Types of Garden Pruners

Gardeners can be somewhat particular when it comes to their garden tools and especially the types of garden pruners. A good pair of garden pruners is very essential to flower gardening.  Good quality hand garden pruners make the work go a lot easier and will take less time. This gardening tool is so much like a large pair of scissors that you could probably use that scissors to cut soft stems from bushes or flowers. The large woody stems and small tree branches will need a quality garden pruner. It is used to trim and prune woody stems, especially on roses. The one you choose should depend on its use and your own personal preference. The types of garden pruners are generally available in three different categories - the anvil, bypass, and ratchet.

Anvil pruners have but one blade and it closes down on a flat edge. This pruner is similar to chopping or slicing on your kitchen cutting board. They are probably the best type for removing any dead wood that is in your garden. They are somewhat bulky and hard to get into some tight spaces.

Bypass pruners are considered the most popular used by gardeners. This pruner, which is similar to a pair of scissors, has two circular blades. One blade is dull and the other very sharp. The result is a trim and clean cut every time.

Ratchet pruners are quite similar to the anvil type, but an additional feature allows the cutting to be done in stages. This is an excellent way to add leverage for making a difficult cut. The ratchet pruner gives more leverage for weaker or smaller hands. If you will be doing a lot of pruning, ratchet pruners will combat the strain and fatigue on your hand and wrist.

There is a couple more types of pruners that are not as common as the three mentioned above. These work very similar to the above mentioned but they are long-handled. One is the lopper, with a long handle and its heavy duty for cutting larger tree branches and thick rose stems. The other is a hedge trimmer, also long handled, and is a flat-bladed pruner that resembles a large scissors. They are designed to make large, even cuts either horizontally or vertically, and aren't suitable for use beyond trimming hedges.

If a lot of gardening needs to be done by you the gardener, a good investment would be to purchase a pair of garden pruners that is specific for professional use or heavy duty. To ensure a long lasting tool, make sure they are made of high quality tempered carbon steel. You also want to purchase a pair that has replaceable parts. You should always purchase the best garden pruner you can afford.

For gardeners with the disadvantage of having joint problems, consider a garden pruner with a cushioned handle to ease the pressure on the hands. They also make pruners with rotating handles to ease the wear on the wrist. There are even garden pruners for the left handed gardener but are harder to find at garden centers or garden nurseries, but are probably more available on-line.
 
Garden pruners help to maintain the garden easier and faster, and are therefore considered to be a valuable tool for home gardeners. It is most important to try out the different types of garden pruners in the store before purchasing. If the pruner feels too heavy for you, don't buy them because you will not be comfortable using them. When purchasing the types of garden pruners needed, make sure they will make easy cuts and that it feels comfortable in the hand and light enough to use over and over again.