The Best Pruning Shears To Tame All Types Of Greenery

Pros:

• Sharp, precise blades
• Non-slip handles
• Replaceable parts

Cons:

• Not ideal for smaller hands

The Felco F-2 Classic Hand Pruner is a consistent favorite among seasoned gardeners for its exciting precision and premium durability. These pruners are lightweight at just 8.8 ounces, with hardened steel blades that slice through a range of wide stems and branches. The F-2s feature aluminum alloy handles wrapped in a non-slip rubber cushion coating, and these materials work wonders to absorb shock and provide the user with comfort. A bypass blade design also allows for a finer cut, lowering the risk of crushing stems or branches as you work.

What the reviews say: “They’re made well and you can buy replacement parts when you wear them down,” one review reads. “Few things are made to last like that any more.”

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Ergonomic grip
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Blades may stick together with extra-sappy cuts
• Larger cuts may require more force

When it comes to pruning shears, it often pays to, well, pay up. But Fiskars’ Bypass Pruning Shears are the exception here: They’re a consistent bestseller thanks to their hearty blades and low price, even when they’re not on sale. With a non-slip, cushioned grip, they’re also an ergonomic pick that provides easy handling even during longer jobs. The blades are made from steel, with a low-friction coating to maintain smooth cuts. There’s also a sap groove to help prevent blades from sticking together, and a built-in lock.

What users say: “I bought these shears seven years ago, and they’re still my go-to clippers for snipping plants around my home,” says Korin Miller, a frequent contributor to Forbes Vetted and the original author of this article. “While I’ve never had a plant or smaller branch they can’t cut, wider branches tend to need a little more effort on the user end. The blades can gum up when you’re cutting through heavy-sap trees, but that’s easily fixed with a quick wipe from a rag.”

Pros:

• Battery-operated
• Speedy operation
• Replaceable blades

Cons:

• Battery sold separately
• Relatively heavier

Battery-powered pruners allow you to get the cuts you’re after without the muscle. This Dewalt option offers a 1.5-inch cutting capacity that’s capable of working its way through far larger branches than those your standard pruner can tackle. At over 2 pounds, it’s certainly heavier than conventional pruners—but it delivers one cut per second, allowing you to work through an entire bouquet of branches without wearing out your hand. Speaking of joint relief, this model features an ergonomic design that’s intended to minimize stress on your wrist. Just keep in mind that users need to purchase batteries separately.

What the reviews say: “I live on five acres and now use this on all of our trees and bushes,” shares one owner. “I have found myself carrying this on my mower and trimming tree limbs allowing for better mower access. It’s quick and powerful.” 

Pros:

• Powerful, hardened steel blades
• Rubber-coated grip
• Circle-cut option offered

Cons:

• Locking mechanism is difficult to reverse with just one hand

Ratchet pruning shears are those that come with a special mechanism to increase force and allow you to cut in stages. For that reason, this type is a good one for gardeners with weaker or small hands. This particular model offers a three-stage mechanism to make cuts, along with an ergonomic handle and rubber-coated grip. The blades are made from hardened steel for strong slices, and the shears can slice through branches up to 1.5 inches thick; there’s also a circle-cut option offered.

What the reviews say: “Very easy for my arthritic hands to handle. These cut through anything easily and quickly,” shares one reviewer. A fellow fan says the pruners cut through branches “without heavy pressure.”

Pros:

• Smaller grip
• High-carbon steel blades
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Not designed for larger hands
• Some say sharpening takes practice

Pruning typically requires excellent hand strength, which often requires stronger or larger hands. If yours are more on the petite side, be sure to select an appropriately sized pruner. This Okatsune model is custom-designed for precisely this purpose—it’s designed to accommodate those with smaller hands. Featuring blades of high-carbon steel that can cut branches up to an inch in diameter, the device also features a gentle curve for precision and ergonomic reasons. The rubber-coated handle adds to the appeal and enhances users’ hold. (If you’re unsure if your hands classify as “small,” the manufacturer says these pruners are designed for hands up to 7.2 inches long and 3.3 inches wide.)

What the reviews say: “Quite sharp and easy to squeeze,” shares one owner. “I have small, slender hands and this pruner fits just perfectly. Will go through 1/2-inch branches without a problem.” A fellow owner says that the pruners are “sharp and the size small fit me perfectly.”

Anvil pruning shears offer a stationary blade and a second blade that slices into a groove, creating more of a “chop” sensation—for that reason, they’re typically the preferred choice when it comes to trimming dead branches and stems. This model from The Gardener’s Friend also utilizes a ratcheting mechanism to enhance the cutting experience and provide extra power. The pruner’s blades are made from manganese steel with aluminum handles for durability, and the handles are covered with a rubber grip to enhance comfort (the overall pruners themselves are a good length for most hands). Lefties appreciate that the shears have both left and right hand locks for ambidextrous use.

Pros:

• Good for thick branches
• Relatively less expensive
• Also includes a ratcheting mechanism

Cons:

• Locking and unlocking requires a fair amount of hand strength

What the reviews say: “These are really easy to use,” says one owner. “The ratchet system is a big help, because I don’t have a lot of hand strength and my hands are small. I needed something to help me clear out the the thick vines that are trying to overcome my yard. This makes that job a lot easier.”