9/11

Agricultural Crop
Production NC I
Quarter 3 – Module 4/Week 6
Perform Pruning Following
Safety Procedures According to
OSHS and PNS: PAES 101
Agricultural Crop Production NC I
Quarter 3 – Module 4/Week 6: Perform pruning following safety procedures according
to OSHS and PNS: PAES 101
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education – Region XI

Regional Director: Evelyn R. Fetalvero
Assistant Regional Director: Maria Ines C. Asuncion

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Jadel A. Tenaja
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Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Department of Education Region XI

Office Address: Deped Davao City Division E. Quirino Ave.

Davao del Sur, Philippines
Telefax: (082) 3340100
E-mail Address: info@deped-davaocity.ph
 9/11

Agricultural Crop
Production NC I
Quarter 3 – Module 4/Week 6:
Perform Pruning Following
Safety Procedures According to
OSHS and PNS: PAES 101

1
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to
use this module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress
while allowing them to manage their learning at home. Furthermore,
you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as they do the
tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

As a learner, you must learn to become responsible for your
learning. Take time to read, understand, and perform the different
activities in the module.
As you go through the different activities of this module be
reminded of the following:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any
part of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer Let Us Try before moving on to the other
activities.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking
your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are done.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this

module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always
bear in mind that you are not alone. We hope that through this material,
you will experience meaningful learning and gain a deep understanding
of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

2
 Let Us Learn
This module covers the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of students
required to apply fertilizer based on crop requirements following safety procedures
according to OSHS and PNS. It focused on learning the ability to prepare materials,
tools, and equipment for nursery work, hygiene, and quality control.

This module was anchored on the following Learning Competencies in the Most
Essential Competencies (MELCs) in TLE Agriculture and Fishery Arts sector,
Agricultural Crop Production NC I.
a. Apply pest control measure according to specific pest control measure
and OHS procedures
b. Apply fertilizer based on crop requirements following safety procedures
according to OSHS
c. Water crops following the prescribed method and schedule
d. Perform pruning following safety procedures according to OSHS and
PNS: PAES 101
e. Perform physical growth-enhancing practices based on crop requirement
W7

After going through this learning material, you are expected to:
a. Name different pruning tools;
b. Identify the function of different pruning tools;
c. Discuss the importance of performing pruning to plants;
d. Appreciate the value of pruning plants.

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 Let Us Try

Hello Learner! Let us find out how much you already know about pruning the plants.
Read and understand the questions below. Choose the letter of the best answer and
write it on your answer sheet.

1. To protect your hands from the plant material and sharp cutting edges, what
will you need?
a. finger cots c. rubber gloves
b. cotton gloves d. leather gloves
2. Which term defines as the act of trimming leaves, branches, and dead matter
from plants?
a. thinning c. raising
b. trimming d. pruning
3. What tool do you need if your work requires you to shape plants?
a. pruning saw c. pruning knife
b. pruning shear d. hedge shear
4. What tool will you use If your teacher asks you to remove branches that are
greater than 50mm?
a. pruning saw c. pruning knife
b. pruning shear d. hedge shear
5. What safety precautions should you observed, if you use a ladder in pruning?
a. step above the top two rungs c. set ladder on uneven surfaces
b. stand on top two rungs d. mount ladders from the center
6. You are task to improve the look of large wounds which could help the healing
process of the plants, what tool should you use to perform the task?
a. pruning saw c. pruning knife
b. pruning shear d. hedge shear
7. Why is pruning important?
a. to maintain plant growth c. to train the plants
b. to restrict plant growth d. all of the above
8. Which tool is used for deadheading and cutting of branches up to 20mm in
diameter?
a. hedges c. handsaw
b. loppers d. secateurs
9. Maintenance of tools is important, which of the following can be done to
maintain tools?
a. keep them oiled c. store in a dry place
b. keep any bits’ sharp d. all of the above
10. What safety rules to follow when using saws?
a. inspect material before cutting c. make sure the blade is shaped
b. wear goggles or a face shield d. All of the above

4
 Let Us Study

Perform Pruning Following Safety

Procedures According to OSHS
and PNS: PAES 101
Before we proceed further, let us do first the activity below. This activity will only

Check your prior knowledge about the topic and things that you wanted to know as
we go through the module.

So, are you ready? Let’s begin!

Direction: Copy and connect all the black dots from the lowest to the highest number.
Color the picture. Please do this activity on your answer sheet.

Questions?

1. What garden tools form after you connect all the dots?
2. What do you think are the uses of these tools on plants?

5
What is the Pruning of Plants?

Pruning is defined as the act of trimming leaves, branches, and dead matter from
plants. Pruning also plays into the overall health of a plant. You certainly want to
maintain the well-being of your plants, train them to grow properly, improve quality,
and even restrict their growth in some cases.

Pruning plants can enhance the aesthetic and longevity of your landscape. This
frequently avoided task could save your plants from both insects and disease as well.

To prune, you’re strategically removing branches, roots, buds, etc. These elements
might be diseased, infested with insects or other pests, or lacking sunlight during
the shorter days

Pruning is also essential to a plant’s growth. Pruning and trimming improve plant
health, making it stronger and sturdier. It’s all about the long term. Sure, you won’t
see immediate results, but plants are about patience anyway.

Reasons for Pruning

• to train the plant
• to maintain plant health
• to improve the quality of flowers, fruit, foliage or stems
• to restrict growth

Types of Tree Pruning

Consider the advantages and importance of tree pruning. It’s a huge endeavor you’re
more than likely researching seriously because it can be super complicated and
dangerous.

1. Thinning – This type involves removing branches at the base, alongside the
trunk, or stalk.
2. Raising – This is all about creating headspace for entries, walkways, cars,
and people. Low-hanging branches are trimmed.

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 3. Topping – This process is a huge undertaking. Most branches are being
removed, all the way down to the trunk. This method is employed when you
need your trees to grow in very particular ways.
4. Reduction – Here, you’re trimming back the tree’s overall volume. You do this
to create more space for structures like power poles and lines.

Tools used to do the pruning

1. Secateurs. These tools are used for deadheading and cutting branches up to 20
mm in diameter. Good quality heavy-duty scissors can be used for smaller twigs
and branches.

http://bit.ly/3oh6XvI
Secateurs and scissors are the most popular pruning tools
2. Long-handled pruners. These tools are used for cutting off larger branches, say
up to 40mm, you will need a pair of long-handled pruners, sometimes called
loppers. Even when the material you are cutting is not particularly thick it will
save you unnecessary reaching and stretching. Long-handled pruners are used
for cutting back, sucker removal, and thinning.

http://bit.ly/3oh6XvI

Two different types of long-handled loppers

3. Aerial pruners. These tools are used to remove branches that are higher than
you can reach. these are also called extension or pole pruners. These are used
for cutting back and thinning.

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 http://bit.ly/3o
h6Xv I
4. Handsaws. These tools are used to remove branches that are greater than 50
mm. There are two main types of hand saw used; these are the bow saw and the
pruning saw.

http://bit.ly/3oh6Xv

5. Hedge Shears. These tools are used to shape plants or trim hedges. These are
designed to cut or prune branches up to 1 cm in diameter. There are two basic
types of hedge shear; one has a straight cutting blade while the other has a wavy
(serrated) blade. The wavy type is designed to hold and prevent larger branches
from slipping out of the blades. They can be purchased as either long or short-
handled models.

Curved pruning shears Serrated pruning shears

http://bit.ly/3oh6Xv

6. Pruning knife. This is used to give your pruning task professional look knives
to trim and bevel the edges of your pruning cut. This is done to improve the look
of large wounds and help in the healing process. You could also use your knife
to take off developing unwanted lateral growth.

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 http://bit.ly/3opMLbg

Your pruning knife is just that - a pruning knife - and should not be used for any
other purpose. You should keep your knife clean, sharp, and well oiled. When not in
use store the knife, in the original sheath, in a dry sheltered environment.

To prolong the working life of your pruning tools, they should be kept sharp and well
oiled. All nuts, bolts, and cutting blades should be checked regularly for wear or
damage and replaced if needed. Always clean your tools immediately after use and
store them in a dry sheltered environment.

Pruning Safety Precautions

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses with
side shields, a hard hat, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, boots, and
sunscreen.
• Never prune trees or branches within 10 feet of power lines. Contact your local
utility company to secure appropriately qualified tree trimming services.
• Maintain a safe working distance from other people when using pruning tools
or equipment.
• Carefully inspect the work area to locate any signs of bees, wasps, or other
potential animal hazards.
• Do not attempt to cut branches bigger than the pruning tool was designed to
cut.
• Before cutting, always know the location of your hands and fingers.
• Do not purposefully drop pruning tools from ladders.
• Always carry pruning tools with the sharp end pointed down.
• Before dropping a branch, an audible warning such as “timber” should be
given.
• Take frequent breaks when performing repetitive tasks. Do not overtire
yourself.
• Be aware of the weather conditions and drink adequate fluids to prevent heat
illness.
• Never use electric pruning tools or equipment when it is raining or in wet
conditions.
• If a ladder is used for pruning, then basic rules for ladder safety should be
followed such as: always set the ladder on a solid, level surface; stepladders

9
 should be fully opened with spreaders locked; never step above the top two
rungs of a stepladder; never stand on a rung or step and face away from the
ladder, and always mount ladders from the center and climb/descend the
ladder using both hands.

Pre-Pruning Activities
• Pruning typically involves the use of shears and saws, loppers, and manual
and electric hedge trimmers. Accordingly, pruning tools have sharp edges and
pinch points and in some cases an additional electrical hazard.
• Thoroughly review and understand information from the pruning tool
brochure or booklet provided by the manufacturer, with particular attention
given to descriptions of safety procedures.
• Before using, always inspect pruning tools to determine if they are functioning
properly, including assuring all moveable joints are lubricated and blades are
sharpened adequately. For electric equipment, inspect the electrical cord and
plug for defects.

10
 Let Us Practice
Direction. Name the following pruning tools and identify their respective uses. Write
your answer on your activity sheet.

11
 Let Us Practice More

Direction: Read and understand the statement below. Draw a happy face
if you think the statement is true and a sad face if it conveys a false statement.
Place your answer on your activity sheet.

_______ 1. Wear appropriate PPE/PPA at all times.

_______ 2. Prune trees or branches within 10 feet of power lines.

_______ 3. Cut branches bigger than the pruning tools.

_______ 4. Always carry pruning tools with the sharp end pointed up.

_______ 5. Ba aware of the weather conditions and drink adequate fluids.

_______ 6. Maintain a safe working distance from other people when using pruning

tools and equipment.

_______ 7. Always inspect pruning tools to determine if they are functioning properly.

_______ 8. Purposefully drop pruning tools from ladder.

_______ 9. Climb and descend ladder using one hand.

_______ 10. Carefully inspect the work area to locate sign of bees, wasps, and other

potential hazard.

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 Let Us Remember

To avoid stress in plants brought about by crossed, damaged, or diseased

branches, pruning is important. And to do this task effectively and efficiently, one
should remember the following points:

1. Pruning is about removing what’s useless or harmful to a plant, and trimming

is about cutting away what’s taking over or impeding.

2. Pruning is also essential to a plant’s growth. Pruning and trimming improve

plant health, making it stronger and sturdier. It’s all about the long term. You
won’t see immediate results, but plants are about patience anyway.

3. Before you start looking at pruning tools you need to consider your safety.
This means you will need to think about the equipment and material you may
need for your pruning task.

4. When you purchase tools for pruning it is probably best to limit your selection
to the type of tools that are most suited to the pruning activities you are likely
to be doing in your day-to-day work environment. The types of tools that you
will use for pruning include Secateurs, Long-handled pruners, Aerial pruners,
Handsaws, Hedge shears, Pruning knife.

5. To prolong the working life of your tools you should be kept sharp and well
oiled. All nuts, bolts, screws, blades, and springs should be checked regularly
for wear or damage and replaced if needed. Always clean your tools
immediately after use and store them in a dry sheltered environment.

13
 Let Us Assess
Well done learner! This time, let us check how much you can remember
about pruning the plants. Read and understand the questions below. Choose the
letter of the best answer and write it on your answer sheet.

1. Which term defines as the act of trimming leaves, branches, and dead matter
from plants?
a. thinning c. raising
b. trimming d. pruning
2. To protect your hands from the plant material and sharp cutting edges, what
will you need?
a. finger cots c. rubber gloves
b. cotton gloves d. leather gloves
3. If your teacher asks you to remove branches that are greater than 50mm,
what tool will you use?
a. pruning saw c. pruning knife
b. pruning shear d. hedge shear
4. What safety precautions should you observed, if you use a ladder in pruning?
a. step above the top two rungs c. set ladder on uneven surfaces
b. stand on the top two rungs d. mount ladders from the center
5. If your work requires you to shape plants, what tool do you need?
a. pruning saw c. pruning knife
b. pruning shear d. hedge shear
6. Why is pruning important?
a. to maintain plant growth c. to train the plants
b. to restrict plant growth d. all of the above
7. Which tool is used for deadheading and cutting of branches up to 20mm in
diameter?
a. hedges c. handsaw
b. loppers d. secateurs
8. What safety rule is to follow when using saws?
a. inspect material before cutting c. make sure the blade is shaped
b. wear goggles or a face shield d. all of the above
9. Maintenance of tools is important, which of the following can be done to
maintain tools?
a. keep them oiled c. store in a dry place
b. keep any bits’ sharp d. all of the above
10. You are task to improve the look of large wounds which could help the healing
process of the plants, what tool should you use to perform the task?
a. pruning saw c. pruning knife
b. pruning shear d. hedge shear

14
 Let Us Enhance
Direction: Find each hidden word in the puzzle which corresponds to the
description below. Copy and draw an ellipse around it on your answer sheet.

D G E T J K L P T W Q D

K J N M F E S E G H P
F
V T H I N N I N G M R
H
H O G H J L M Y E F U
J
M P B F F B N M R S N
N
F P V H D W G J R R I
M
E I C N C D H K V N N
B
A N X F R A I S I N G
F
Z G Q R G D E X R T Y
A
Q V W N Y R S D W Q A
F
E D U C T I O N B N M
R
V C B N K L Y T R E W
V

Description:

1. Most of the branches are being removed, all the way down to the trunk.
2. This is all about creating headspace for entries, walkways, cars, and people.
3. You do this to create more space for structures like power poles and lines.
4. This typically involves removing branches at the base, alongside the trunk, or
stalk.
5. Defined as the act of trimming leaves, branches, and dead matter from plants.

15
 Let Us Reflect

Given the illustration, you will have to reflect on relevant information and concepts
gained by applying your knowledge and skills to a real-life situation. Complete the
statements below.

Your teacher asks you to cut the branches of plant A. How would you do it? What
tools should you use to perform the task? What is the importance of doing the task
to plant? See Plant B as your example.

A B

http://bit.ly/2YOd7tb http://bit.ly/36xFZtS

After comparing the illustrations, I learned that pruning is important to plant

because
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

And I realized that before performing the task I need to consider

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

16
 19
Let Us Enhance
Let Us Try Let Us Practice More Let Us Assess
1. D 1. . 6. 1. D
2. D 2. 7. 2. D
3. B 3. 8. 3. A
4. C 4. 9. 4. D
5. D 5. 10. 5. B
6. D 6. D
7. D 7. D
8. D 8. D
9. D 9. D
10. D 10.C
Let Us Practice
1. Pruning Knife
-used to give pruning task a professional look.
2. Pruning Saw
- used to remove branches that are greater than 50mm
3. Secateurs
- used for dead heading and cutting branches up to 20mm
4. Aerial Pruner
-used to remove branches that are higher than you can reach.
5. Long handled pruners
- used for cutting of larger branches up to 40mm.
Answer Key
 References

“PRUNING SAFETY.” 2007. https://bit.ly/3sP17Fj.

“Tools for Pruning.” n.d. Www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au. Accessed January 24, 2021.
http://bit.ly/3oh6XvI.
“Importance of Pruning Plants | What Is Pruning?” 2018. Zodega. December 11,
2018. http://bit.ly/3c3SSiH.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region XI

F. Torres St., Davao City

Telefax: (082)3340100

Email Address: lrms.regionxi@deped.gov.ph

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