Manila Discussion archive for:

  • Loppers

    I was up in the District not long ago on a trail that will go un named and noticed someone had been through with loppers either over the winter or last season. The work is appreciated but I wanted to offer a constructive tip. Please try to get as low to the ground as you can. This is particularly important with vine maple and other Guerilla type vegetation because it grows back with a vengeance. Also, when cut off at ankle or calf level, the cut off stobs are invariably sharp and could hurt someone or even "put an eye out" if very high, or left longish on the upslope side of the trail.

    Many of the cut off stobs I saw were already sending out an umbrella of new shoots.

    Naturally, it could have been snow kept the lopper-bearer from trimming low, and I understand that.

    Otherwise, thanks and keep it up folks. The snow is melting!
    Loppers
  • Re: Loppers (#)
  • 6/16/08; 5:09:48 PM ¦ by Rob Williams
  • I could be at fault for this, but there is a reason:  I only have hand held clippers and some of the woody stuff can get rather large.  Rather than cut nothing, sometimes I can only cut so far back.  I always try and not leave something that could put someones eye (or leg) out.  I figure if the trail is wider/clearer, hopefully people can steer clear of them.  I've been "bit" by old stubs when the trail gets overgrown, and prefer a clear path....

    I know that many times when you cut a branch, it will grow 2 or 3 stems back.  I have the same battle every year in my backyard with a bunch of blackberries (on the other side of a fence).

    One of the things I'd like to get is a small/light pair of loppers I can put in my pack.  That way I wouldn't need to do that....Anyone know where you can get a pair of small/light loppers?
    • Re: Loppers (#)
    • 6/17/08; 6:35:42 AM ¦ by Robert Koscik
    • I use the Corona red fiberglass jobs, Home Depot for $30.  Lots of power and pretty light.  Plus you can beat off critters with em', win-win.
      • Re: Loppers (#)
      • 6/17/08; 7:00:55 AM ¦ by Simon Harding
      • You likely will not find any that will fit in your pack but may find some you can strap on your pack. I have a pair of old Corona's with wood handles and bypass blades that are fine for the small stuff. Fairly light. I have a set of red fibreglas handled ones from the hardware store that are anvil bladed. But they are heavy.

        Having said all that, they are best carried in the hands - so you can use them! (And they work better as a dissuasion to cougars and drunken rednecks that way too).

        I understand what you are saying regarding the hand clippers. Hadn't thought of that. Anything is better than nothing - so thanks for the work. And please take the comments re: hand carrying the loppers with the humor I intended.

        Simon
        • Re: Loppers (#)
        • 6/17/08; 7:15:50 AM ¦ by Rob Williams
        • No worries.....I know some of the stuff I have done isn't optimal, but as you said, something is better than nothing.....

          I'll take a look at the loppers at HD soon, and hopefully get a pair so I can do more pruning.  I've got to say, it gets kind of addictive.  My dog was getting mad at me for stopping and pruning.  You get started and it is hard to stop!  There are so many places that could use some help, though, so it is almost impossible to do it all, unless that  is the focus of your trip.  I don't get enough time out in the woods as it is, so I try and combine activities....
          • Re: Loppers (#)
          • 6/17/08; 7:54:50 AM ¦ by Robert Koscik

          • Yeah, it's a jungle out there!  I have noticed that trimming lasts longer in the higher elevations, and grows back more quickly down in the lower riparian areas.  Go figure...

            It's a hell of a workout in any case, especially with wrist-sized rhododendrons.   Sometimes it's maddening but it's rewarding to walk a recently cleared stretch of trail.

            • Re: Loppers (#)
            • 6/20/08; 6:58:42 PM ¦ by Donovan
            • Hickok 32A, the best in my estimation. Easy to keep sharp. Work well with up to inch and a half live stems. I suspect it is most effective to cut brush fully leafed out and budded. That will set them back. Winter is the easiest but most likely to stimulate a vigorous coppice. Some things are best dug out.
  • Re: Loppers (#)
  • 6/17/08; 11:58:28 AM ¦ by Joe Keller
  • Have any of you tried a Fiskars 18" PowerGear lopper? Never seen one locally but I might order on-line if they are decent.
    • Re: Loppers (#)
    • 6/20/08; 11:56:37 AM ¦ by Bill Cattrall
    • I have a vineyard and use loppers daily for months at a time.  The tool of choice is Baco in the 18" size.  They just came out with a new lighter handle that I don't have yet but I will get them when they come in.  I did get the 30" model that I use in the orchard and at 2.5lbs. they are great.  I can't wait to try them on rhodies and vine maple if the snow ever melts.
      Bill