TOOL TIPS — only hand tools are allowed

 

Only use tools that you feel comfortable using.

 

The Park Service provides loppers for group volunteer days on NPS land.

At present we are prohibited from pulling or digging roots, so we have not included tools used for those purposes in this list.

Keep your cutting tools sharp!  A dull tool can needlessly tire you out and slow your progress.  A quick, daily sharpening makes a huge difference.

 

- Basic Tools -

Long-handled “bypass” lopper—for cutting all types of vines and brush from 1/2 inch to 1.5 inches.   We recommend the “bypass” type; “anvil” loppers are for designed for dead wood.  Shorter loppers, available online but rarely in stores, are preferred by some volunteers  ($15 to $30)

 

Hand pruner “bypass type” —for cutting small vines and brush, less than 3/4 inch in diameter, and for clipping seed heads.  (about $15)

 

Prying tool (flat head screwdriver, pry bar or dandelion tool) - Pulling small vines away from tree trunks and prying larger, cut vines away from trunks requires some sort of prying tool, preferably one that is not too sharp or heavy.  (about $5)

 

Bow saw or pistol-grip pruning saw—for cutting through thick (>2” dia.), old vines and brush.  Get one with a straight blade—the curved ones can damage bark  ($15)

 

- Bladed Tools (practice required) -

Machete—best all around, this tool requires some experience and upper body strength to use correctly.  Great for English Ivy and brush up to 1.5 inches in diameter.  ($15)

 

Fiskars or Gerber (brand) brush axe—sort of a cross between a machete and a grass hook—very good for hanging vines and shrubs/herbs less than 1.5 inches in diameter,  e.g. Porcelain Berry, Multiflora Rose and Japanese Knotweed. (about $40)

 

Weed Cutter (aka Grass Whip or Sling Blade)—two-handed, long-handled tool swung like a golf club and good for secondary cutting of Japanese Knotweed, etc. ($20)

 

Ditch Bank (aka Brush Hook)—long-handled, heavy tool for chopping brush, especially Multiflora Rose.  Requires strength and experience to be effective ($35)

 

Sharpener—Accusharp and Gardensharp (brand) are the easiest and safest tool sharpeners that can be used in the field to put a keen edge on tools. ($10)

DC Woodlands

Invasive exotic plant control in Washington, DC

www.dcwoodlands.org

Copyright © 2006 DC Woodlands

American Trails maintains a

 great website with pictures and descriptions of these tools and much, much more.