Best Overall
Felco 2 One-Hand Classic Manual Pruning Shear
Best Bang For The Buck
Fiskars Bypass Pruner
Best for Flowers
Fiskars Softouch Micro-Tip Pruning Snip
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hold a garden and landscape in top embodiment requires forethought and maintenance , including regular oeuvre with pruning shear . Whether you need to trim back dense branches or gather herbs for dinner party , the job will be faster and more effective with a upright duad of shears .
Though they resemble household pair of scissors , hand pruner are made to contract through prow , bush , and branch instead of composition and cloth . We tested the following pruning shear in our backyard landscape to observe out how each would perform in real - life gardening situation . Our top recommendation is theclassic pruning shear from Felco , thanks to its durable yet mlightweight construction and quilt during manipulation . Later in the clause , read our critical review to determine why we count the top selections to be the good pruning shears in each family .
Pruning Shears Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
To qualify as a top pick , garden shears should be penetrative , strong enough to sever the desired stem , perdurable , and comfortable to hold without slipping . For sharpness , ease of film editing , and strength , the following pruning shears are tops in their class . One is certain to be a welcome asset to anygarden tool aggregation .
Our Ratings : Comfort5/5;Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
shunt pruners are widely considered the most various design , and Swiss - made Felco 2 pruners are some of the best . The hold are made of lightweight , yet incredibly undestroyable precision - ground cast atomic number 13 , and the replaceable blade is harden brand . A violent , rubberized clutch provide a bit of shock absorber and helps prevent lose the pruners in the garden . Other noteworthy features include a sap groove along the blade to keep debris from building up , a quarter round - verify lockup chemical mechanism , a replaceable spring , and an adjustment puppet . Best of all , the tool is design to be easily disassembled for cleaning and resort like supervene upon the blade or leaping .
We care everything about the Felco 2 pruner . The handgrip form is well - sized and well-off , and the outflow has just enough resistance for easy pushback without causing mitt tiredness . At just over 8 ounces , it is a fairly lightweight tool , but very strong and capable of cutting offset almost 1 inch thick . In our test , the Felco 2 and left - handed Felco 9 pruners had the best overall carrying into action in terms of ease , forcefulness , enduringness , and ease of use . It ’s no wonder these are the trimmer of selection for professional landscape gardener , nursery workers , and nurseryman .
Get the Felco 2 pruning shears atAmazon , The Home Depot , orA.M. Leonard .
Our Ratings : Comfort4/5;Performance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
From a well - known name for horticulture and landscape gardening tools comes the Fiskars Bypass Pruner . These hand trimmer sharply trim green root word and branches up to ⅝ column inch in diameter .
The Fiskars gardening shear have a precision - ground blade cutting blade that stays ace keen , even with frequent use , and it comes with a low-toned - rubbing coating to cut through stems easily and resist gumming up the sword with sap and dust . The shear come with a padded nonslip grip for comfort and feature a put away mechanics to keep the sharp blades closed when not in use .
Right out of the box seat , our first depression was that the Fiskars sword ringway lopper looked and felt less telling . Then we used them . They worked big for green wood and fairly well for drywood cuts up to their ⅝-inch listed doorstep . The sparse profile made them less well-off , especially for hardwood cuts , and the slideway lock chamber felt flimsy . We still doubt their long - term lastingness , but they performed better than expected during our trials . For the cost , these would be a good , cheap bulk - purchase alternative for volunteer group .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Fiskars ringway rationalise shear atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orWalmart .
Our Ratings : Comfort5/5;Performance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
The Fiskars Non - Stick Softgrip Micro - Tip Pruning Snip is designed for tip pruning and repetitive trim of flowers and herbs to boost healthy new growth . The overall prick duration is just 6 inches , with a 2 - column inch unstained steel vane and 4 - inch handles . The cushioned grasp and well-situated - action spring reduce hand tiredness and improve exploiter comforter . An easy - open lock and blade binding protect the leaf blade in transportation and storage . This pruner received the Arthritis Foundation ’s Ease of Use Navy SEAL as a preferred shaft for those brook from reduced hand strength and mobility .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
This tiny scissorlike pruning hook was one of the most comfortable and well-fixed to employ in our roundup . The smooth cutting action , smaller sizing , cushioned clutches , and springiness - comeback handgrip made it a pleasure to wreak with . It excelled at making preciseness cuts in pliable green growth but also worked well on o.k. woody material like mature sage , oregano , and thyme stems . The narrow , preciseness blade bring down flawlessly all the way to the tip . For herb andflowergrowers , the Fiskars Non - Stick Softgrip Micro - Tip Pruning Snip is a must - have for the tool box .
Get the Fiskars Micro - Tip pruning snippet atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orWalmart .
Best Bypass
Corona ClassicCut Bypass Pruner
Our evaluation : Comfort4/5;Performance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
Corona ClassicCut hand pruners are build for durable functionality at an affordable toll . They are simply yet durably gather from two slice of forged steel : a set of narrow-minded - profile hook - and - brand handle that are pitch ground and hand matched for secretive , exact cut . The design cuts efficiently through dry or green wood . Other feature include a nonslip grip , sap vallecula , resharpenable blade , and plow ringlet .
In our tests , the Corona ClassicCut beltway pruner stand in contrast to our top filling in terms of weight unit and expression , but their innovation worked exceptionally well . These bad pruners were heavier and feel more tough yet elegantly wide-eyed in design . The solid steel blade was perfectly sharpen , operate swimmingly , and cut flawlessly through each test branch . The straight - handle designing was slimly uncomfortable for cuts that need more press , and the lock chamber was not quite as comfortable to operate , but overall this was an prominent tool with excellent durability at a toll less than half that of Felco . The ClassicCut Bypass Pruner should be a top prospect for any serious nurseryman .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Corona pruning shears atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Best Anvil
Gardena Anvil Pruner
Our Ratings : Comfort5/5;Performance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
Dry , stiff twigs and small dead branches are no mates for the Gardena Anvil Pruning Shears that feature a precision - ground blade that wo n’t lose its edge . These incus pruning shears get along with a fiberglass reinforce grip that help the user exert maximal pressure on twig for cutting . These anvil lopper also come with a padded , nonslip upper grip to help users get a firm grip on the pruning hook .
The upper sword is sharp and narrow-minded , and the anvil groundwork supports the twig , so these anvil pruning shear cut through woody stems with ease and make quick work of thinning out utter branches .
Photo: Amazon
We liked the balmy arch in the Gardena Anvil Pruning Shear ’s lightweight fibreglass manage . It feel more comfortable than straight handle without impart weight , and it seemed to increase leverage for tougher cut . The slide lock worked swimmingly , and the handle bumpers give just the right amount of shock without hindering the cut . Also , integrating the handle spring into the pivot joint was a really nice touch to eliminate rough-cut problems of traditional handgrip springs ( like breaking , getting lose , or getting in the way ) . This was an excellent anvil - elan pruner .
Get the Gardena dress shear atAmazon .
Best Left-Handed
Felco 9 One-Hand Left-Handed Pruning Shear
Our Ratings : Comfort5/5;Performance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value3.5/5
Pro - choice Felco pruners are available for left - handed gardeners , too . The ergonomically plan Felco 9 carbon copy steel pruner are made with strong , lightweight precision - earth mould - atomic number 13 handles and hardened - steel replaceable blades . This bypass pruner also sport vivid red rubberized grasp , a thumb lock , and a replaceable bounce . All Felco pruners include an modification shaft for quick , easy dismantling and reassembly for cleaning , care , and repairs .
Like a mirror image of our Best Overall pick , but with a more comfortable grip , the Felco 9 is an awesome pruning tool . It tested head word and shoulders above the other trimmer in terms of ease , posture , ease of economic consumption , and enduringness . The Felco 9 felt great in - hand , operate on extremely swimmingly , and the brand display superscript sharpness in the cutting tests . The ergonomic grip ( also usable in theright - handed Felco 8) on this bypass pruner was like a cherry red on top , improving on a top - calibre tool . Do n’t be scared off by the insurance premium cost shred . Lefties wo n’t go wrong with this picking .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Felco 9 pruning shears atAmazon , The Home Depot , orGemplers .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Pruning Shears
We source our trial pruners base on top - selling mannequin and the recommendation of gardening enthusiasts and professionals . Our lean represents a diversity of pruning needs and substance abuser preferences . After compare the measurables and first impression , we used them in our backyard tryout for a change of pruning projection . Each pruner was used to make a lower limit of 20 stinger , include green and dead branches up to 0.75 column inch in diam .
Our top concerns were performance , durability , and ease . Most importantly , each lopper must issue unripe and/or drained wood cleanly to its rated sizing electrical capacity . We include poser that comprise either high - quality construction for an extended working lifespan or a bargain terms for a less long-lasting puppet . We considered three aspects of comfort : weightiness , traveling bag , and relief of usage or bland action . With prices roam from less than $ 15 to more than $ 50 , we noted bargains and premiums on the models with outlying price difference .
What to Look for WhenChoosing PruningShears
Besides the various case of shears , other agent are deserving considering , such as the fabric used to make the blades , whether the shear ’ innovation is ergonomic and square to use , and whether the shears add up with condom features .
It ’s also deserving note thatsome plant do n’t need pruning , so make certain you take this into circumstance when shop at for pruning shear .
Types of Pruning Shears
The primary reason mass practice any pair ofpruning shearsis to cut through dark-green or dry stems , but each case of shear has its own benefits and considerateness . First , consider the plant or type of trimming , then decide which eccentric of pruner is better befit for the task . Many gardeners have multiple pairs of pruning shear because trimming tasks vary so widely .
The respectable bypass pruner sport two sharpened blades design to trim down through industrial plant stems and subdued gullible tree diagram arm ( up to ½ inch in diameter ) . ringway pruners make keen , fresh cutting , which are crucial to the wellness of the industrial plant , as ragged gash invite disease . Do n’t use ring road pruner to snub dry and brittle dead branches , as doing so can jam or even bend the blade . For these leaden - responsibility jobs , apruning sawmay be the good pick .
Anvil lopper have only one sharpened blade that presses into a rut on a stationary base ( incus ) . Designed to sever humble root word and branches ( up to ½ inch in diameter ) , incus pruners use a crushing rather than disregard action , so they are suitable for trimming dry dead offshoot , which snatch easily . Anvil trimmer are not recommended for delicate green branch and stem , which can become crushed and rub by the shears .
Photo: Amazon
Ratchet pruners are ground on the anvil design but feature a catch - and - agree ratchet mechanism , which allows users to exert less pressure on the handles , yet cut larger branch ( up to ¾ inch in diam ) .
force the handles halfway engages the ratchet mechanism , putting atmospheric pressure on the partly tailor branch . bring out the handles helps users get a fresh grip to rack again . Like veritable incus pruning hook , ratch pruner are better suit to dry , dead ramification than fresh fleeceable ones .
force pruners , uncommitted as incus and bypass , reduce the wrist and hand fatigue associated with using manual pruners . Like other battery - powered tools , mightiness trimmer operate on a rechargeable shelling . All it takes is a unaccented squeeze play on the handles . The power pruner does the rest , quickly reduce through offset up to 1 inch in diam .
Photo: Amazon
Blade Material
Pruning shear vane are made of several alloy types and feature different coatings , each with their own circle of pros and cons .
Handles
The correct case of hold on your horticulture trimmers can facilitate reduce fatigue in your hand when cut blockheaded leg or stems . Many shear are made with clasp and ergonomic designs , while others are reenforce so less pressure is call for to cut through plants .
For added sumptuosity , some alternative even include fiberglass for durability or shock engrossment for more well-off gardening . Finally , as power pruners cut through branch and stems automatically , these models usually come with safety grips that are easy to hold and do almost no strain on your hands .
Spring Loading
Unlike household scissors , which are opened and closed by hand for each cut , pruning shears feature a spring that forces the blades apart after each trend so all you have to do is tweet the handles to trend again . When shopping for pruners , look for a securely attached spring . If the saltation break off , you ’ll have to use the shears as you would average scissors .
Ergonomic Design
Using manual pruning shear requires a lot of insistent hand movements , which can pass to carpus and hand fatigue duty . Many manufacturer offer soft - clutch grip to offset fatigue ; seek handles that check the form of your hand and feel well-situated .
Locking Mechanism
Most pruning shears have a lockup mechanics that holds the blade together when not in economic consumption . This is both a rubber feature and a way to protect a sharpen blade edge . The grown complaint about locking mechanisms is sometimes they unwittingly lock ( usually because of a blow with a finger or thumb ) while pruning . A locking mechanism located near the blades might help keep accidental locking .
The Advantages of Owning the Best Pruning Shears
When it come to good horticulture , it pays to have theright toolfor the job . essay to use scissors grip or a knife to prune small bow and twigs is foolhardy . A good pair of horticulture shear will make quick body of work of plant - trimming projects with several advantage :
Tips for Buying and Using the Best Pruning Shears
A nearly endless regalia of pruning hook is uncommitted from rest home improvement and horticulture retail merchant . build up with ample information , shopper can make an prepare alternative about which shear are the right for their trim needs . The following steer can help .
FAQs
Pruners are mean for trim down branch , twigs , and stems in your garden . They can also be used by florist and professional gardener .
beltway shears are right for cutting through cushy light-green stems , while anvil trimmer are better for sheer through ironical , woody stems .
Whenpruning artifice , utilize a ring road pruner for cutting through smart dark-green rose staunch when call for salad days for a bouquet , but use an incus lopper , such as theGardena Anvil Pruning Shears , to remove all in branches at the base of the blush wine .
Photo: Amazon
Not unless you desire to ruin your scissors . home scissors hold are not suited for cut through thick stems . A couple of pruning shear is the best stake .
Like with any incisive tools , you want to keep them sharp for optimum performance . They will numb over time , specially if you use them on a regular basis , so yes , you will require tosharpen your pruning shearsfor best results .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a author and merchandise tester with a background signal in the nursery and landscape gardening industry . For more than 20 twelvemonth he mowed , edged , planted , lop , cultivated , irrigated , and renovated beautiful landscapes . Now he tests and writes reviews about the belated out-of-door power equipment , hired man tool , lawn care products , and other outdoor - living goods .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll avail you adjust up your first garden — whether that ’s a few lot on your patio , a raised bed , or an in - ground plot out back — and select the right plant for your soil and region .
