When pruning trees, shrubs, and other plant material, it’s important to remember that pruning is the act of intentionally damaging a plant, in order to remove a portion of that plant for a specific purpose. That purpose might be to limit size, control growth, encourage flowering or fruit, or address issues with plant health. Whatever reason we prune, it’s important that we use the right tool to minimize injury to the plant.
Pruners and loppers usually come in one of two styles: anvil or bypass. Anvil pruners have a blade that is sharp on two sides, and cuts downward against a flat surface, like a knife against a cutting board. This type of pruner has a greater likelihood of crushing plant tissue against the flat (anvil) surface during the cut, and should be avoided. Instead select a bypass style pruner, which has a blade sharpened on one side, that cuts downward and past a stationary surface, much like a pair of scissors. Bypass pruners usually make the cleanest cut, minimizing injury to the plant, and making them the better choice of pruners.
When selecting a pruning tool, it’s also important to consider the diameter of the cut we need to make. Hand pruners can be used when pruning branches up to ½ inch to ¾ inch in diameter. Loppers should be used when branches reach up to 1½ inches to 2 inches in diameter. Anything larger than 2 inches in diameter should be cut using a saw.
Whatever pruning tool you use, ensure that it has a sharpened blade and is clean from debris or plant sap. For tips on How to Select Quality Landscape and Garden Tools, visit: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/how-to-select-quality-landscape-and-garden-tools_MF3390.pdf
