Tree Loppers – Are They Really Tree Loppers?

When you have a large number of trees in your garden it is often necessary to cut some to maintain their health and prevent them from growing too high and blocking light or damaging buildings. This can be a challenging job and you might need some expert help. The problem is that there are people who call themselves tree loppers but do not have the knowledge and skills required to anticipate what will happen to a tree when they cut it.

The term ‘to lop’ is an old English word meaning to cut off, but within arboriculture the phrase has become disparaging and refers to individuals who cut trees without regard for the plant’s natural defence systems or for their long-term effect. A person who calls themselves a tree lopper is generally not an arborist (Qld) and does not have the specialised knowledge to be able to provide an informed, considered approach for a tree.

While it is not unusual for unqualified people to operate a tree trimming business, an arborist has undergone extensive training and has the specialised skills to be able to work safely and effectively with trees. Arborists can provide services that include pruning, tree removal, stump grinding and preparing arborist reports.

A good pair of loppers can be a very useful tool for cutting larger branches that are too thick for hand pruners. You can choose from bypass loppers that have two blades which pass over each other to give a clean, scissor action or anvil loppers that crush stems as they cut to make a cleaner and more precise cut. There are also telescopic models that extend to increase reach and some have an additional mechanism that helps you cut thicker branches with less effort.

If you are using a pair of standard loppers it is important to grip the handles firmly and avoid twisting the blades during cutting; if you do this you may damage or hurt the plant or yourself. It is also vital to use the correct technique; it’s important to figure out where you want the cut to be and line up the blade with that point before closing the loppers. It is also essential to sterilize a pair of loppers after each use to remove dirt and gunk from the blades, as well as disinfecting them with a solution of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol or vinegar.

If you’re looking for a more specialist tool to tackle thicker branches, we recommend this pair from Niwaki, which have strong, forged steel blades and solid oak handles. They’re great for cutting dense dead wood but not so good at guiding the cutter through live, tough branches and they can be awkward to close. They come with a two-year warranty.

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