Trees, shrubs, and vines are what give a home landscape an enduring quality. But these woody plants need occasional—and in some cases more than occasional—pruning.
Pruning helps young plants develop strong, attractive form; when they’re older, it helps maintain their beauty and stave off decrepitude that comes from a buildup of dead wood and disease. Decades and centuries ago, such work was entrusted to gardeners, who were both knowledgeable and affordable. Knowledge is still indispensable, but today’s tools make most pruning jobs easily tackled by homeowners.
Take, for instance, a long, tall, stately hedge that separates an outdoor space into garden “rooms.” In the past, trimming this hedge would have meant climbing a ladder with hand hedge shears (essentially giant scissors) in tow. Today, pole hedge shears make this job easier and less dangerous. With feet firmly planted on the ground, you can reach heights of 10′ or more to trim a wall of greenery, and the pole trimmer’s articulating head lets you trim the top flat or at any other angle.
For years, I’ve used a Remington Extended Reach Electric Hedge Trimmer to maintain a tall crabapple hedge that frames the garden view out the back door of my barn. But this tool is heavy, and it relies on a power cord, so recently I’ve had my eye on the Black & Decker Pole Hedge Trimmer.