Summer Garden Maintenance

To keep your gardens appearance nice it is important to spend time on pruning trees and shrubs which have grown out of shape or above an acceptable height. Depending on the type of tree or plant consideration should be given as to the correct time of the year to cut them back and restore the garden for the UK’s summer season.

The summer is the season when we tend to spend more time in the garden because of the climate and outdoor leisure activities associated with it.

If your garden contains a lawn it is probably bordered with plants or trees and if not will most likely have a hard landscaping structure such as a wall or wooden fence.  These borders are what sets the gardens overall appearance just like a frame around a picture. It therefore makes sense to ensure these look their best – especially in summer time.

The question comes as to what is the correct tool to cut and shape the trees and plants? and, which tool should be used to cut fence posts and panels to size?

For cutting of trees, shrubs, and small diameter timber a popular tool would be a compact petrol chainsaw.  The use of such a tool allows you to work without an electric power supply meaning you can work with the freedom of cables and the restrictions they bring.

By using a petrol chainsaw branches can be cut and removed, encouraging new growth and creating the correct shape of the plant at the same time. Dead wood can be pruned and any diseased areas cut out which will allow the plant to continue growing and developing as best as it can.  

Although a chainsaw can be used for cutting fence panels it is not the ideal tool to use, a circular saw should be used in preference which would allow straight cuts to be achieved to keep the fence panel straight and uniform in its shape.  

Both a chainsaw and a circular saw can be purchased and at an affordable price from several different types of shops.

The circular saw can be bought at DIY high street shops, specialist tool hire shops, mail order companies, and also online from a wide selection of different suppliers.

Chainsaws are typically sold through outdoor equipment shops that cater purely for gardening equipment such as lawnmowers, brushcutters, garden shredders, hedgetrimmers and the like. Different brands are sold as well through dealers who specialise in one particular make, an example of this is a Stihl branded petrol chainsaw – this would typically be sold in a garden equipment dealer that specialised purely on Stihl products.

Overall, the one thing to remember is that the overall appearance of your garden is related directly to the amount of maintenance you give it – the more attention it needs, the more work and time is required, otherwise it will become unsightly, overgrown, and lacking in beauty.