Pruners and garden shears

This category covers hand pruners, long-handled loppers, hedge shears and pruning saws for gardeners who look after fruit trees, shrubs and flower beds. Our range includes over 150 models, with brands such as Fiskars, Gardena, Wolf-Garten and Bosch.

Choices run from simple tools for occasional pruning to models built for daily work in a large garden.

How to choose pruning shears and garden shears

Cutting mechanism. A bypass pruner cuts like scissors and leaves a clean cut on living wood, so it suits roses, fruit trees and shrubs. An anvil pruner presses the branch against a flat surface, which works better on dry, dead wood but can crush live stems.

Branch thickness and handle length. Hand pruners are meant for thinner branches, roughly up to a couple of centimetres, and the manufacturer states the exact limit. Thicker or higher branches call for loppers with long handles, because the longer lever reduces the force you need. For the thickest branches a pruning saw is the better tool, while hedges are best shaped with dedicated hedge shears.

Manual or battery-powered. A manual pruner is enough for a few dozen cuts per season. If you prune a lot or your hands tire quickly, a battery-powered model reduces the strain, though it is heavier and needs charging. If you already own a Bosch, Makita or Einhell battery, it makes sense to pick a tool from the same system.

Handle fit and comfort. Check that the handle does not squeeze your palm, that the span between the handles suits your hand size and that your thumb can reach the lock. Some models have a rotating handle, which eases wrist strain during long pruning sessions.

Maintenance and spare parts. Blades can be sharpened, and some models let you replace the blade and spring, which extends the life of the tool. Wipe off sap and moisture after use to keep the blades from rusting.

Brands we carry

• Fiskars: a Finnish maker recognised for garden tools with orange handles, including pruners and loppers, and the brand with the most models in our range.
• Gardena: a German brand, part of the Husqvarna Group, known for garden tools and watering systems, so it is often chosen to equip a whole garden.
• Wolf-Garten: a German brand famous for its Multi-Star system, where one handle can be combined with different tool heads.
• Bosch: known for battery-powered garden tools, including pruners and shears that run on a shared battery system.
• Makita, DeWalt and Einhell: makers whose cordless tool lines are used in workshops and gardens alike, with one battery fitting many of their tools.
• Silky: a Japanese maker known for folding pruning saws with sharp, curved blades.

Also in our range: Bradas, Brüder Mannesmann, Garten Primus.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between bypass and anvil pruners?

A bypass pruner cuts like scissors, so it leaves a clean cut on living wood. An anvil pruner presses the branch against a flat part and suits dry branches better. For living plants, a bypass pruner is usually the recommended choice.

How thick a branch can a hand pruner cut?

Hand pruners typically cut branches up to roughly a couple of centimetres thick, but the manufacturer states the exact limit for each model. Thicker branches need loppers with long handles or a pruning saw. Forcing a small pruner through wood that is too thick can damage the blades.

When is the best time to prune fruit trees and shrubs?

Most fruit trees are usually pruned in late winter or early spring, before the buds open. Spring-flowering shrubs are better pruned right after they bloom, so you do not cut off next year's flower buds. It is worth checking the timing for each specific plant.

How do I look after pruning shears so they last longer?

Wipe the blades clean of sap and moisture after every job, and oil them from time to time. Sharpen them when the cut becomes ragged or the branch gets squeezed instead of sliced. If you have pruned diseased plants, clean and disinfect the blades so you do not spread the problem.