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A good gardener knows that a well-kept garden requires some pruning from time to time. By trimming away dead or damaged leaves and stems, you’re giving your plants a chance to thrive. But in order to do a proper job of pruning, you need to have the right tools!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of pruning tools and how to use them. We’ll also recommend a few of our favourite pruning tools to help you get started.

How to Choose the Perfect Pruning Shears

With so many pruning tools on the market, it can be tough to know which pair is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when picking the perfect pruning shears:

  • Size of blades. Pruning shears come in a variety of blade sizes, from small to large. Choose a size that is comfortable for you to hold and will allow you to make precise cuts.
  • Type of blades. Blade types include straight, curved, and serrated. Again, choose one that suits your needs and is comfortable to hold.
  • Handle style. Some pruning shears have handles that are straight, while others have angled handles. Choose a style that is comfortable in your hands and will give you good leverage when making cuts.

Pruning Tools for Hedges

Pruning Shears

Hoselink ratchet pruners

Any gardener worth their salt knows that a good pair of pruning shears is essential. Pruning shears are used to trim and maintain plants, removing dead or overgrown branches. This helps to promote plant health by encouraging new growth and improving airflow.

Additionally, pruning shears can help to control the size and shape of plants. You can use pruning shears to deadhead flowers and selectively remove branches, creating a more beautiful and healthier garden.

Garden Secateurs

Hoselink Pink Secateurs

Garden secateurs are used for a variety of tasks, such as deadheading flowers, trimming hedges, and cutting back perennials. You can also use secateurs to harvest fruits and vegetables. 

It’s important to choose the right pair for your needs, as garden secateurs come in a variety of sizes and styles. Bypass secateurs are best for making clean cuts on live plants, while anvil secateurs are better for cutting through tough, dead stems.

Hedge Trimmers

Makita Hedge Trimmer DUH523Z

Hedges and bushes can quickly get out of control, making it difficult to keep pathways clear. This can also prevent sunlight from reaching the plants beneath them. 

Hedge trimmers are necessary for controlling the growth of hedges. By trimming away overgrown branches, hedge trimmers help to keep hedges and bushes under control. In addition, they can be used to create interesting shapes and patterns in hedges and topiary.

Loppers

Hoselink loppers

Gardeners need loppers for a variety of reasons. You can use them to cut through tough branches — making it easier to shape plants and shrubs. Loppers are also useful for cutting back overgrown plants and bushes that are too thick for pruning shears.

They’re also great for cutting through thick underbrush and taking down large tree limbs. Plus, loppers can be used to create clean, precise cuts that would be difficult to achieve with a saw. Loppers are a versatile tool for any gardener who wants to keep their plants healthy and tidy.

Pruning Tools for Trees

Pole Saw

Dewalt pole saw 18v
A pole saw is a gardening tool that allows gardeners to reach high branches and trim them without the use of a ladder. The pole saw consists of a long pole with a cutting blade at the end, and usually has a cord or chain that is attached to the blade.

Pole saws are the best tool to trim tree branches safely and efficiently. You can also use a pole saw to quickly remove suckers from trees or to clear away overgrown vegetation.

Pruning Saw

Hoselink pruning saw

Gardeners use a pruning saw to cut through thick branches. It usually has a long, curved blade that is designed to cut when you pull on the blade. 

Pruning saws are useful for making precise cuts, which is essential for getting the desired shape for your plant. It can also help you to remove diseased or damaged parts of a plant, encouraging new growth.

Chainsaw

Makita chainsaw ea3201sr

While most people think of chainsaws as being exclusively for cutting down trees, they can actually be quite handy for gardening tasks. For example, a chainsaw can be used to quickly and easily trim branches, clear away debris, and even cut through thick roots.

But you need to choose the right chainsaw for the job and always use it with care. When selecting a chainsaw, look for one that is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.

Pruning Tools for Shrubs

When it comes to pruning shrubs, the right tools can make all the difference. For smaller shrubs, a pair of hand pruners is typically all you need. Look for a pair that is comfortable to hold and has sharp blades.

For larger shrubs, you may need to use a set of loppers. These are like giant hand pruners. Although, if you have very large shrubs, you’re better off using a saw. Just be careful not to damage the bark as you cut through the branches.

Say Tooldle-doo to Overgrown Hedges

You don’t need to break the bank by buying all the tools you see at the gardening store. After all, the tools you need will depend on the plants you currently have and want to grow. So, whether you’re a beginner gardener or an experienced green thumb, we hope this guide helped you learn more about the different types of pruning tools and how to use them. If you’re still unsure of what tools to use, our hedge trimming experts can show you the ropes.

About Author

Jamie Donovan

Jamie is an Australian horticulturalist and landscape designer. He enjoys writing about landscape architecture, garden design and lifestyle topics.

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About Author

Jamie Donovan

Jamie is an Australian horticulturalist and landscape designer. He enjoys writing about landscape architecture, garden design and lifestyle topics.

Share