Which secateur to choose? Types of secateurs

 In the following article, we will try to bring you closer to the most important features and tips in choosing the right pruning shears for your garden. 

Let us remember that in order to prune our trees or shrubs properly and without damaging the plants, we should first theoretically prepare for these treatments. Each tree or shrub has its own "rights" in pruning them. 

Not every tree is pruned at the same time or with the same pruning method. In this article, we do not suggest how and when to prune trees (we wrote about this in the previous article when to prune trees and shrubs in the garden), and what to prune. First of all, which pruner to choose for these works.

Where to start pruning?

First of all, to do it properly, we start with trimming withered, damaged or diseased shoots and branches. Our cuts should be accurate and precise without causing damage to the remaining healthy parts of the trees. Precise cuts and a sharp blade cause wounds to heal faster and minimize the appearance of plant diseases. That is why it is so important to choose the right pruning shears for these works.

Types of secateurs

Let's start with what types of secateurs we have. The basic division is manual secateurs and electric secateurs. In the article "which secateurs to choose" we will focus on manual secateurs. We will show you the difference between a single-blade pruner and a two-blade scissor pruner.

How to match the type of pruner to the thickness of shoots and branches

Different types of secateurs are adapted by manufacturers to different types of cutting shoots or branches. And so, short (one-handed) secateurs are used when cutting young trees, shrubs or flowers, e.g. Classic Secateurs for Flowers. In a situation where we have to cut branches with a thickness of, for example, 30mm, we should use two-handed pruning shears, e.g. Secateurs for Branches. 

Of course, we can try to cut these thicker branches with a one-handed pruning shears, although it requires much more effort and the "wound" left after such a cut will not heal so quickly on the tree. In a situation where we have to cut really thick branches, we should use pruning shears designed for heavy work, e.g. Heavy Duty Shears.

Due to the size / range, types of secateurs

Short secateurs - small, handy secateurs for cutting shoots with small cross-sections. Usually used on young trees or shrubs. Used with one hand.

Long secateurs - usually two-handed secateurs used to cut thicker branches. They have handles up to 1 meter long, which makes their reach large, e.g. Hardened Telescopic Secateurs. We make cuts using two hands. You can try to buy a secateurs with a gear that regulates the cutting force.

Pole secateurs - secateurs with the so-called. boom, e.g. Telescopic Pole Pruner. The blade is placed on a pole, we control it using a line that hangs from the blade. They allow you to cut tall trees without using ladders. The range depends on the length of the pole and line, as well as the reliability of the equipment.

 

By functionality, types of secateurs

Scissor secateurs - have two blades, which, if they are of good quality and well sharpened, provide a very accurate, precise cut, which is required for young shoots and branches.

Anvil secateurs - have one blade, are less accurate than scissor secateurs. Nevertheless, they require less force from us, although they are primarily suitable for cutting dried and lignified shoots.

Which pruner to choose

"Handiness" of the pruning shears - an important criterion for choosing a pruning shears is its ease of use. Our device should be light, handy and fit well in the hand. Unfortunately, it is not easy to perfectly match the device to your requirements. Secateurs that are light and at the same time robust are usually made of polyamide. The handles of the pruning shears should always be ergonomic to minimize the effects of long-term cutting of trees or shrubs. 

Please pay attention to the finish of the handles of the secateurs, they should be finished with a soft, non-slip material. Let us remember that having several trees and shrubs, the work that is required for annual pruning is long-lasting and we will certainly feel its effects on our hands. Due to this, we should look for different pruning solutions that prevent hand fatigue.

Safety of using the pruning shears - usually pruning shears have a lock that blocks the blades. After the work, we lock the equipment, usually these are locks in one-handed pruning shears.

The blade of the pruner - this is one of the most important features of the pruner. This is the part of the device that has the greatest impact on the degree of plant injury and our fatigue!! In our opinion, the best materials from which the blade should be made are carbon steel, stainless steel. There are also pruning shears with coated steel, however, it is not as durable. Some secateurs have the ability to replace the blades.

A reliable manufacturer of pruning shears - here it goes without saying. We do not buy the cheapest equipment (unless we do it deliberately, knowing that it will be enough for one season, and in the next one it will be new), preferably it should be a proven manufacturer or recommended equipment.

 

Secateurs maintenance

First of all, the equipment after work should be washed, cleaned and dry. You can protect the equipment for the winter period by lubricating the blade with vegetable oil or spraying with WD40

A dull pruning shears blade should be sharpened. On your own or using the service.