PRUNING TOOLS

A CHOICE THAT FITS YOUR HAND

To choose the right pruning shears, the first thing to consider is finding one that fits your hand. Before buying, we suggest trying it out, taking it in your hand, and ensuring it opens and closes without difficulty and that you can easily operate its locking mechanism. The thickness, handle style, and spring should all feel comfortable in your hand, as some models may not fit your hand well and may require testing before purchasing!

ANVIL OR BYPASS PRUNERS?

The most popular pruning shears are bypass or anvil types. The choice of the right shears depends on the intended use.

Bypass pruning shears, also known as scissor-action shears, resemble scissors. The sharp blade on one side slides along the counter-blade, providing a precise cut that doesn't crush the tissues. It is ideal for cutting live wood like roses, fruit trees, and shrubs.

Anvil pruning shears, on the other hand, have a sharp cutting blade on both sides and are thicker. They crush flat against the opposite side. The cut diameter is, therefore, slightly larger, and it crushes. This type of pruner should be used for deadwood or willow and is not recommended for living plants.

FEATURES THAT MAKE THE JOB EASIER

Today, several features are very useful for gardeners. Handles created with two materials are lighter and better adapted to the hand's shape. A handle covered with non-slip material makes it easier to grip and squeeze.

Some models also have rotating handles. This avoids blisters and increases cutting power. It takes some getting used to at first, but this type of tool quickly becomes indispensable. To spare your joints and avoid false movements, some manufacturers also offer a head with a 30-degree angled cut relative to the handle axis.

On the market, you will even find pruning shears for right or left-handed people, as well as models with a variable opening handle that adapts to all hand sizes.

Finally, the weight can also vary significantly from one pruner to another. This makes it a crucial point to consider, as it will significantly impact your comfort during use. Some composites will allow for a solid handle, like steel, and be as lightweight as aluminum.

RAKE PRUNER OR SPRING PRUNER?

A pruning shear usually has one or more springs, but there are also rake pruners that require minimal effort to use. However, the cut is never made on the first try, requiring repeated attempts to achieve the cut. This can become a disadvantage when there is a lot to cut.

COLOURS

Although most gardeners prefer wooden and wrought iron models, brightly coloured pruning shears have a clear advantage when spotting them in the grass or amidst a flower bed!

LOPPERS

For pruning branches up to 2.5 or 3 cm in diameter, we recommend pruning shears. However, when branches are larger, it is better to use loppers, also called branch cutters or two-handed cutting shears. Their cutting surface is larger, which multiplies the effort thanks to their long handles. This allows them to cut branches up to 5 cm in diameter.

MAINTENANCE

Your blades should be sharpened after each season. It is highly recommended to clean them between two trees to avoid disease transmission. Apply a few drops of oil periodically to the springs and joints.

ARBORIST SAW

These pull-cut saws bite into the wood and are usually used by hand. They can also be mounted on a handle to reach high hedge tops, for example. This tool requires careful work to make clean and precise cuts, and if necessary, apply a sealant to aid in healing.

POLE PRUNER

Very useful for pruning high branches from the ground with a ladder, such as apple trees. This tool is becoming less and less common. Different systems activate the pruner at the end of a handle, either a classic cord or a chain system located in the telescopic handle.

WOOD-CUTTING BILLHOOK

A wood-cutting billhook is an excellent tool for maintaining undergrowth. Its steel blade is also useful for making small firewood poles.