Tool selection for cutting branches is determined primarily by the branch diameter, which influences the necessary cutting power and the desired quality of the cut. Using an inappropriate tool can lead to excessive user effort, damage to the tool itself, and jagged cuts that impair the plant’s ability to heal cleanly. Matching the tool to the wood size ensures efficient pruning and promotes better long-term plant health by creating smooth surfaces where the plant can form a protective callus. This method prevents tearing of the bark and wood, which reduces susceptibility to disease and pests.
Tools for Small Branches (Up to One Inch)
For small branches and stems, handheld pruners, also known as secateurs, are the standard choice, generally handling material up to one inch in diameter. These tools come in two main styles suited for different types of wood: bypass and anvil.
Bypass pruners operate like a pair of scissors, with two curved blades passing one another to create a clean, precise slice. This scissor-like action minimizes crushing, making bypass pruners the preferred option for cutting live, green wood and healthy stems where clean healing is desired.
Anvil pruners feature a single sharp blade that closes down onto a flat metal or plastic surface, the “anvil.” This mechanism functions more like a knife on a cutting board, which provides greater power but results in a crushing action on the wood. Anvil pruners are best reserved for dead wood and tough, dried-out stems where crushing is less of a concern.
Tools for Medium Branches (One to Two Inches)
When branches exceed the one-inch capacity of handheld pruners, loppers become the appropriate tool, capable of cutting material typically between one and two inches thick. Loppers are essentially long-handled pruners, and the extended handles provide a mechanical advantage, significantly increasing the leverage applied to the blades. This increased leverage reduces the effort a user must exert to sever the branch cleanly.
Like their smaller counterparts, loppers are available in both bypass and anvil configurations. Bypass loppers are generally favored for cutting live branches up to their maximum capacity because they deliver a clean cut that promotes healthy regrowth. Longer handles offer more reach and greater power, though they can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces. Some loppers also incorporate ratcheting or gear mechanisms, which further compound the cutting force, allowing users to make the cut in stages with less strain.
Tools for Large Branches (Over Two Inches)
Branches exceeding two inches in diameter require the use of a pruning saw, as they are too thick for even the largest loppers. Pruning saws are specifically designed for wood and feature aggressive teeth that cut on the pull stroke, efficiently removing thick material. The blades are often curved, which helps the saw teeth remain engaged in the wood.
Folding pruning saws are highly portable and feature a blade that stows securely into the handle, making them convenient for carrying in the garden. For more dedicated work, manual pruning saws with fixed, curved blades are very efficient, as the curve allows the blade to cut at various angles with less effort.
For branches that are out of reach from the ground, a pole pruner or pole saw is used. These tools feature a saw blade or a small lopper mounted on a long, extendable pole, allowing the user to prune high branches safely without a ladder.
Maintaining Tool Health and User Safety
Proper maintenance is necessary for all cutting tools to ensure they perform effectively and do not spread plant diseases.
Tool Maintenance
After each use, tools should be cleaned to remove sticky sap and plant debris, which can be accomplished with warm, soapy water and a stiff brush. Sap buildup can cause moving parts to stick and increase the likelihood of rust formation. Disinfecting the blades with an alcohol or bleach solution is advised, especially after cutting diseased wood, to prevent the transfer of pathogens to healthy plants. Lubricating the pivot points and blades with a light oil after cleaning keeps the tools working smoothly and prevents corrosion. Sharpening the cutting edge is necessary when the tool begins to tear or crush wood instead of slicing it cleanly, as a sharp blade makes a cut that heals quickly.
User Safety
Users should wear appropriate safety gear, including sturdy gloves to protect hands from blisters and sharp edges, and safety goggles to shield the eyes from falling debris or wood fragments.