Cutting & Pruning

Cutting and pruning tools trim, shape and cut back plants, shrubs, hedges, lawn edges and small trees. The category runs from hand secateurs through loppers, hedge and lawn shears and tree pruners to bow saws, folding pruning saws and hatchets, plus replacement blades and springs.

Bypass or anvil

• Bypass: two curved blades pass each other like scissors and leave a clean cut. Use them on living stems, roses and green growth.
• Anvil: a straight blade closes onto a flat plate. They cut thicker, harder wood with less effort but can crush soft tissue, so they suit dead and dry wood.

The same choice applies to loppers. Some loppers have ratchet or geared actions that increase cutting force, and telescopic handles that give extra reach.

Choosing the tool for the job

• Secateurs: small stems and twigs, deadheading and general pruning.
• Loppers: thicker branches and stems that are out of easy reach.
• Tree pruners: long-reach cutters for high branches from the ground.
• Hedge shears: trimming hedges and shaping shrubs.
• Lawn and edging shears: long-handled shears for trimming grass edges without kneeling.
• Pruning and bow saws: branches too thick for loppers, and logs.
• Hatchets: chopping and splitting small timber and kindling.

Fit and upkeep

Choose a handle size and weight you can control comfortably, as some secateurs come in smaller or left-handed versions. Several secateurs and saws take replacement blades and springs, so check the model before ordering parts. For battery shears and other powered tools, follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data.

For spades, forks and hoes, see digging and cultivating, or browse the full garden tools range.