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Pruning Tools |
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Tool Care Tips: Clean and sharp tools are a must for good pruning.
Here are the most commonly used types of pruning tools, together with the main purpose for each tool. |
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Anvil
Pruner Best
for cutting woody stems or dead wood up to 3/4 inch in diameter. Usually
lighter in weight and are easier to sharpen. |
Hedge
Shear Primarily
used for shaping ornamental hedges. The scissor-like cutting action is
very easy to use. Some have serrated blades to prevent foliage and small
stems from slipping away during the cut. |
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Bow Saw |
Lopping
Shear A
pruner with a long handle for extra leverage to cut branches up to 2
inches thick. They come in bypass and anvil style, too. Will cut a
branch closer to the trunk. |
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Bypass
Pruner The
bypass is ideal for cutting soft stems up to 3/4 inch in diameter. It is
also recommended for roses. Allows cutting closer to the trunk of the
plant, which means quicker healing of the bark. Also allows a close,
clean cut without crushing the end of the twig or limb. Great for
cutting flowers too. |
Pole
Tree Trimmer Useful
if you have tall trees. This trimmer has a cutter blade operated by a
lanyard or rope pulled downward. The best poles are in sections that fit
together in a telescoping fashion and have a combination cutter and saw.
Be aware of the material cut overhead and wear head and eye protection. |
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Grass
Shear Similar
to the hedge shears except they are smaller and designed for one-hand
operation. Cut and trim grass along walks, drives and near trees where
string trimmers can damage and even kill shrubs by damaging the bark. |
Pruning
Saw The
basic pruning saw can be either straight or curved. Most gardeners
prefer the curved blade that cuts on the draw strokes. Recommended for
medium work too large for a lopper and where the bow saw is restricted
by obstruction. |
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A
good choice when no obstruction exists. This saw can make quick work of
medium and long pruning jobs.