Tools 

Good pruning and cutting always requires effective tools. Various types of tools have been developed for this, including secateurs, special saws and pruning knives.

Index:

• Secateurs
• Loppers
• Top pruner, pole pruner of tree pruner
• Hedge shears
• Electric hedge trimmers
• Pruning knives
• Pruning saws or tree saws
• Maintaining tools

Secateurs 

Secateurs are your most important pruning tool. There are two types:

1. The single-cutting ‘anvil’ secateurs with a stationary flat surface (the anvil) which stops a branch whilst the moving blade above cuts through the branch to meet the anvil. These secateurs are very good for removing dead wood.

2. A type with two sharp blades which pass one another and give a true cutting action (these secateurs are intended for all light pruning).

There are therefore differences in use, but most people opt for one type of secateurs which they use for all their pruning. Secateurs can be very highly developed in technical terms, with effort-saving mechanisms. This prevents straining the wrist during extended use. Try out various types before you buy one.

Always buy a pair of secateurs which sit comfortably in your hand. Ensure that the blades are always sharp and clean them thoroughly after use. Plant sap will produce a rough, thick coating on the blades over time which will make good pruning difficult and unbalances the secateurs. Never try to cut through thick branches as you will probably break the secateurs. 
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Loppers 

These heavier cutters are designed for cutting through thicker branches and removing old wood from plants. They are operated with two hands and have long handles in order to be able to apply greater force and reach further. There are also versions with telescopic, adjustable handles. The even greater leverage that they offer enables you to apply even more force.
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Top pruner, pole pruner or tree pruner 

This is a pruner which is attached to a long pole, usually extendable, which you can use to prune high above your head. The blade is usually operated with a wire. A pruning saw can sometimes be fitted to the pole.
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Hedge shears 

Handy large shears for trimming hedges, removing shoots which are too long, and pruning heather, lavender and other shrubs. The blades can be designed in various ways.

There are versions with a serrated edge to help grip branches better. There is often a notch near the pivot for cutting thicker branches.The edges of box can be perfectly trimmed with a smaller version (the so-called box shears).
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Electric hedge trimmers  

These are quick and easy, but not particularly precise. You can easily cut off more than you intended, and it is quite easy to slip. Keep the cable away from the blades and drape it over your shoulder whilst working.
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Pruning knives 

Pruning knives are mainly used by growers. They are rarely used by the general public. These razor-sharp knives are intended for cutting off bark smoothly, removing diseased wood and taking cuttings. The blade is often curved.
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Pruning saws or tree saws 

There are various models. Saws with a curved blade which saw with a pulling action are handy. There are also folding models. Pruning saws or tree saws always have very coarse toothing.

An ordinary wood saw will get stuck in wet, green wood. Bow saws are handy and have a replaceable blade. You simply fit a new one when the old one is no longer sharp. You can use it to cut thick branches and trunks.
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Maintaining tools 

Always clean tools after use and grease them. This prevents corrosion and keeps them sharp. Clean cutting blades and saws particularly thoroughly. A drop of oil on pivots and blades extends the lifespan. Have them sharpened in good time and do not leave tools lying around outside. Keep tools out of reach of children. 
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