You wouldn’t use your dog’s nail clippers to cut your nails or a butter knife to snip herbs, would you? Similarly, when it comes to outdoor chores, having the appropriate tools makes all the difference. In maintaining your garden, one essential item for keeping things neat, vibrant, and flourishing is a good set of pruning shears.
Whether you’re reducing the size of a plant, trimming away dead branches, shaping a shrub, or thinning out the canopy of a small tree, a pair of hand pruners should be your tool of choice. Pruning can promote more vigorous growth, encourage a greater abundance of flowers and fruits, and improve overall plant health.
Since this tool will be your primary choice for frequent tasks, it’s wise to invest in a high-quality set that can handle constant use. Even though premium pruners may come with a higher price tag, they tend to last much longer than less expensive alternatives, which often require frequent replacement. As Bram Olsen, who manages trees and shrubs, explains,
Swanson’s Nursery located in Seattle, Washington
, agrees.
I requested him to suggest a pair of pruners he really trusts, and his response will likely have you clicking ‘add to cart’ immediately.
Top Gardening Pruners Recommended by a Plant Specialist
When questioned about his preferred set of pruning shears, Olson stated, “It’s unquestionably FELCO pruners; these will be the only ones you’ll ever need.”
FELCO Pruning Shears
Amazon
$65 (was $84)
Buy Now
With over 13 years of professional experience in the gardening sector, Olson is seldom without a limb that requires cutting. “My garden demands constant attention; thus, I find myself pruning frequently—much like needing a wide-brimmed hat under the summer sun,” he shares about his secateurs. He trusts his FELCO garden equipment for their sturdiness, noting, “These tools are exceptionally crafted with interchangeable components such as blades, nuts, bolts, and springs, using high-quality metals and available in various sizes suited for individual hand preferences.” (FELCO offers distinct versions tailored for both right-handed and left-handed individuals.)
FELCO Left Hand Pruner
Home Depot
$62
Buy Now
FELCO provides various pruning tools, featuring both bypass and anvil styles. The bypass pruners operate similar to scissors, using two curved blades that glide past each other for precise cutting. In contrast, anvil pruners cut by pressing a single sharpened blade into a fixed plate below. As with numerous gardening enthusiasts, Olson favors bypass pruners because they generally produce neater and tighter snips.
His top choices include the #9 and #13 FELCO pruners, tools he has relied on for 14 years, along with his trusty #10 FELCO pruning shears that have served him well over ten years. Priced between approximately $70 and $90 each, these pruners represent a considerable expenditure. However, for those who take gardening responsibilities seriously—like Olson—a dependable toolset justifies the cost. “While they come at a higher price point, you definitely receive quality commensurate with your investment.”
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