s an avid gardener, learning how to use the tools was part of the education that was given in order to become a proficient gardener and to teach how to protect yourself while enjoying your gardening endeavors. When you conduct an activity that leaves you hurting, your zest for this particular endeavor wanes quickly. Learning to position your body correctly and holding tools in the right alignment is very important to being able to perform the needed tasks without strain to your body.

When you prune with loppers, be sure that your shoulders and upper arm are not held at an awkward angle. Aligning the shoulders to the job will assist you in the heavy lifting and cutting that will be necessary on some trees and bushes. Making sure your equipment is very sharp will help in the cuts necessary.

Always remember, if the loppers are too awkward to use, the next step you can take for safety is a small saw. Loppers should be used for branches that are no more than three inches in diameter otherwise you place too much strain on your hands, wrist, arms, neck and back. The next day will be painful and you are not likely to want o experience this again.

Both professional nursery workers and homeowners who garden know that being able to use equipment correctly and safely are paramount to good gardening practices that will allow everyone to enjoy gardening. Using loppers correctly will save your wrist from being strained when both hands apply equal pressure to the cut and you angle the lopper at about a 45° angle.

This creates a good clean cut on the plant and will allow the plant to heal the cut quickly before insects or disease can do more damage. Cut close to the collar of the branch next to the trunk, leaving the collar and cutting flat to it with the loppers. This keeps plants healthy and your body from hurting. Correct usage of garden loppers can beautify your plants and landscapes and provide you with the pleasure of working outside with nature.