The HH gave me a reciprocating saw for Christmas, which I LOVE, but I’m also hoping doesn’t turn into the most expensive gift ever. The thought of having to be rushed to the ER because I sawed my arm off or something isn’t super appealing, but I guess only time will tell. 😉
This morning I went out to pull some weeds on the hillside but when I got there, the ground was frozen solid. So instead of heading back inside to down a gallon of hot cocoa and watch movies all day , I decided to break out my new toy and do a little tree trimming.
I know, I know, you’re probably looking at this picture and thinking… Uh Mavis, that’s not how you prune a tree. And you’re probably right. But if I did it correctly {read: cut the limb off close to the tree} the giant limb could have snapped back somehow and knocked me off the ladder and the saw could have landed on my face or something.
See. This is way was way safer. Right?
I am determined to have a green {not patchy brown} lawn and a lush vegetable garden this summer but it’s going to take some work. But before I can plant anything I need to cut down, dig up, move, and/or get rid of all the stuff that’s in my way.
I figure if I can tackle a little each day from now until the beginning of March, I should have everything done in time to get my garden planted. Starting from scratch is hard, but I’m excited to finally get going on some projects now that the remodel is over {well, phase 1 at least}.
Now, if the ground would just hurry up and thaw I could get the rest of those weeds pulled.
How about you, are you itching to get out there too?
~ Mavis
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Margo Miller says
Mavis, be safe, don’t cut any appendages you will want later. Had to laugh, though. Just finished cutting and pruning some large succulents in our garden with a reciprocating saw. Made quick eork of it. And, I actually have a gtanddaughter ehose middle name is Danger. We are all hoping she doesn’t actually live up to it..
Marie says
Oh my! I also own a recep saw & a healthy respect for it. Take a stroll around town & pick up some tips from the experts before burning up your own saw. I’m no lightweight, but power in the garden can distort the soil/ soul relationship.
lynne says
you asked if we were excited to get out there….umm…well…if only! Today we have a wind chill advisory of -35. Yes. -35! I’m just trying to get thru the winter here in northern MN. Come march, that’s when we’ll start dreaming of green grass, leaves on the tree, and planning the garden on paper :-). I think its time to relocate….
Mavis Butterfield says
Okay, so maybe -35 isn’t gardening weather. 🙂
Tammy says
Looks like a great Christmas present!
My husband gave me a 3-gallon crock for Christmas. I can’t wait to fill it up with sauerkraut, and to try my hand at fermented pickles. Yum.
Mavis Butterfield says
Nice!!
Pam says
My husband got me a pruning saw for my very first gift. He says he married me because he should keep a woman he could give tools 🙂
Donna in VA says
I don’t do power tools. I don’t care how long it takes with a hand saw (even a dull, rusty one) – that is the path I choose. Same for shovel, hand clippers, and so on. (Kitchen appliances are OK though!)
Jenn in Indiana says
My husband would have a fit if he saw how you were holding that saw over your head like that! And you have no safety glasses on! That’s why I use the saw when he is at work, don’t tell!
Mavis Butterfield says
Ha! Me too. 🙂 I didn’t think about using safety glasses until the sawdust started flying under my glasses. Ooops!
Heather from MA says
I too do all my projects while the HH is at work (best if on a business trip so I have several days
Mavis Butterfield says
Great minds think alike!
Nicky says
Pretty sure you’re not meant to hold an electric saw that far above your head. Stay safe Mavis.
Carol says
Ditto what Nicky and Jenn said. I’m hoping whoever was taking your picture helped you with the ladder, too.
I’m retired now, but I spent over 30 years working in a steel mill, so I’m a bit of an expert on safety issues. Dear One, we love you whole and hearty, please get safety goggles, and ask Chino what is the correct way to work from a ladder. Three points of contact, I’m hoping he backs me up on this. And, no, we don’t use that type of power tool when we are all by ourselves.
No hate, Mavis, just love!
Your garden is going to be amazing!!!!
Kevin Wilson says
We took down a big ancient diseased pear tree a few years ago with a recip saw. friends laughed, but it worked. That last 10 ft of stump we had to get a quick visit from a chainsaw guy though.
Safety glasses, yes. Ear protection too, if you value your hearing. And the saw over the head thing is pretty cringe-making. Can you get a taller ladder?
For many of our big branches we tied a rope to the outer end, and my partner guided it down with the rope while I cut. It saved a lot of damage to the rest of the garden.