Hand Tools

What hand tools are good for removing non-native invasive plants?
Consider the mission, eradication. Eradication means to completely get rid of something so as to not have it return. It may seem impossible but it is possible if proper methods are used.

Chemicals such as herbicide or more commonly known as weed killer are not anything I support. Reason being, what chemical is truly safe for you to be in contact with, unknown long term effects, and what non-targeted species will be harmed or killed. Also ask yourself: Will my pet or child come in contact with the chemical? How would I feel if my loved one got health issues or died from my use of the chemical? What if someone else’s pet or kid died due to me using the chemical?

Non-powered hand tools are what I prefer. Less risk of injury to self and others. What you cut with loppers will be selected unlike a chainsaw or power trimmer when cutting brush. Loppers and other non-powered equipment wont create debris similar to woodchips nor will it widely spread the fruit (seeds) of the plant being cut. By eliminating or decreasing spread of invasive plant debris and fruit, you are reducing the future of that plant species existence. That’s your goal, right?

Please wisely choose chemical or physical labor with hand tools.

Following are examples of useful hand tools and places to buy them as found in Google search. These sources are only examples, not an advertisement as I am not being compensated for listing them.

Gloves
ULINE: http://www.uline.com/Grp_375/Leather-Gloves?pricode=WO200&gclid=CIDIw-vLu6wCFcFw4AodBSUUpg

Safety Glasses
Optics Planet.com:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/reviews/reviews-safety-glasses.html

Safety Boots
Cabela’s:
http://www.cabelas.com/safety-toe-boots.shtml

Loppers
Hickok:
http://www.hickokloppers.com/

Craftsman:
http://www.craftsman.com/

LARGE: Land Fork Cultivator Hoe
Easy Digging:
http://www.easydigging.com/hand_mattock/fork_cultivator.html

Folding Shovel Pick
BrilliantStore.com:
http://www.brilliantstore.com/hand-tools-os-ht0108.html

Multi-Tool
Leatherman:
http://www.leatherman.com/product/Charge_ALX

These tools can be found in stores too. Some stores are: Walmart, Sears, Ace Hardware, Cabela’s, Lowe’s, Home Depot

Might want to take before and after pictures to see the difference. It is a rewarding feeling to see native flora (plant) and fauna (animal) return.