How to Choose the Right Pruning Shear?
Pruning is an essential step in the care of your plants. There are various ways of pruning, depending on the size of the plants. Some terms may be completely new to you, which makes it confusing to find the right shears. In this article, we’ll help you find the right pruning shears for your plants!
What Are the Different Types of Pruning Shears?
There are a few types of pruning shears, which are divided by blade design. Each type has different features that match the needs of specific plants.
- Ratchet pruners: this pruning shear is very helpful if you have weaker hands. The blades are similar to the anvil pruner, but the difference comes in the ratcheting mechanism that makes it easier to cut. The upper blade is sharp and can cut even very thick branches.
- Bypass pruners: this one is very similar to a pair of scissors, which allows a clean-cut for things like tree branches. Smaller bypass pruners have a small head, which can pass through tight spaces. This is very helpful to cut herbs or pick fruits from the garden. The sharp upper blade passes the non-sharp blade, just like the mechanism in a pair of scissors.
- Anvil pruners: by using pressure, you can cut small branches with an anvil pruner. This one is often used to cut dead limbs or branches. The sharp blade and the non-sharp blade together create a clean cut, so it’s essential to keep them sharp.
- Parrot beak pruners: as the name suggests, this one looks like the beak of a parrot. The parrot beak pruner is often used to cut flowers for a flower arrangement.
How to Choose New Pruning Shears?
The features, shapes, and blades of pruning shears define which plants they would optimally be used for. There are several factors to take into account:
- The size and weight: depending on the plants you want to prune and how big your hands are. This is an important safety measure to take into consideration when choosing pruning shears.
- Left-handed or right-handed: the ease of handling the pruning shears is essential to get optimal results. That’s why there are specific shears for left-handed and right-handed gardeners.
- Maintenance: some materials need more maintenance than others, so for beginners, it’s recommended to choose materials that are easy to clean.
Which Pruning Shears Work for Which Plants?
Depending on the work you’re going to do in the garden, the right shears can make it a lot easier to execute. These are some examples of shears and plants that go very well together:
- Ratchet pruners: trees and shrubs that are greater than 1” in diameter.
- Bypass pruners: cutting back perennials and vines, or cutting and pruning in edible gardens.
- Anvil pruners: removing deadwood in shrubs and trees.
- Parrot beak pruners: cutting flowers for a flower arrangement.
More Tips on Pruning Shears?
Do you have more questions, or are you looking for personalized advice on the right pruning shears for your plants? Visit one of our stores to ask our team all your questions. Besides pruning, we’ll be happy to help you out with any other questions you may have around watering, choosing the right spot, feeding, fertilizing, repotting, and anything else.
