By Glenda Taylor | Updated Jan 19, 2022 12:20 PM
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Keeping a garden and landscape in top shape requires care and maintenance, including regular pruning. Whether you need to trim back dense branches or gather herbs for dinner, the job will be faster and more efficient with a good pair of pruning shears.
Though they resemble household scissors, hand pruners are made to cut through stems, shrubs, branches instead of paper and fabric. Read on to learn how to choose the best pruning shears for your gardening style and needs and to find out why the following pairs are tops in their class.
The primary reason people use any pair of pruning shears is to cut through green or dry stems, but each type of shear has its benefits and considerations. First, consider the type of trimming or plant, and then decide which type of pruning shears is best suited for a task. Many gardeners have multiple pairs of pruning shears because trimming tasks vary so widely.
The best bypass pruners feature two sharpened blades designed to cut through plant stems and soft green tree branches (up to ½ inch in diameter). Bypass pruners make sharp, clean cuts, which are essential to the health of the plant, as ragged cuts invite disease. Don’t use bypass pruners to cut dry and brittle dead branches, as doing so can jam or even bend the blades. For these heavy-duty jobs, a pruning saw may be the better choice.
Anvil pruners have only one sharpened blade that presses into a groove on a stationary base (anvil). Designed to sever small stems and branches (up to ½ inch in diameter), anvil pruners use a crushing rather than cutting action, so they are suitable for trimming dry dead branches, which snap easily. Anvil pruners are not recommended for soft green branches and stems, which can become crushed and frayed by the shears.
Ratchet pruners are based on the anvil design but feature a catch-and-hold ratchet mechanism, which allows users to exert less pressure on the handles yet cut larger branches (up to ¾ inch in diameter).
Squeezing the handles halfway engages the ratchet mechanism, holding blade pressure on the partially cut branch while releasing the handles to open wider and help users get a fresh grip to squeeze again. Like regular anvil pruners, ratchet pruners are better suited to dry, dead branches than fresh green ones.
Power pruners, available as anvil and bypass, reduce the wrist and hand fatigue associated with using manual pruners. Like other battery-powered tools, power pruners operate on a rechargeable battery. All it takes is a light squeeze on the handles, and the power pruner does the rest, cutting quickly through branches up to 1 inch in diameter.
Besides the various types of shears, other factors are worth considering, such as the material used to make the blades, whether the shear’s design is ergonomic and straightforward to use, and whether the shears come with safety features.
Pruning shear blades are made of several metal types and feature different coatings, each with its own unique set of pros and cons.
The right type of handle on your pruning shears can help reduce fatigue in your hands when cutting thick branches or stems. Many shears are made with grips and ergonomic designs, while others are reinforced so less pressure is required to cut through plants.
For added luxury, some options even include fiberglass for durability or shock-absorption for more comfortable gardening. Finally, as power pruners cut through branches and stems automatically, these models usually come with rubber grips that are easy to hold and cause almost no strain on your hands.
Unlike household scissors, which are opened and closed by hand for each cut, pruning shears feature a spring that forces the blades apart after each cut so all you have to do is squeeze the handles to cut again. When shopping for pruners, look for a securely attached spring, because if it breaks off, you’ll have to use the shears as you would ordinary scissors.
Using manual pruning shears requires a lot of repetitive hand movements, which can lead to wrist and hand fatigue. Many manufacturers offer easy-grip handles to offset fatigue; seek handles that fit the shape of your hand and feel comfortable.
Most pruning shears have a locking mechanism that holds the blades together when not in use. This is both a safety feature and a way to protect a sharpened blade edge. The biggest complaint about locking mechanisms is when they inadvertently lock (usually because of a bump with a finger or thumb) while pruning. A locking mechanism located near the blades might help prevent inadvertent locking.
To qualify as a top pick, garden pruners should be sharp, strong enough to sever the desired stem, durable, and comfortable to hold without slipping. For sharpness, ease of cutting, and durability, the following pruning shears are tops in their class. One is sure to be a welcome asset to any garden tool collection.
Best Overall1 Mockins Stainless Steel Bypass Pruning Shears Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceFor trimming flowers, harvesting fresh herbs, or cutting back unruly vegetable vines, these Mockins Stainless Steel Bypass Pruning Shears are a worthy option. They feature soft-grip, ergonomic rubber handles to reduce hand fatigue, a locking mechanism, and super-sharp stainless steel bypass blades to make cutting green garden stems a snap. With the sharp cut afforded by the Mockins bypass pruning shears, plants can be healthier, less prone to diseases, and more likely to thrive after pruning. These bypass pruner shears perform well at cutting green indoor or outdoor plants. Product SpecsType: BypassBlade Material: Stainless steelWeight: 8 ounces ProsSoft-grip rubber handlesBuilt-in locking mechanismComes in 4 colorwaysSuitable for right and left-handed use ConsNot meant for heavy-duty use Runner-Up2 Saboten 1210 Thinning Shear Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceFor those who want smaller garden clippers without sacrificing cutting ability, the Saboten 1210 Thinning Shear might be just the ticket. These little bypass pruners feature sharp Teflon-coated carbon steel blades, easy-grip handles, and a built-in locking mechanism. Slightly smaller than other shears, the Saboten shears are well suited to small hands, and they feature shock-absorbing grips that help prevent slipping and reduce hand fatigue. These small-but-mighty pruners work especially well for thinning out plants with dense growth. Product SpecsType: BypassBlade Material: Teflon-coated carbon steelWeight: 5.c ounces ProsEasy-to-grip handlesSmall size; suitable for precise cutsLocking mechanismShock-absorbing grip ConsSome users report difficulty with the spring mechanism Best for Flowers3 TABOR TOOLS K77A Straight Pruning Shears Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceFresh flowers last longer after clean and sharp stem cuts, and this is where the TABOR TOOLS Pruning Shears shine. Their long pointed bypass pruner blades can help select the right stem to snip without inadvertently cutting others. For florists or gardeners who love to share their colorful flower crops, these shears boast super sharp, stainless steel blades that provide clean cuts. Rather than a locking mechanism, the shears feature a metal clip that fits around the ends of the handles to keep blades closed when not in use. Product SpecsType: BypassBlade Material: Stainless steelWeight: 3.8 ounces ProsLong blades for ample cuttingSuitable for florists and gardenersSafety strap ConsPricey Best Bypass4 Fiskars 91095935J Steel Bypass Pruning Shears Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceFrom a well-known name for gardening and landscaping tools comes the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears. These pruners sharply trim green stems and branches up to ⅝ inch in diameter. The Fiskars gardening shears feature a precision-ground steel cutting blade that stays super sharp, even with frequent use, and it comes with a low-friction coating to cut through stems easily and resist gumming up the blade with sap and debris. The shears come with a padded nonslip grip for comfort and feature a locking mechanism to keep the blades closed when not in use. Product SpecsType: BypassBlade Material: Precision-ground steelWeight: 10.4 ounces ProsSuitable for heavy-duty useLow-friction coatingPadded, non-slip gripLocking mechanism ConsSlightly heavier than comparable optionsUsers have reported manufacturing defects Best Anvil5 Gardena 8903 Anvil Pruning Shears Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceDry, stiff twigs and small, dead branches are no match for the Gardena Anvil Pruning Shears that feature a precision-ground blade that won’t lose its edge. These anvil shears come with a fiberglass reinforced grip that helps the user exert maximum pressure on twigs for cutting. It also comes with a padded, nonslip upper grip to help get a firm grasp on the pruners. The upper blade is sharp and narrow, and the anvil base supports the twig, so these anvil pruning shears cut through woody stems with ease and make quick work of thinning out dead branches. Product SpecsType: AnvilBlade Material: Stainless steelWeight: 8.8 ounces ProsSuitable for heavy-duty useReinforced fiberglass handlePadded, non-slip upper grip ConsPricey Best Ratchet6 The Gardener’s Friend Anvil-Style Ratchet Pruners Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceThe Gardener’s Friend Pruners’ ratcheting catch-and-hold action helps gardeners cut branches with less hand pressure while obtaining maximum cutting action. The first squeeze of the Gardener’s Friend Pruners securely grasps the stem—the second squeeze increases blade pressure to cut through the stem without needing to have a monster grip. These anvil-type pruning shears will cut through dry, woody stems (up to 1 inch in diameter) that might otherwise be difficult to sever with standard shears. This added ratcheting power is especially helpful for gardeners with weak grips or for those who have arthritis. Product SpecsType: RatchetBlade Material: Carbon steelWeight: 7.8 ounces ProsSuitable for very heavy-duty use and for senior gardenersAnvil-type cutting mechanismLocking mechanism included ConsExpensive price point Best Power7 Sun Joe PJ3600C Cordless Rechargeable Power Pruner Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceFor trees, flowers, and hedges, this Sun Joe Cordless pruner is made for heavy-duty trimming and maintenance. With a 3.6-volt construction, this pick is capable of trimming branches and stems of 0,5 inches thick in 0.6 seconds. LED lights and a built-in safety switch helps to avoid unnecessary cutting and precise cuts where they are needed. This model also comes with a charger and a safety cover for storing. Product SpecsType: PowerBlade Material: Stainless steelWeight: 1.6 pounds Pros3.6-volt constructionTrims thick branches in under 0.6 secondsLED and built-in safety switch ConsSome users report manufacturing defectsHeavyweightPricey Honorable Mention8 VIVOSUN Hand Pruner Shear with Stainless Steel Blades Photo: amazon.com Check Latest PriceKeeping plants pruned and in good shape doesn’t have to cost a lot. These VIVOSUN Pruning Shears come with super-sharp bypass blades made of stainless steel. The blades feature pointed tips to help the shears precisely trim plants with close-growing stems. The VIVOSUN shears come with ergonomic handles and nonslip grips for reduced hand fatigue, and the micro-tip snips make it easy to cut away only the portion of the plant that needs it. Larger shears tend to cut indiscriminately, but these precision shears offer the ability to carefully select a spent blossom and cut it away without fear of cutting away budding blossoms. The shears also feature a locking mechanism that holds the blades in the closed position when not in use. Product SpecsType: BypassBlade Material: Stainless steelWeight: 0.08 kilograms ProsPointed-tipped bladesNon-slip ergonomic handlesSuitable for precise cutsLightweight ConsNot meant for heavy-duty useSome users report poor blade quality
For trimming flowers, harvesting fresh herbs, or cutting back unruly vegetable vines, these Mockins Stainless Steel Bypass Pruning Shears are a worthy option. They feature soft-grip, ergonomic rubber handles to reduce hand fatigue, a locking mechanism, and super-sharp stainless steel bypass blades to make cutting green garden stems a snap.
With the sharp cut afforded by the Mockins bypass pruning shears, plants can be healthier, less prone to diseases, and more likely to thrive after pruning. These bypass pruner shears perform well at cutting green indoor or outdoor plants.
For those who want smaller garden clippers without sacrificing cutting ability, the Saboten 1210 Thinning Shear might be just the ticket. These little bypass pruners feature sharp Teflon-coated carbon steel blades, easy-grip handles, and a built-in locking mechanism.
Slightly smaller than other shears, the Saboten shears are well suited to small hands, and they feature shock-absorbing grips that help prevent slipping and reduce hand fatigue. These small-but-mighty pruners work especially well for thinning out plants with dense growth.
Fresh flowers last longer after clean and sharp stem cuts, and this is where the TABOR TOOLS Pruning Shears shine. Their long pointed bypass pruner blades can help select the right stem to snip without inadvertently cutting others.
For florists or gardeners who love to share their colorful flower crops, these shears boast super sharp, stainless steel blades that provide clean cuts. Rather than a locking mechanism, the shears feature a metal clip that fits around the ends of the handles to keep blades closed when not in use.
From a well-known name for gardening and landscaping tools comes the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears. These pruners sharply trim green stems and branches up to ⅝ inch in diameter.
The Fiskars gardening shears feature a precision-ground steel cutting blade that stays super sharp, even with frequent use, and it comes with a low-friction coating to cut through stems easily and resist gumming up the blade with sap and debris. The shears come with a padded nonslip grip for comfort and feature a locking mechanism to keep the blades closed when not in use.
Dry, stiff twigs and small, dead branches are no match for the Gardena Anvil Pruning Shears that feature a precision-ground blade that won’t lose its edge. These anvil shears come with a fiberglass reinforced grip that helps the user exert maximum pressure on twigs for cutting. It also comes with a padded, nonslip upper grip to help get a firm grasp on the pruners.
The upper blade is sharp and narrow, and the anvil base supports the twig, so these anvil pruning shears cut through woody stems with ease and make quick work of thinning out dead branches.
The Gardener’s Friend Pruners’ ratcheting catch-and-hold action helps gardeners cut branches with less hand pressure while obtaining maximum cutting action. The first squeeze of the Gardener’s Friend Pruners securely grasps the stem—the second squeeze increases blade pressure to cut through the stem without needing to have a monster grip.
These anvil-type pruning shears will cut through dry, woody stems (up to 1 inch in diameter) that might otherwise be difficult to sever with standard shears. This added ratcheting power is especially helpful for gardeners with weak grips or for those who have arthritis.
For trees, flowers, and hedges, this Sun Joe Cordless pruner is made for heavy-duty trimming and maintenance. With a 3.6-volt construction, this pick is capable of trimming branches and stems of 0,5 inches thick in 0.6 seconds. LED lights and a built-in safety switch helps to avoid unnecessary cutting and precise cuts where they are needed. This model also comes with a charger and a safety cover for storing.
Keeping plants pruned and in good shape doesn’t have to cost a lot. These VIVOSUN Pruning Shears come with super-sharp bypass blades made of stainless steel. The blades feature pointed tips to help the shears precisely trim plants with close-growing stems. The VIVOSUN shears come with ergonomic handles and nonslip grips for reduced hand fatigue, and the micro-tip snips make it easy to cut away only the portion of the plant that needs it.
Larger shears tend to cut indiscriminately, but these precision shears offer the ability to carefully select a spent blossom and cut it away without fear of cutting away budding blossoms. The shears also feature a locking mechanism that holds the blades in the closed position when not in use.
When it comes to gardening or maintaining the hedges around your home, one of the best garden shears overall is the Mockins pruning shears. With stainless steel bypass blades, these shears are lightweight at 8 ounces, have soft-grip handles, a built-in locking mechanism, and they come in 4 colorways. Alternatively, if you prefer more precise cuts, the Saboten pruning shears are made with small teflon-coated carbon steel bypass blades with a locking mechanism and shock-absorbing grip.
Pruning shears have a variety of uses for residential and professional use, from maintaining your yard to keeping a florist’s cut flowers fresh. After researching all of the necessary features that should be included in the best pruning shears on the market, we discovered that the best options include durable blades, safety features, easy-to-use handles, and lightweight designs.
As seen above, stainless steel and teflon-coated carbon steel are the most common and trusted blade types for their durability and light weight. Bypass, ratchet, and anvil pruner designs are also among the most sought-after types for those that like to get hands-on with their gardening. For those that have arthritis, power pruners an effectively cut through large branches without requiring a monster grip.
Most pruning shears also come with added safety features like safety straps and locking mechanisms to prevent unwanted cutting. To protect your hands while in use without needing your gardening gloves, the shears listed above also come with easy-to-grip, shock-absorbing, or reinforced handles to make cutting and trimming easier. Plus, the above models are all lightweight for added convenience.
When it comes to good gardening, it pays to have the right tool for the job. Attempting to use scissors or a knife to prune small stems and twigs is foolhardy. A good pair of gardening shears will make quick work of plant-trimming projects with several advantages:
A nearly endless array of pruners is available from home improvement and gardening retailers. Armed with ample information, shoppers can make an educated choice about which shears are the best for their trimming needs. The following tips can help.
Pruning shears vary as to type and purpose, so gardeners frequently have two or more pairs in their garden tool collection.
Pruners are meant for cutting branches, twigs, and stems in your garden. They can also be used by florists, professional gardeners, or to remove inflorescence with 15–20 capsular fruit.
Bypass shears are better for cutting through soft green stems, while anvil pruners are better for cutting through dry, woody stems.
Use a bypass pruner for cutting through fresh green rose stems when collecting blooms for a bouquet, but use an anvil pruner, such as the Gardena 8855 Anvil Pruner Shears, to remove dead branches at the base of the rose.
Not unless you want to ruin your scissors. Household scissors are not suited for cutting through thick stems. A pair of pruning shears is the best bet.
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