The Best Garden Pruners for 2023
These garden pruners will make deadheading, hedge trimming, and other garden pruning tasks a lot easier.
If you’re a professional gardener or simply a devoted garden owner, you probably know that pruning your plants is an important part of their growth. To do so, you’ll need some reliable tools such as garden pruners. Whether you’re trimming back weeds, cutting back flowers, or even pruning fruit trees, you’ll want to have a good set of garden pruners on hand.
Best garden pruners are those that don’t get in the way of your gardening but still allow you to perform all of your pruning tasks efficiently and effectively. If you’ve been considering purchasing a hand-held pruner but aren’t sure which one will work best for your needs, we’re here to help! Here’s a look at the best pruners and their important features, along with some general insight into pruners.
Our Top Picks
Best Pick
Felco 2 Bypass Pruner
Upholding its long-standing reputation as the best pruning tool, precise and clean cut is this product's mission.
$58.99
Runner Up
ARS HP-VS8Z
Its sharp blades, comfortable handles, and firm string help gardeners get clean, quick cuts.
$43.50
Most cost-effective
Corona 3180 Bypass Pruner
This affordable pruner strikes a balance between price and quality.
$23.68
Our Picks For You
Best Pick - Felco 2 Bypass Pruner
Best Pick
Felco 2 Bypass Pruner
Upholding its long-standing reputation as the best pruning tool, precise and clean cut is this product's mission.
The Felco 2 Bypass Pruner is a high-quality gardening tool that lives up to its explosive hype. The blades are made of hardened stainless steel, while the handles are made of aluminum and finished with a rubber coating for comfort.
Who It Is For
This is the best garden pruner for you if you are looking for a tool that can help you tackle all of your gardening needs.
Why It Is Great
The Felco 2 Bypass Pruner is great for cutting branches, pruning bushes, and more. It has high-quality stainless steel construction and solid plastic handles, which makes it durable enough to withstand the elements and harsh conditions. It is designed to fit comfortably in your hands.
Potential Flaws
Although this product has an Amazon rating of 4.8 stars out of five, a few reviewers complained that although the blades are sharp, they quickly develop black spots. Washing the blades causes the black spots to multiply, so a few customers recommended oiling the product instead. This is a huge downside, as removing washable stains on the carbon steel blades cannot be done, subjecting owners of the product to using a dirty gardening tool over and over again. The lock has been reviewed and found to be very difficult to open and close. The tightness of the lock gets worse as the blades rust.
Other Features
Undeniably the best all-purpose pruner cherished by gardening experts and enthusiasts, the F2 bypass pruner is Felco's best pruner in the series yet! As if its commendable cutting mechanism, durability, smooth usage, accurate dial lock, and easy-to-grip ergonomic rubber-coated comfortable handles aren't enough, there are replacements for each part of the pruner on the Felco website. From the tiny screws to the fresh blades, there is a piece of the Felco 2 Bypass Pruner in many devoted gardeners' homes. The best for left-handed people with small hands, the F2 model has a fair price and promises clean cuts!
Runner Up - ARS HP-VS8Z
Runner Up
ARS HP-VS8Z
Its sharp blades, comfortable handles, and firm string help gardeners get clean, quick cuts.
Designed for the professional and enthusiast alike, you’ll enjoy a more accurate and consistent cut with this pruner. Its ergonomic handle and offset blade geometry maximize comfort and protect your hands from cuts.
Who It Is For
The ARS HP-VS8Z is perfect for those who want to achieve neat and beautifully kept gardens.
Why It Is Great
The blades of this pruner are made of incredibly sharp, high-quality stainless steel, which makes them durable and long-lasting. The handles are comfortable to grip, ergonomically designed, and made from high-quality plastic that is sturdy enough to stand up to heavy use without breaking or bending under pressure.
Potential Flaws
On Amazon, some previous customers complained about the thumb lock. It is quite difficult to tighten and easily gets loose after about 50 cuts. Fresh out of its packaging box, many Amazon reviewers complained that the blades were annoyingly dripping with oil and they had to get the pruner wiped. This was a big disadvantage for homeowners who were new to pruning and hadn't used a pruner before, as they were subjected to cleaning a tool that they were pretty much clueless about. The spring between the handles was designed to easily pop out of the tool when hooked on a branch. Compared to our top pick, the ARS VS8Z's spring is the most easily dislodged.
Other Features
The ARS VS8Z was initially regarded as the best Japanese pruner, but now, countries all over the world recognize this Japanese pride as one of the best pruners on the market. Designed for right-handed people, it features two sharp blades that easily and cleanly cut through thick dead and live wood, brightly-colored non-slip handles, and a unique squeeze-to-lock thumb lock that secures the blades by tightening them together. It weighs 7.5 ounces and boasts a 25-year warranty. The ergonomic handle, ease of use, and sharpness of the blades make it one of our first choices.
Most cost-effective - Corona 3180 Bypass Pruner
Most cost-effective
Corona 3180 Bypass Pruner
This affordable pruner strikes a balance between price and quality.
This unique pick boasts affordability and a great overall design. While it isn't popular compared to our top picks, it gets the job done.
Who It Is For
If you're looking for the best, most cost-effective garden pruner, then look no further. The Corona 3180 Bypass Pruner is a durable, affordable gardening tool that makes it easy to keep your garden perfectly trimmed. This pruner is perfect for anyone who wants to be able to cut branches and stems with ease.
Why It Is Great
The Corona 3180 Bypass Pruner has been designed with a lightweight aluminum body and sturdy steel blades that will give you years of use. It is lightweight enough to maneuver through your garden without putting too much strain on your arm. The handles are made from durable plastic, so there's no worry about them breaking after just one season of use!
Potential Flaws
On Amazon, some reviews mentioned the long-term degenerating quality of the blades, weak working mechanisms, and dullness of the blades. Unlike our other selections whose handles have finger notches and palm curves. The handles of this product were found to cause an uncomfortable and slipping grip.
Other Features
The Corona BP 3180 is a cheap alternative to the Felco 2 Bypass Pruner and the ARS HP-VS8Z pruner. While our top pick and runner-up selection cut branches and stems with swift force, this product simply trims delicate scallion stems and slices through raspberry canes. The action is sleek enough and the blade is sharp enough. It effectively balances every factor we put into consideration. The plastic-coated metal handles feel durable, however, they aren’t particularly formed or wrought to suit your hands and fingers just like the handles of the ARS HP-VS8Z or Felco 2 Bypass pruner do. Unlike our other picks, whose handles have curves and finger bumps, the Corona handles are designed straight with a small arc at the tip of each handle that curves inwardly.
Nearly Made The Cut - Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears
Nearly Made The Cut
Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears
Although this product is not as praised or sought-after as our top selections and cost-effective picks, it is undoubtedly a great accomplice in achieving clean cuts in gardens and floral lawns.
Who It Is For
This product is a common household gardening tool. It has an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to use and easy to handle when working in the garden.
Why It Is Great
The blade itself is sharpened with a single bevel edge, which means that it will cut through branches with ease. It also has a non-slip rubber grip that helps to keep your hand from slipping off of the handle while you're working with the tool. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, so that if anything goes wrong with this product (or any other part), you can get a replacement without having to pay anything up front!
Potential Flaws
With an average Amazon rating of 4.7 stars out of five and over 32,000 reviews, it is clear that this product is loved by many. However, a few previous customers noted that, contrary to what Fiskars claims, the blades are not very sharp and they easily rust after the first use if they aren't stored in an air-tight toolbox. The blades have a hard time cutting woody or stringy vegetation such as tall grasses and rose stalks. The blades' binding mechanism has also been reviewed to be poor as sometimes the blades don't open using the handles unless you manually pull them apart. Because of this, this pruner works best for light-duty jobs due to its small size. In addition, the lock has been reviewed to get stuck and be difficult to loosen.
Other Features
Best for beginner gardeners, the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears are inexpensive and up to the task. This product features a lifetime warranty, sharp alloy steel blades, a rust-resistant low-friction coating that helps the blades glide through branches and stems, an easy-to-use lock, and comfortable ergonomic non-slip handles. The point-like-end steel blades boast durability and reliability. The 5.5-inch long Fiskars Bypass Pruner works perfectly for stems and light branches with up to 5/8 diameter. The pruner has been designed with a self-cleaning sap groove that ensures that blades don't stick together. It weighs 9.8 ounces and is ideal for gardeners with small hands.
Who This Is For
These great garden pruners are for gardeners who want to enjoy beautiful gardens. Each one of our selections comes with a sharp blade, which is made from high-quality steel and will not rust or corrode over time, so you can use it indoors or outdoors without worrying about damaging your tools. The ergonomic handles of each product ensure a comfortable grip. The best thing about these products is that they are lightweight and easy to carry around. The handles also feature an anti-slip grip, so you don’t have to worry about the tool easily falling off your hands.
Pruners vs. loppers
A pruner is a gardening tool used to cut the branches and stems of trees, shrubs, and vines. It comes in different styles, such as the classic garden scissors, which cut at an angle. A lopper is an ax-like tool that has a long handle and a small blade that can be used to cut branches up to 4 inches in diameter. Pruners are better suited for cutting thicker branches, while loopers can be used on smaller branches.
Pruners are less expensive than loppers but still cost more than hand shears or hedge shears. They are generally lighter and easier to use than loppers. However, they may not be as effective at removing branches from trees as loppers because they do not have a serrated edge like loppers do.
Both pruners and loppers are gardening tools that make it easier to maintain your garden, but they do it in different ways. Pruners have blades that cut plants, while loppers have serrated blades that grab onto plants. Pruners are better for cutting dead or dying branches off of trees, shrubs, and other plants. They’re also good for harvesting small fruits like strawberries or tomatoes from trees in your yard. Loopers, on the other hand, are better for cutting down weeds from flower gardens or lawns. Loppers are also great for harvesting small fruits like strawberries or tomatoes from shrubs in your yard.
Anvil pruners vs. bypass
Anvil pruners and bypass pruners are two types of garden pruners. Anvil pruners have a sharp blade that crushes upon a pocket or metal surface, while bypass pruners are scissor-like with a sharp curved blade that passes over an equally-sharp curved blade. Both of these tools are great for trimming plants.
A bypass pruner can cut branches from larger trees with less effort than using a traditional saw. It cuts more quickly than an anvil pruner because it can fit through thicker branches without getting stuck on them. This allows it to cut through hardwood branches without damaging them, which makes it popular for use in nurseries and landscaping projects because it can be used on both softwood and hardwood plants without damaging their branches.
The best option for you will depend on your reasons for buying a new pair of garden pruners. If you are looking for something lightweight and easy to use on small trees, then an anvil pruner would be the best choice for you. If you want something more powerful but still portable, then look into buying a bypass pruner instead.
Is it worth it?
Garden pruners are one of the most common tools you’ll use in your garden. They’re also one of the most important tools for maintaining a healthy, flourishing yard. But is a garden pruner worth it?
The answer is yes! Having a good pair of garden shears is an investment that will pay off for years after you get them. If you want to ensure that your garden’s plants don’t get damaged or die from neglect, then a good pruner is an essential tool for the job. Pruners are a great way to make sure that you’re cutting the right thing in all the necessary areas. They make it easier to cut back branches and other vegetation from trees and shrubs. You can use them to trim vines or other plant material growing over fences and walls. They help you clear dead leaves and other debris from around plants (and keep your lawn clean).
Why You Should Trust Us
You know what they say: if you want to get the most out of your garden, you’ve got to prune it. But with so many garden tools out there, from hand pruners to electric ones, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. If you’re looking for the best garden pruners, we’ve got your back. We know that there are a lot of options when it comes to garden pruners, but don’t worry — we’re here to help you make sure you’re choosing the right one for your needs. We have searched online for the best garden pruners and how each one works so that you can find the perfect one for you. We’ll also help you figure out what features are important to you in a good garden pruner, like whether or not it has metal or wooden handles, or if it has an adjustable blade angle.
And once we know what kind of garden pruner is right for your needs, we’ll help get it shipped right to your door!
How We Picked
There are many garden pruners on the market, but only a few will provide the quality and reliability you need to maintain your outdoor space. We conducted extensive research on the topic to help you find the right garden pruners. We scoured through various reviews and testimonials from previous users online to identify the top picks. We compare and contrast each product with these factors taken into consideration:
Good blade quality
This factor is important because it determines how efficiently a garden pruner will work in your garden. The best garden pruners have high-quality, sharp blades that cut through the woody branches of plants with ease.
Comfortable handles and grip
These are important factors to consider when choosing the best garden pruners because the handles should be made from materials that are easy to hold, such as rubber or plastic. This will make it easier for you to use the tool without causing pain or fatigue in your hands or arms.
The overall design and build quality
You want to find a pruner whose build quality will ensure that it lasts you for years. The best garden pruners are well-designed to be lightweight, easy to use, and durable. They should be able to withstand even the harshest conditions in your garden. A good pruner has an ergonomic handle that allows you to hold it without straining yourself, and sharp blades that don’t dull easily over time. It should also be easy to clean after each use.
Price
In search of the best pruner, considering the price of the selection is a vital factor. You must spend your money on a good pruner that has been made with quality materials and construction so that you get your money’s worth no matter the number of times you choose to use it.
Style
While it’s true that a good garden pruner will allow you to get the job done, there’s nothing worse than having a gardening tool that doesn’t look professional or is uncomfortable to use. The best garden pruners are durable and have the right style to match your needs.
Durability
This factor determines how long you can use your pruner. It depends solely on the quality of the material type, ease of use, and overall build of your pruner. The best pruners can last years without needing replacement or having faults that need to be fixed.
After mapping out the connections that our reviewed selections have with these features, we chose our favorites and are confident that one of them is your next best garden pruner!
How We Picked
Good Blade Quality
It is critical to purchase a good pruner with sharp and high-quality blades. We looked at blades made of hardened stainless steel to help you go over plants with a single clean cut.
Comfortable Handles + Grip
The best garden pruners are those with comfortable handles and grips that allow you to hold onto the tool with ease. The better the grip, the easier it will be to use the tool — and this will ultimately lead to an enjoyable pruning activity.
Overall Design
The best garden pruners have attractive designs but dependable construction. A good design will allow you to use your pruner efficiently, while an inferior design might cause difficulties with its operation or require frequent maintenance procedures for it to function properly.
Price
While not all pruners are created equal, some of them are significantly more expensive than others — so you must choose one that fits your budget and promises effectiveness.
Care and maintenance
Cleaning your garden pruner is an important part of maintaining it. Use a mild detergent that helps remove dirt, grime, and debris — you don’t want to damage the blade of your pruner by using too harsh a cleaner. Remember not to leave your pruners soaking in water for too long after cleaning them! The metal blades will corrode if left in this state. Wipe the blades dry and store the pruner in a clean toolbox or bag so that the moisture doesn’t get into it. If you want to clean your pruner but don’t want them damaged by hard water or chemicals from cleaning products, then you can use a soft bristle brush instead.
We recommend storing garden pruners in the same place as your other gardening tools: in a toolbox, in a drawer, or on a shelf in your garage. This is because the best way to store pruners is out of direct sunlight and away from drafts, heat sources, and water. If you use one too many times, consider replacing the blades with new ones. This will prevent them from rusting easily and ultimately serve you longer.
Oiling your pruners will help them last longer and perform better when working with woody plants like trees and shrubs. The oil helps prevent rust and corrosion on the blades, which will make sure that the pruners continue working well over time. You should oil garden pruners once every six months or so, depending on how often you use them.
Sources and Research
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