Essential Pruning Tools

HAND PRUNERS (Secateurs)

Best for: Cutting branches up to 1/2 inch in diameter

Types:

• Bypass pruners: Ideal for live, green branches. These have two curved blades that pass by each other like scissors, providing a clean cut that helps plants heal quickly.
• Anvil pruners: Better for dead, dry wood. These have a straight blade that cuts against a flat surface (the anvil), which can crush living stems, but works well for dead wood.

Features to consider:

• Ergonomic & comfortable grip
• Spring-loaded opening mechanism to reduce strain during repetitive cuts
• Locking mechanism to keep blades safely closed when not in use
• Maximum cutting diameter

LOPPERS

Best for: Branches 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter

Types:

• Bypass loppers: Similar to bypass pruners, best for live wood and green branches.
• Anvil loppers: Like anvil pruners, these are more effective on dead or dry wood.

Features to consider:

• Longer handles for increased leverage, allowing you to cut thicker branches with less effort
• Light weight for easier handling, especially for extended pruning sessions
• Some models have extendable handles for even greater reach and leverage
• Some have ratcheting systems for increased cutting power
• Maximum cutting diameter

PRUNING SAW

Best for: Branches over 2 inches in diameter

Types:

• Folding saws: Compact and portable, blade folds into the handle for safe storage and transport.
• Fixed-blade saws: Better for frequent or heavy-duty work; typically more robust.

Features to consider:

• Longer blades can cut larger diameters but may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces
• Comfortable, non-slip grip for safe handling
• More teeth per inch results in smoother cuts but slower cutting. Fewer, larger teeth cut faster but leave a rougher finish.

HEDGE SHEARS

Best for: Shaping hedges and trimming small-leaved shrubs

Types:

• Manual: Best for small hedges or precise topiary work. More affordable and quiet, but require more physical effort.
• Electric, gas, or battery-powered: Ideal for larger hedges or frequent use. Reduces physical strain but may be less precise than manual shears.

Features to consider:

• Longer blades cover more area but may be harder to control
• Shock-absorbing bumpers and ergonomic grips
• Lighter tools reduce fatigue during extended use

GARDEN GLOVES

Purpose: Protect hands from thorns, splinters, and blisters

Types:

• Cloth: Light pruning, planting, and general garden maintenance
• Leather: Heavy-duty pruning, especially with thorny plants
• Nitrile/latex-coated: Working in wet conditions or handling chemicals
• Cut-resistant: When using sharp pruning tools or dealing with plants with sharp edges

Features to consider:

• Longer cuffs offer more wrist and forearm protection when working with thorny shrubs
• Fit should offer protection, but maintain dexterity

DISINFECTANT

Purpose: Clean tools between cuts to prevent spread of disease from one plant to another

Types:

• Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol): Quick-drying and effective
• Diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water): Highly effective but can corrode metal tools
• Hydrogen peroxide: Effective and environmentally friendly

Tip: Keep a spray bottle handy for quick application