Useful Pruning Tools Every Gardener Should Know
Having the right pruning tools makes your job much easier and more effortless. The best pruning tools include secateurs, long-handled loppers, pruning saws for larger branches and hedge trimmers. Here’s a guide to these useful pruning tools.
Just as a capable chef might geek out about their knowledge and collection of kitchen tools, an accomplished gardener takes pride in their pruning tools.
A gardener’s tools should not only reflect one’s commitment to their profession or hobby but also make the job easier. As with any trade, there is a proper tool for each pruning job. Here are five pruning tools worth investing in.
Bypass pruners are an essential tool for any gardener. Make sure to buy one that is small enough to fit in a sheath. A sheath will allow you to keep the tool handy on your belt and help protect the blade when the tool is not in use.
There are many types of hand pruners and they come in a wide range of prices. However, you get what you pay for. Pricier pruners will often have replaceable blades and the entire tool can be taken apart for proper sharpening and cleaning. Many professional gardeners and landscapers still have their very first hand pruner. If kept oiled and well protected, this is a tool that can last for years.
Loppers are hand pruners with longer handles and are often more sturdy than a pruning blade. They are suitable for cutting larger branches that are a diameter of 2″ or less, though some with larger blades can cut branches up to 3″. Handle length also factors in as the longer the handle the more difficult it will be to make a complete cut.
As with hand pruners, cost often dictates quality. Look for detachable blades since they can be sharpened. Materials vary with brands, not just with the blades but with the handles and grips. Look for strong materials, such as aluminum alloy, and hand grips that are soft yet sturdy. Better designs have bumper pads between the handles that help keep your hands from getting pinched. Most brands have handles between 20 – 30″ long but the handles of orchard loppers are often longer. Know that the longer the handle, the less leverage one will have when trying to cut hardwood.
Pruning saws are useful for branches with a diameter of 2″ or more, and are essential for cutting cleanly close to tree trunks. The blades on a pruning saw are curved slightly, and they often fold into the handle. They are much shorter than construction saws and are typically around 12-14” long.
Very sharp pruning saws often come with or require a scabbard to store the saw. The scabbard also helps keep the saw sharp when you are not using it. As with any pruning tool, sharpness is key. While it may be possible to sharpen the blade on a pruning saw, look for one that has a replaceable blade and keep extras on hand.
Hedge sheers are a connoisseur tool for many serious gardeners. Good hedge sheers can be expensive but are treasured like a fine chef’s knife might be to a serious cook. Again, it all comes down to materials and craftsmanship. Inexpensive sheers can be found at nearly any hardware store, but you get what you pay for.
Go with what you can afford but look for blades that you can frequently sharpen, as this is one tool where the results are directly connected to the blade’s sharpness. Good quality Japanese sheers are often the go-to tool for topiary artists and for those who are obsessive about perfect trims on their boxwood parterres. If the blades are well-oiled, a good quality pair may last you a lifetime.
Electric (or battery-powered) Hedge Trimmers are perhaps the most commonly used, yet misused pruning tool. They often come with longer blade wands and can be very useful for big jobs, particularly tall and longer hedges. Experts may scoff at their ease of use, but they are essential for those with larger gardens. They also are good for making straight or perfectly flat surfaces.
Where people often falter is when cutting twigs that are too thick, as the blades can jam. Furthermore, it is easy to over-trim a hedge and cause irreparable damage. Always remove a few inches at a time until you reach the proper depth. This is especially important for evergreen shrubs as they may not be able to grow back once the foliage is cut too deeply.
Always follow manufacturers’ directions as blades are sharp. Safety is key with any electric or battery-powered tool but especially with trimmers. Look for those with an automatic shut-off switch and always wear safety equipment. A common complaint with electric trimmers is that the long electrical cord can easily be cut during the trimming process. Some pros wear the cord over their shoulder to help keep it out of the way.