Bypass pruners offer precision, while anvil pruners offer force. When should you use each?
Anvil pruners
Anvil pruners have a cutting blade that comes into contact with smooth metal, and are suitable for cutting finger-thick branches and solid wood.
However, as anvil pruners do bruise the plant tissue, they should only really be used for cutting or chopping up dead wood.
anvil pruners
Bypass pruners
Bypass pruners use two blades that glide past each other, enabling a sharp, clean cut, close to the stem or root.
Bypass pruners are therefore particularly suited for cutting living plant tissue. They can be used to cut young or soft wood, as well as semi-woody garden bushes and shrubs.
bypass secateur
Expert tip
Quality is important with both types of pruners: High-quality, sharp blades will give you the optimum cut.
