Tools For Pruning . . .

Every gardener knows that using the correct tools makes every pruning job easier. Depending on plant type, branch diameter and height, you will need one or all of the following: hand pruners, loppers, pole pruners, pruning saws, and hedge shears. 

 

Hand pruners can be ‘anvil’ or ‘bypass.’ Anvil pruners have a sharp blade that cuts against a flat anvil. Ideal for cutting dead limbs and dry branches. (In the above photo, the anvil pruner is on the far left.) Bypass pruners have a scissors-type action with curved blades that make cleaner cuts than anvil pruners. These are good for precision cutting around buds and tender areas on the plant and for “green” and growing limbs. They are also well-suited for thinning out hedge shrubbery.  (You'll notice that I use cut pieces of old garden hoses, slid over the handles of the bypass pruners on the right.  This makes them slightly more ergonomic.)  

Loppers are basically long-handled hand pruners with either bypass or anvil action. Loppers work well when you need a little more reach and leverage, and they’re good for cutting thicker branches (usually up to 2" in diameter).

Pole pruners are ideal for high, overhead cutting without the need for a ladder. They use a rope and pulley system to make cuts to upper-level branches in a tree’s canopy while you stay on the ground. (My favoite pole pruner is made by Fiskars.  It's very light & super sharp.)
Within the past few years, pole pruners have advanced to include a small chainsaw on a telescoping pole, too.  This chainsaw-on-a-stick can reach many branches with the user staying safely on the ground. (My favorite is my Echo brand.  I prefer it to the Stihl ONLY because it is lighter. Both brands have different pole lengths available.)

Pruning saws are used for larger branches that pruner or lopper blades can’t navigate. Pruning saw blades can be curved or straight. (I prefer using a ‘cross-cut’ saw. It cuts in both a forward and reversed direction.)
The more teeth the blade contains, the more precise the cut will be. Large-toothed saws should be used for the largest limbs. Bow saws are good for making precise and fast cuts on large branches.

Chainsaws are your choice for larger, and heavier branches. Chainsaws can be gas powered or electric. (The electric chainsaws are not intended for larger limbs, but can be quite hard workers. They are also significantly lighter than gas powered chainsaws.) Practice safety at all times when using any tools, but be particularly vigilant when using a chainsaw. If you are not experienced with a chainsaw, but need to use one anyway, try to not work alone. When in doubt, call a professional.

Hedge Shears are used to shape and trim shrubs and hedges. For large-sized hedges or to make quick work of pruning shrubbery, consider power shears. Power shears use either electricity or gas and can make the job quicker and easier.