When it comes to pruning trees and shrubs, the right tools make the job easier – both on you and your plants. Depending on the scope of your project, hand-pruners, lopping shears, pruning saws and pole pruners will come in handy. For some tasks, it also helps to have a power saw or trimmer.

Hand- and long-handled pruners, as well as a folding pruning saw, are designed to cut small branches.

Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard

Tree and shrub pruning equipment is available in power and hand models. Always exercise caution when using pruning equipment of either type.

Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard

With its pruning saw and shearing cutter mounted on a telescoping fiberglass or aluminum pole, a pole pruner allows you to trim high branches without needing a ladder.

Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard

Electrical hedge trimmers have a long toothed bar with oscillating teeth that shear across a second set of stationary teeth. The secret to using the tool is learning to keep it level and following a straight path as you cut across the shrub.

Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard

There are two basic types of hand-pruners: bypass and anvil models. Bypass pruners work like scissors, with two sharp blades that glide against each other. They make clean, smooth cuts. Anvil pruners have one sharp blade that presses against a wide, flat blade, crushing the branch that’s being cut. Either type is suitable for cutting branches up to half an inch in diameter.

Lopping shears have handles that are about 2 feet long. Longer handles increase your leverage and allow you to cut branches up to 1½ inches in diameter. For larger limbs, you’ll most likely require a pruning saw. Straight-bladed and bow saws cut on both the push and the pull strokes and make quick work of limbs up to 3 inches in diameter. For larger limbs, consider a power-reciprocating saw.

For high branches, a pole pruner is what’s most helpful. This tool features a shearing blade and a small saw at the end of a handle that’s typically 5-8 feet long, allowing you to prune limbs that otherwise would be difficult to reach. (Whenever you work with overhead limbs, be sure to wear eye-protection goggles, gloves and a safety helmet.)

If you’ve got a yard with several hedges in your garden, a power trimmer will be an asset. Many models are available, with several blade choices: long or short, single or double-sided, and with single or double – reciprocating – action. Power trimmers can be fueled by gasoline, electricity or by rechargeable battery. A reciprocating saw is another tool that’s handier than a chain saw for most homeowners. Of course, always remember to wear protective gear – including safety glasses, gloves and ear protection – when operating any power tool.

To keep your pruning tools in good shape, be sure to wipe their blades with a rag after every use. At the end of each season, clean the blades with a solvent like mineral oil, and apply a few drops of light lubricating oil to the blades and moving parts. Sharpen bypass pruning shears with a moistened whetstone when needed, remembering to hone only the outside edge of the blades so that the inside surfaces remain flat and glide closely against each another. With the proper care, your tools will serve you and your garden for many seasons.