Having a well-manicured, and perfectly curated garden is a dream of each and every one of us. But achieving this dream is not as easy as it seems, especially since trimming and pruning your trees can become a challenging task.
Using the best tree pruner for your needs can make this activity a lot more efficient, convenient, safer and easier for you.
But with all the tree pruners in the market today, how can you choose the one that is suitable for your needs? Easy! Just read this short yet comprehensive review to equip yourself with the knowledge you need to make the right purchase!
Best Tree Pruner Reviews to Read
Last update on 2024-04-30 at 18:48 PST - Details
1. Sun Joe SWJ800E Electric Pole Pruner- Editor’s Pick
At the top of my list is the Sun Joe SWJ800 Electric Pole Pruner. It has a length of 8 inches plus an extendable pole of 8.7 inches. With its reach of 15 inches, this is my go-to tree pruner for cutting overhanging tree limbs and logs.
This electronic pole pruner is powered by a 6.5 amp motor, allowing it to cut branches that are up to 7.5 inches thick. The pruner also contains an auto-oiler to maintain the lubrication of the bar and chains for easy maintenance.
The pruner is powered electrically, eliminating the hassles of dealing with smoke and fumes that come with using a gas-powered pole pruner. Since it uses a no gas, no oil technology, I consider the use of this pruner to be environmental-friendly as well.
The thing that I like the most with this pole pruner is that it comes with a safety switch. This switch helps to prevent accidental startups. In addition to that, the pruner features a non-wire design, so you do not have to deal with tangled wires.
The machine is also easy to start. In fact, you can turn it on or off with just a simple push of a button. With its weight of 7 pounds, many users consider this pruner lightweight which makes cutting as safe and easy as possible.
We like
- The blade is made of non-corrosive stainless steel.
- It has an extendable pole of up to 8.7 inches.
- The reach of the Sun Joe SWJ800E is considerably higher as compared to standard pole pruners.
- The auto-oiler feature delivers ease of maintenance.
- The pole is rigid and doesn’t wobble.
We do not like
- Some users claim that the pruner’s oil reservoir leaks.
- The oil dispenser delivers oil quickly which leads to over lubrication of the blade.
2. Tabor Tools GG12 Anvil Lopper– Alternative Pick
My next best option is the Tabor Tools GG12. I usually use it on the removal of low hanging thick branches since the minimum length of the Sun Joe pruner is still a bit long for this purpose. Its maximum cutting thickness is up to 2 inches.
Featuring a non-stick carbon steel blade, the pruner effortlessly glides across the wood for an efficient and hassle-free cutting experience. But based on my experience, this lopper works best on hard, dry wood.
The blade mechanism of the pruner features a compound action system that has moving parts and multiple pivot points which maximize the force that you apply to the blade. It also has a straight blade (which cuts the branches) and an anvil blade (which acts like a chopping board) for a safer and less messy way of cutting trees.
Personally, I find this tree pruner to be economical because of its replaceable blade. If its blade gets a bit dull, you do not have to buy an entirely new pruner—you can replace the blade instead.
Having a non-slip, soft-grip handle with special forefinger support, this pruner makes tree pruning more comfortable.
We like
- The lopper is specially designed for cutting dry hardwood.
- This pruner has a more extended reach as compared to most loppers.
- Replaceable blade helps you save money.
- It features resistant action carbon steel blade that multiplies the force exerted on it.
- Blade mechanism has hinges that deliver excellent cutting assistance.
We do not like
- Some users find the lopper to be a bit heavy.
- Few reviewers claim that it is not suitable for people with arthritis because it is poorly balanced (blade is heavier than the handles).
3. Gonicc Bypass Pruning Shears– Budget Pick
If you do not have much budget to spare, the Gonicc Pruning Shears would be the best option for you. This is my pruner of choice when it comes to cutting hedges, bushes and branches with a diameter of ¾ inches and below.
These 8-inch pruning shears use a blade made of 5K-S Steel incorporated with ultra-fine polishing technology. The steel is coated with a chromium plating to protect it from rust and nicks. It also has sap grooves which prevent the blade from sticking to the trees or branches. The grooves also ensure that the blade will stay clean at all times.
On the other hand, its handle features an ergonomic design and a non-slip grip. The lower handles have a locking mechanism to ensure safety when the pruner is not in use.
We like
- It is made up of durable drop forged body and handles.
- It comes with a safety lock.
- Sap channel helps maintain the cleanliness of the blade.
- The shears are perfect for people with small hands.
- They are also lightweight and easy to use.
We do not like
- Many users claim that it is not suitable for cutting hard wood.
- They also argue that the spring is not durable and falls off quickly.
4. Fiskars Power-Lever Tree Pruner - Upgrade Pick
If you have a bit of money to spare, you need to check out the Fiskars Power-lever Tree Pruner. Many consider this to be a 2-in-1 tree trimming system because it features two cutting technology.
The first one is the durable WoodZig saw with low-friction and rust-resistant coating. It also has a power-lever technology which delivers two times the pruning power of the blade. This is useful in cutting higher branches and twigs.
The second option is to detach the blade from the pole and use it as a hand saw in cutting thick branches, hedges and shrubs. In short, you can use it as a substitute for pruning shears.
On the other hand, the pole has an oval shape which helps reduce flex and allows you to control the direction of the cut without difficulty. You can easily extend the pole at the right length with the use of a rapid-release thumb lock. The handle has a double-locking system to ensure the stability of the extended pole.
The pole is also lightweight and durable and can help minimize fatigue while cutting.
We like
- The tree pruner can also double as a pruning shear.
- The pole is secured using two locking mechanisms—flip and internal spring button lock.
- Low-friction coating helps keep the blade sap- and gum- free.
- Fiberglass pole ensures durability and stability.
- It used advanced power-lever technology to maximize cutting power.
We do not like
- Saw blade gets dull easily.
- The angle of the saw blade is too straight which makes sawing a bit difficult.
5. The Gardener’s Ratchet Pruning Shears– Best Tree Pruner for Seniors and Weak Hands
As we age, specific activities may become too complicated for us to do. Take tree pruning, for example. The Gardener’s Ratchet Pruning Shears are designed to make tree pruning more convenient and easier for seniors and people who have arthritis.
The pruner features a 3-stage ratchet action that makes tree cutting comfortable to weak hands. The handle also features soft rubber hand grips that can absorb pressure. It works perfectly for left- and right- handed people because it has locks on both the left and right side.
The blade is made up of hardened carbon steel and has Anvil Channel Coating to ensure that it will stay sharp and clean. The entire pruner (including the handles) is made of lightweight aluminum steel that is resistant to rust and corrosion.
In cases of blade breakage and dulling, you do not have to replace the entire pruner—you need to replace the detachable blade. It also comes with a removable oiled sponge that can be used to clean the blade.
We like
- It has an ambidextrous design.
- It is made of lightweight and rust-resistant aluminum material.
- The shears are designed with the needs of seniors and people with arthritis in mind.
- Detachable blades make this an economical purchase.
- This works best in cutting thin branches, twigs, bushes and shrubs.
We do not like
- The blades and handles are stiff in the beginning and have to be broken in.
- This is not recommended for people with small hands.
Which Type of Tree Pruner is Best for Your Needs?
Tree pruning is important but it can be challenging so you need to make sure that you are using the right tool for it.
Just like lawn mowers, there are three main types of pruners. It is essential that you understand the differences between these three to choose the best model for you . Don’t worry though. We’ve got all the information you need below!
Pruning Shears
This is the most common garden tool that you can find in the market, and every gardener has it. Pruning shears are small handheld cutters that have two handles and cutting blades.
You hold this tool in one hand the way you do a wrench. This type of tree pruner is designed to cut branches with a ½ inch thickness and below.
Pruning shears often come in four different styles—scissor-action, bypass, anvil-action, and parrot-beak.
When to Use It:
Since these shears are short and small, they are best used in trimming twigs and thin branches and removing sick leaves and offshoots. These are also useful in grooming shrubs and hedges.
Among the different styles of pruning shears, the Anvil shears are your best option in cutting branches as it is the strongest one.
Loppers
You can describe loppers to be a larger version of pruning shears. It looks just like pruning shears, but its blades and handles are a lot longer. This is the go-to tree pruner when cutting branches that have a diameter of 2 inches or more.
When to Use It:
You can use loppers to trim away tree decay and cutting thick branches. When looking for a pair of loppers, it is recommended that you go for one that has extendable handles so you can enjoy extended reach.
Pole Pruners
As its name implies, this type of tree pruner has a saw attached to a long pole. The saw is often controlled with the use of a rope. Its blade is a lot different than the two other types because this one features a saw-like serrated blade.
Among the three types, it is the most dangerous and difficult to use because its blades are much sharper and there is a high chance that the branches will fall over you while you are cutting them.
For a safer and easier tree pruning experience, it is best that you go for an electric pole pruner. However, it may come with a more expensive price tag. You may also need to have a leaf blower on hand when you use this type of pruner because the leaves will tend to fall off when you cut high branches.
When to Use It:
Because of its long pole, this type of tree pruner is perfect in cutting and trimming hard-to-reach areas and high branches. It can also be used to reach into tangled and dense branches. This is also the tree pruner of choice for cutting upper tree limbs that have a diameter of more than 2 inches.
How to Choose the Best Tree Pruner
After determining the type of tree pruner to use, you should consider the following factors when choosing a tree pruner:
Design
Choose a pruner that is ergonomically designed to ensure your safety and convenience while cutting the trees. The part that you should take a look at is the grip.
Some grips are designed to fit your hands while others are manufactured using a soft material that can cushion the impact on your hands. You should also take a look at the size and shape of the grip.
Make sure to test the grip out before buying to determine how comfortable it is to use.
Length and Weight
If you have determined that the best type of tree pruner for you is either a lopper or a pole pruner, then you need to consider the length and the weight. The longer the tree pruner is, the higher the branches that it can reach. The lighter the pruner is, the easier the cutting process can be.
Safety Features
As mentioned above, trimming your trees can be a dangerous activity, especially if you are trying to cut the branches in the upper part of your tree. That is why it is essential that you opt for a pruner that has safety features.
Standard features that you can find are grip handles, anti-vibration feature, bumper (cushioning mechanism), and many others.
Durability
As a whole, pruners look sturdy. But if you wish to really determine how durable a product is, you should pay extra attention to the most critical pruner parts such as the handle, springs and bumpers.
Budget
Of course, you have to consider the budget that you have for the tree pruner. The cheapest type of tree pruner is the pruning shears, and the most expensive model would be the electric-powered pruner.
For more tips on how to trim trees, please check out this video:
Conclusion
With the different types and styles of tree pruners in the market, it can become quite a challenge to find the one that would suit your needs. Your choice of pruner would depend on the height and the thickness of the branches that you plan to cut.
For me, the best tree pruner in the list is no other than the Sun Joe Electric Pole Pruner. As it is an electric extendable pole pruner, it has a high cutting power that allows you to cut taller and thicker branches. I love the fact that it can also double as a lopper when you retract the extended pole.
But if you would need to cut smaller and lower branches, then you should go for my next best bet—the Tabor Tools GG12 Anvil Lopper.
Do you have a few more tips on how to buy and choose a tree pruner? I would love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below!
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