Tools of the trade
Some of the tools used for Hedgelaying, both traditional and modern.
Billhook
The tool most commonly associated with Hedgelaying. The Billhook comes in a variety of patterns, shapes and sizes, each corresponding to a different region and style of Hedgelaying, Generally a long blade with a curve ending in a point. Some such as the Yorkshire have a blade on both sides, others have no point. The curve can be more or less pronounced. The billhook is used for smaller cutting and pleaching (see ‘What is Hedgelaying’). Some think that the curve of the blade is designed to match the curve of the stem to cut evenly around.
Slasher
The slasher is used to cut and pull out any unwanted small material such as brambles. A long handle and long curved blade. It was also used to cut the hedge in the years following it being laid.
Mallet
The mallet is used to drive the stakes into the ground, usually made of wood to reduce the chance of splitting the stakes. A large head sometimes with metal bands to keep it from splitting. A Podger is a round of wood with the branch still attached, the advantage is that it does not have to be lifted as high to strike the stakes.
Axe
Axe’s do the heavy cutting work, wether removing unwanted stems or pleaching large pieces. A felling axe is a large two handed tool while a smaller one handed axe is useful for smaller pieces
Mattock
Mattock’s are a digging tool used in a similar way to a pick axe. It has two blades one wide for digging and another narrow for cutting through roots. When root laying (see ‘What is hedge laying’) these are used to cut through the roots of the stem to be laid.
Long handled Billhook
A Long handled Billhook or heavy slasher is used in a similar way to a Billhook, but with a longer reach for higher branches and the ability to swing which adds to the power of the strike.
Lopper
Loppers are well known in gardening, used for cutting smaller branches they are useful for coppicing hazel binders (see ‘What is Hedgelaying’). They are also useful in tight spaces where it is not possible to swing an axe.
Gloves
Gloves provide protection from thorns and sharp tools, Thick leather gauntlets give added forearm protection, Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) Is particularly nasty and can cause blood poisoning.
Planting spade
A strong shaft for levering open a hole and a pointed blade. This specialist spade is designed to make an opening rather than for digging.