- -   AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM  - -


(CLF7000)  Core Area:  PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCE

  (CLF7600)   Unit Title:  PRUNING

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  (CLF7603)   Topic:  USE AND MAINTENANCE       Time      Taught in Year(s) 
                      OF PRUNING EQUIPMENT     1 hour           3 AND 4      
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         Topic Objectives:  Upon completion of this lesson the student will 
         be able to:

         Learning Outcome #:

           (K-12)  -  Identify, use, and proerly maintain pruning equipment.

         Special Materials and Equipment: None

         References: None

         Evaluation: Quiz by instructor

TOPIC PRESENTATION:  USE AND MAINTENANCE OF PRUNING EQUIPMENT

A.  The basic tools for pruning are shears and saws.

    1.  The exact type and size is determinned by the kind of pruning.

    2.  We will discuss the most used hand tools under this topic.  
        There is an endless list of air, electric and hydraulic power 
        equipment available.  Also there are specialized machines 
        available for specific types of pruning or hedging operations.

B.  The primary tool for pruning fruit trees or grape vines is the pruning 
    shear.

    1.  Probably the most common size used for pruning fruit trees is a 
        shear with a 24 to 36 inch handle.

    2.  For grapevines a shorter handle is more comfortable and 
        more efficient.  For some types of vines a hand shear may be 
        preferred.

    3.  All shears must be kept sharp and in good working order.

        a)  A small pocket stone is conveinient when sharpening is 
            necessary in the field.

        b)  When sharpening, use a small amount of light oil on the stone 
            (floats away the filings).

        c)  Sharpen only the outside of the flat blade of the shears.

        d)  Never remove any metal from the inside of the horn or the flat 
            blade.

        e)  Keep the bevel on the shear blade at a 45 degree angle.

        f)  The accumulation of sap and dirt can be removed with steel
            wool.  Be sure to wipe blades with an oily cloth often buffing 
            them with steel wool.

        g)  The adjustment nut holding the two blades together has a right 
            hand thread.  You'll need a vise (or two wrenches)