What to look for

The choice of tools for cutting off unwanted branches of trees and shrubs is enormous. Not only this but there is so much jargon involved, Pruners, loppers, secateurs, parrot head, bypass, anvil, ratchet and telescopic versions, it's enough to make you stay inside or just buy the cheapest one in the shop.

Well forget the jargon, here are some simple recommendations for the best tools from the hundreds that I have tried and tested. Firstly a brief outline of which tool does what and some jargon busting.

Loppers and pruners

Loppers are two-handed pruners, (cutters). Use first to cut back living and dead wood up to 2 ½ inches, depending on the size of your loppers.

Loppers come with Anvil, or Bypass, (Parrot head) blades, Ratchet mechanisms and sometimes telescopic handles. THEY ALL DO THE SAME THING: CUT BRANCHES.

If you have weak arms a ratchet mechanism may help but will slow down your work. A geared mechanism provides more power and speed. Be careful not to trap twigs in the gears though.

Telescopic loppers are usually weaker, can be bad for your back, but very useful if you are fit and strong.

Bypass bladed loppers are better than anvil for delicate trees and shrubs as they are less likely to crush the remaining stem when cutting. Anvil Loppers are stronger.

Best Little Loppers 1

These strong metal loppers are ideal for weaker people who want to cut small branches. The curved handles give good leverage. Cut up to 1 inch. Available from Darlac Products. Model no DP520.

Best Geared Loppers 2

These strong metal loppers are ideal for weaker people who want to cut bigger branches, the gearing mechanism makes cutting easier. Cut up to 1 1/2 inch. Available from Gardena. Model no 460AL.

Strongest and Simplest Professional Lopper 3

These are top quality bypass loppers with fibre-glass handles, easily cut up to 1/1/2 inches, Available from Corona Clipper. Model no FL 7430.

Easiest Ratchet Loppers 4

Unlike many ratchet loppers these are a pleasure to use and cut up to 1 ¾ inches. MAKE SURE YOU HOLD ONE HANDLE AND PUMP THE OTHER. Available from Stanley Tools. Model no, 1-74-680.

Best Telescopic Loppers 5

These top quality Bypass loppers have a unique telescopic mechanism that puts them well above the competition. Oval section handles extend to 3ft and the blades can cut up to 1 ½ inches. Available from Wolf, Model no RS650T or in the GoneGardening.com Shop.

Saws

If you don't have loppers or you have used them and want to cut some larger branches it is a good idea to use a saw.

Once again there are so many choices, but again they ALL DO THE SAME THING: CUT BRANCHES.

The best saws have blades with teeth going in different directions that cut on the forwards and backwards stroke. Cutting on the backward stroke aids control as the branch is pulled towards you. Some saws are made specifically for either live or dead wood. A good quality one will manage both.

The easiest saw 5

Is a straight or curved saw, The Wolf Varieties can also be attached to handles of various length to reach into trees, (see also next months feature on long reach pruners). Curved blades are more stable when cutting and straight ones are quicker. (You pays your money and takes your choice)
Available from Wolf, Model REM or in the GoneGardening.com Shop

A safer and smaller saw 6

Is the folding saw, make sure you get one with a good locking mechanism and one that cuts on the backstroke.. Available from Corona Clipper. Model No RS7041. Also Wolf RE-K (available in the GoneGardening.com Shop).

The Strongest saw 7

Is a bow saw. The steel frame gives extra strength and allows you to use two hands if necessary. These saws are super for cutting up logs for the fire too. Again this Wolf model can be fitted to a longer handle to reach into trees. However a bow saw is heavier, and may not fit through small gaps. Also the fitting mechanism for a long handle on this one, although ultra -safe, secure and strong, is a test fit for the Krypton factor itself.