How to cut through thick trunks on our Beech Hedge

TomLikesSausages

We have been pruning our long Beech Hedge back for a number of years. Now we want tocut down the height substantially to a more manageable level. The trunks are quite numerous and very thick . How is the best way to cut them down, that is safe for an average individual. Chain saws seem very dangerous. What about an electric saw or will this ruin the saw. Any advice please

poorly_scammo

I don't think chain saws are any more dangerous than the person using them but I'd use a pruning saw for the really thick branches and loppers for the rest if you don't want to use one.

RAS

You can buy a pruning saw.

The ones in the £ shops cope with a 100mm plus trunk as long as you go steady. Have used them on apple trees.

I_have_spoken

One of these is very handy for general sawing - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00032II4A Blade is replaceable.

Traditional way - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-250422-600-Foresters-Bow/dp/B001C7NEWQ

Davesnave

You don't say how long the hedge is, so it's hard to know what level of investment in £ and time you might wish to apply.

I find an ordinary Spear & Jackson saw like this is good on thicker stems when hedge laying:
http://www.alanwadkinstoolstore.co.uk/hand-tools-c1/b98univ-universal-handsaw-fast-cut-p9041?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=spear-amp-jackson-s-amp-j-handsaw-b98-universal-b98univ&utm_campaign=product+listing+ads#10091

Cheaper if you buy two in B&Q. I use for one winter and then dispose. I never understand how one is supposed to get a bow saw into some hedging situations. I have three and rarely use them!

If you have a lot to do, an electric chainsaw can be had from Screwfix for £60 as an alternative to the Scorpion. The latter is probably safer and easier in a confined space.

Martin85

We would suggest either the Felclo 600 Pruning saw or the Wolf Garten Pruning saw. We have used the latter and it quite good but friends tell us the Felco 600 is better for thicker branches.They are both meant to have long guarantees but do not know what that is wotrh!! Whatever you do it will be hard work but the longer you leave it the bigger it will grow.