Prepare a Space for a Deer Feeder

Reader Contribution by Hank Will and Editor-In-Chief
Published on April 9, 2013
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In your newly cleared woodland, one of the things you can do is install a deer feeder. In addition to clearing the brush off of the ground, you may also wish to clear some of the canopy so that sunlight will fall upon the clearing where your food plot will be. One way to accomplish this is with the use of a pole saw.

When using a pole saw, head, eye, face, and ear protection are recommended. Again, when working in the woods, sturdy shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and gloves are a good idea. If the pole saw is powered, adhere to all of the safety precautions you should take with a chainsaw. When you are considering cutting a branch with a pole saw, check and ensure that it cannot fall on you or anyone else. Understand that branches often rotate as they fall; try to predict how far it might be able to move, and plan to retreat when the cut is completed. Do not cut in windy or rainy conditions.

Again, common sense is crucial. Make sure that you are balanced and stable while using the saw; do not overreach or try to cut while on a ladder. If you cannot reach, get a longer saw or call a professional.

Begin your cut by cutting half of the branch diameter up from under the branch. Always finish the cut from above the branch, slightly further away from the trunk of the tree; if you cut through from below, the pressure of the falling branch will bind the saw. When pruning live trees, timing is important; it is ideal to prune live trees during the winter months, when sap flow is minimal, and insect activity is also minimal.

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