Pruning shears
Overhanging branches can prevent your garden or yard from receiving the sunlight it needs, which over time becomes a safety hazard and potentially causing lawn or property damage. Pruning trees from time to time can keep them looking healthy and alive.
Pruning shears come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. Depending on your situation, you should choose a secateurs that will do the right job. Our number one, Black and Decker lithium-ion pole saw has a powerful, long-lasting battery that allows you to get your job done with the minimum of fuss.
What you should know before buying pruning shears
The pruner style will play an essential role in your decision. Some pruning shears are manually operated, using either handles or ropes to control the blades, while others are battery or gas powered. You should learn about each style to see which makes the most sense for your needs.
Type of secateurs
Secateurs
You may already be familiar with the secateurs as they are one of the most common garden tools. These secateurs are small hand tools, similar to giant scissors, for cutting shrubs, flowers, bushes and smaller branches. Secateurs don’t work well for large branches, but they can help keep your landscaping and gardens looking neat and neat.
Pruning shears
Pruning shears are essentially long-handled secateurs that offer larger blades and more leverage, and are best used for small and medium-sized branches that are 2 inches or less in diameter. Compared to scissors, the longer handles allow access to hard-to-reach areas.
Manual pruners
If you need a longer reach, a pruner is the best option. While loppers might only add an extra foot or two to you, pruners use a long, sturdy bar that typically adds 10 to 20 feet. Some pruners may have collapsible handles, while others have pull cords for maneuvering the blades. These secateurs are ideal for tall trees and small to medium-sized branches.
Pole pruner
With a range comparable to pole pruners, pole pruners are available in electrically operated, battery-powered, gas-powered and manual versions. These models either have a curved saw blade or a motorized saw blade similar to a chainsaw.
Electric and cordless pruners are simple, relatively quiet and offer plenty of power when cutting through rigid branches. Gas engines give the pole pruner more power, but they emit more fumes and tend to be on the noisy side. Manual pruners require the most physical exertion, but are usually the cheapest of the three options.
What to look for in high-quality pruning shears
Expansion and reach
Depending on the type of tree on your property, you will need to find secateurs with sufficient reach. If you are dealing exclusively with low hedges or bushes, loppers and shears may do the job. For anything higher you need a pruner or pruner saw. Always check the length of secateurs before buying.
Some models are expandable, with both a minimum and a maximum length listed. As important as choosing secateurs with a long enough handle is, choosing a model that is too long can make trimming lower branches difficult.
Manual vs. motorized
Before you buy a pair of secateurs, you need to decide whether you would prefer a manual or a motorized style. Manual options require the least amount of maintenance, but give your arms some training in pruning multiple or large branches.
Automatic motorized secateurs are much easier to use, but can be costly and require frequent recharging or refueling, as well as the blades being oiled. Gasoline powered models require additional maintenance to keep the engine in tip-top condition.
Weight
When choosing your secateurs, consider the total weight of the stick, blade, battery, motor and other components. To achieve a comfortable grip and a safe, even cut, the secateurs should feel balanced in your hands.
Branch size
Most secateurs have a rating that describes the maximum size branch they can effectively cut. Smaller scissors and secateurs can be less than an inch in diameter, while motorized pruners can cut branches up to 8-9 inches thick.
How much you can spend on pruning shears
The cheapest pruning shears are available for under $ 10, though most mid-range pruning shears cost between $ 30 and $ 100, with expensive motorized options going up to $ 200.
Frequently asked questions about pruning shears
When should you prune your trees?
A. For best results, prune living branches while the tree is dormant. This usually coincides with late winter and early spring before the foliage appears. However, you can cut dead or unhealthy branches all year round.
Why is pruning important?
A. Proper pruning can reduce the risk of falling branches and the associated damage. It also benefits the general health of the tree by stimulating new growth and removing diseased branches, making your tree more attractive.
Which secateurs are best to buy?
Top pruning shears
BLACK + DECKER 8 inch lithium-ion pole saw
What you need to know: This battery powered saw is cordless and portable so you can easily prune trees anywhere on your property.
What you will love: With a maximum reach of 14 feet, you can cut hard-to-reach branches up to 6 inches in diameter.
What you should be aware of: The heavy head can be difficult to balance at times.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top pruning shears for the money
Corona Long Reach Cut ‘n’ Hold Secateurs
What you need to know: Budget-friendly secateurs that are great for small branches and twigs.
What you will love: The 46-inch reach lets you cut pesky medium-high branches without making a mess.
What you should be aware of: These secateurs are not suitable for tough use or for branches with a diameter of more than 2.5 cm.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Checking out is worth it
Sun Joe 8 Inch Telescopic Electric Chainsaw
What you need to know: With an extension cord plug, these are powerful secateurs for large branches or small trunks.
What you will love: The powerful 6.5 amp motor and telescopic rod allow you to cut any branch up to 7.5 inches thick.
What you should be aware of: Depending on the length of your extension cord, you have limited mobility.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Matthew Young is an author for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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