do have more force and are more suitable for clearing out dead growth or for making the first cut on thick branches before removing them with bypass loppers or a saw.

For the most reliable loppers that can cut through any size of branch, you should look for ones with a strong and sturdy build. Look for a locking mechanism to keep the handles securely closed during use, as well as a non-slip handle grip. The best loppers are made from high quality steel or aluminium and have a comfortable, ergonomic grip. You should also make sure to clean loppers before and after each use to avoid the spread of any diseases or infections.

source https://litchfieldtreeservices1.wordpress.com/2024/04/10/what-is-a-tree-lopper/