Tips For Choosing The Best Pruning Tools
Aside from water and sunlight, plants and shrubs also need to be regularly pruned. Pruning is a garden maintenance task that involves the removal of certain parts of a plant such as the branches and the leaves. This is done to remove deadwood, promote growth, and maintain their shapes.
Choosing the right pruning tools is important in determining how well you can do the job and how long it will take you to do it. There are a lot of tools available in the market today; they vary in design, shape, and size. So, how do you know you are choosing the right one?
Bypass Pruner
What features to look for in a pruner:
- A high-quality blade
- An ergonomic or comfortable design
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean and assemble
Things to consider when choosing pruning shears:
- The type of pruning shear
Pruning shears come in two basic types: bypass pruners and anvil pruners. Bypass pruners have two curved blades that move past each other. One of the blades is sharp and the other one is thicker and less sharp. This type of pruner is known to give the cleanest cut.
Anvil Pruner
On the other hand, anvil pruners have one straight blade. The blade cuts and closes onto a flat edge, the anvil. This type of pruner is recommended for cutting dead wood because the blade often crushes stems when cutting.
- The design of the shear
Ergonomic pruners are designed to reduce wrist strain and hand fatigue. They are often curved in shape and have soft-grip handles and angled blades. These ergonomically designed shears are ideal if you have a lot of plants and shrubs to prune.
- The size and weight of the shear
Ergonomic Pruner
Choose a size and weight that will be easy for you to hold and use. Small pruners may only be able to cut smaller branches. Heavier pruners may cause more fatigue when used for a long time. Considering the types of plants you have and how much time you spend pruning will help you decide.
- Easy to disassemble and put back
There are pruners that can be disassembled and there are those that cannot be taken apart. Pruners that can be disassembled are easier to clean and sharpen. This is important because dirt and sap build up on the blades and between the handles as you start to make use of your pruners. Therefore, regular cleaning is vital to ensure that your pruners last a long time.
