Equipment

Both the Washtenaw County Conservation District (Ann Arbor) and Growing Hope (Ypsilanti) have lending libraries that have most of the equipment. 

We will have plenty of equipment at the field training event so you don’t need to borrow equipment to attend the event.

If you don’t already own equipment and only need equipment for a few tasks the using a lending library is a great way to be environmentally friendly. Also, if you decide to expand your effort with other volunteer events, most organizations hosting volunteer events will have equipment that you can utilize instead of bringing your own equipment.

Loppers are a very personal decision and come in many different sizes and styles and all have advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few choices:

• Corona 30” SL3264, 1 ½” rated, $32, 3.3# - long length is great to break up lots of debris on the ground without bending over too much

• Fisker 15” Powergear, 1 ¼” rated, $30, 0.9# - very light weight but short

• Fisker 18” Powergear, 1 ½” rated, $32,  2.2# - short and light with good cutting ability

• Fisker 32” Powergear, 2” rates, $43, 3.9# - extra large cutting capacity requires heavier equipment, not a great tool to break down lots of smaller debris

The links shown are for reference. We support shopping local when possible

Like all cutting tools, loppers work best when kept sharp. The Corona, Fisker and Felco options are to keep a tool sharp. The mill file is best if the tool needs significant work to regain its sharpness.

• Corona Sharpening Tool, $9

• Fisker sharpener, $10

• Felco Sharpening Tool, $20

• Mill Sharpening File, $18

The links shown are for reference. We support shopping local when possible

• Cut Stump Herbicide - Allligare Glyphosate 5.4 which doesn't have any surfactants. We have found that the product is available in a 32oz bottle from The Pond Guy and a bottle costs $50.

• Safety goggles - Recommended when mixing the herbicide

• Waterproof gloves - Recommended when mixing the herbicide

• A funnel with capacity of around 4 oz (same as the buckthorn blaster) makes it easier to pour the herbicide without making a mess

The links shown are for reference. We support shopping local when possible

For cut stump applications, we recommend purchasing the Deluxe Kit if you are capable of squating, kneeling or bending over to apply the herbicide.

The deluxe kit includes 2 bottles, 3 caps, 5 tips, 1 tip changing tool and 1 bottle of marking due.

If you need a longer tool to do cut stump applications, there are longer pvc daubers. Most of the daubers have been made at home so that you can customize the length, add valves, etc. We have found that daubers can drip herbicide of the sponge is too wet and the sponge can drain out after you are done.

If you want to purchase a long PVC dauber, the company Forestry Suppliers has one for sale. We have no experience with this company nor this specific product. Sponges on the end of a dauber will drain out herbicide over time and a larger sponge will drain more. In addition a large sponge is more likely to touch other plants when you need to lay the dauber down.

It you are handy, you can fabricate your own dauber out of PVC. This link is for a PVC dauber that can be made at home. The directions were created by a long time Ann Arbor area volunteer.

TBD

Gloves - Leather gloves are recommended when using sharp tools or handling thrny plants. There are many manufacturers.

Gloves - If doing lots of loppering, you may prefer gloves that have some padding in the palm. The Youngstown Glove company has a good selection.

Gloves - If pulling herbaceous plants then you want a glove that provides good dexterity and additional traction.

Safety Glasses - Recommended when dealing with woody invasives or anytime you might get poked in the eye.

Trowel or hori hori garden knife - Helpful when hand pulling some herbaceous plants

Knee pads or Garden Kneeling pads can be very helpful

Boot brushes