- Flowers & PlantsVegetablesOur content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.
The Best Pruning Shears of 2024
Last updated: Mar 25, 2024When plants start to lose their beauty and health due to dead portions infected by pests or diseases, pruning comes in handy to get rid of such buds or branches. In this guide, our team has keenly reviewed the best pruning shears to aid in proper and effective trimming of your lovely greens. Each of the options on our list was chosen for their simplicity, outstanding grip, and durability. The KOTTO Pruning Shears rises above the rest because our team appreciates its build and easy lock design. Read on for more details on all of our selections.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: KOTTO Pruning Shears Shop Now ➔
- Best Grip: Vivosun Pruning Shear Shop Now ➔
- Great for Beginners: SEEDR GARDEN WORKS Pruning Shear Shop Now ➔
- Runner Up: Fiskars Pruning Shear Shop Now ➔
- Honorable Mention: Gonicc Pruning Shear Shop Now ➔
- Contender: Felco Hand Pruning Shear Shop Now ➔
- Also Consider: Corona BP 3180D Pruning Shear Shop Now ➔
View all ContentsThe Best Pruning Shears
Best Overall
The KOTTO Pruning Shears is an essential addition to any gardening enthusiast’s tool collection. Featuring a heavy-duty construction and precision-ground steel blades, this pruning shear allows for easy cutting of stems and light branches. The easy-open lock ensures the blade stays secure during transport and storage, providing peace of mind when the tool is not in use.
Not only is the pruning shear set reliable and robust, but it is also designed for maximum ergonomic performance. Low-friction coating helps the blade glide effortlessly through wood and prevents them from gumming up with sap and debris. With its outstanding build quality, this gardening tool set is the perfect companion for any gardener looking to maintain their home oasis, making it the best overall on the list.
Pros
- Blade glides effortlessly
- Outstanding build quality
- Easy-open lock design
Cons
- Couldn’t last over time
Best Grip
VIVOSUN introduces the best pruning shear for gardening. The incorporation of the spring allows the shear to open automatically after use. Ultimately, reducing the strain on your hands which is beneficial for people with arthritis. Furthermore, the comfortable grip handles allow you to work for prolonged hours without getting tired. The sharp stainless steel blades ensure that you can trim and shape flowers, bonsai, and vegetable fields.
Pros
- Micro snip tips allow you to make precise cuts
- The design of this tool is perfect for ambidexterity
- Allows selective trimming with ease
Cons
- Not suitable for cutting very thick woody stems
Great for Beginners
The SEEDR GARDEN WORKS Pruning Shears are an excellent choice for any gardener, amateur or experienced. These shears offer both form and function, with a beautiful design featuring solid black aluminum and rubber grips that look at home in any garden. The gardening shears come with razor-sharp blades to ensure a precise cut every time. The rubber grips provide a secure hold, while the safety lock feature keeps them safely locked when not in use for added convenience.
These shears are equally suited to shaping plants in larger gardens or making precision cuts for bonsai trees. The narrow blades provide the perfect level of accuracy and make it easy to fit into tight spaces. Overall, the SEEDR GARDEN WORKS Pruning Shears are an optimal choice for any gardener’s tool collection. They offer the tools needed to shape and trim any garden with perfect accuracy and grace.
Pros
- Includes safety lock feature
- Super sharp
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Locking feature could be better
Runner Up
Fiskars pruning shear flawlessly cuts through the stems and light branches. You can cut branches and stems with ease, thanks to this product. The ergonomic structure allows you to hold the handles comfortably and use the shear for longer hours without getting fatigued. Plus, the stainless steel blades are sharp and hardened for accurate cutting, trimming, and snipping.
Pros
- Incorporates self-cleaning sap groove
- Features a safety lock
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- It cannot be used to cut sturdy thick branches
Honorable Mention
Ergonomically designed, the Gonicc Pruning Shear is suitable for all users, including professionals. It is highly comfortable to use as the handles are non-slip and provide a solid grip. Your hands wouldn’t get fatigued even if you use this lightweight tool for extended hours. The soft PVC material covering the handles also provides relief.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Safe to use
Cons
- It cannot cut palm tree branches
Contender
The Felco pruner is one of the best pruning shears for snipping dead twigs and branches. The clippers are built by forging aluminum handles and heavy-duty steel blades. Also, a revolving handle allows you to comfortably move your hand and cut the twigs and dead stems away. The shock-absorbing, cushioned coverings on the handles provide further relief to your hands.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant, lightweight and durable
- Integrates blades with a wire-cutting notch
- Blades are replaceable
Cons
- This pruner is suitable for people with large hands only
Also Consider
Corona Bypass Pruner has sharp steel blades that are forged with high-grade alloy. The overall ergonomic design of the handles provides relief to your hands. You can make precise cuts using this pruner while the sap groove removes all the debris to allow smooth functioning. Furthermore, the narrow hook allows smooth and clean snipping in tight areas.
Pros
- Non-slip grip handles
- Solid steel blades
- Safe to use
Cons
- This pruner is suitable for only large and medium-sized hands
Best Pruning Shears Buying Guide
We know your plants are really close to your heart. So, get on board as we take you on a ride that will help you buy the best pruning shears for them.
What Makes Pruning Shears So Useful?
Pruning shears always come in handy, especially to those who take a keen interest in maintaining their plants. Several reasons make these clipping shears for plants so worthwhile.
Say goodbye to stress
You may be surprised to know, but it is a scientifically proven fact that gardening helps maintain peace of mind and release stress. The sight of a green sky on earth with multiple calming colors popping out of them is indeed something that deserves appreciation. With the help of pruning shears, you can stay close to these plants and help in taking care of nature.
Make your own mini farm
Pruning shears not only help in the maintenance of your gardens but also play a remarkable role in taking care of your farm. You can grow fruits and vegetables in your garden, and these trimming equipment will help enhance their production. When you use shears for collecting fruits and veggies instead of picking, it will ensure better growth and production of your plant food.
Help your plants get more sunlight
Another valuable aspect of pruning shears is that it helps shape your plants or cut them into a particular direction to attain more sunlight. This process aids in the healthy growth of your flowers and trees as sunlight for them is like oxygen for humans.
What Are the Various Types of Pruning Shears?
As there are numerous categories of plants on our planet, different types of pruning shears are used for trimmings. Three common types of pruners are widely used.
Bypass pruners
The most common among these three types is the bypass pruning shears. These pruners typically consist of two blades. Just like scissors, these blades pass each other when you cut a shrub or a branch. Bypass pruners ensure precision and provide a reasonable amount of power to eliminate toxic parts of plants.
Anvil pruners
Anvil Pruners come with a single sharp blade that closes or cuts onto the anvil. Imagine a sharp knife cutting a heavy object on a hard and sturdy surface; this is what it’s like. It helps cut the shrubs and plays a crucial role in simultaneously crushing the stems or the branches. In other words, it is a heavy-duty alternative for pruning plants and provides the best power.
Straight-blade pruning shears
Have you ever seen large shears with straight and thin blades? Those are called the straight-blade shears. They are generally used for the regular trimming of smaller plants. These pruning shears are customarily used for household plants or other light greens such as bonsai trees.
What Do You Need To Keep In Mind Before Buying the Best Pruning Shears?
Your plants are your responsibility, and you need to make sure you buy the best pruning shears for their regular spa session. Keep the following points in mind as they will help you choose the best pruners with ease.
Ergonomic design
One of the most important things that require your focus is the ergonomic design of the trimming shear. You are going to use it to cut thick branches, so make sure that the handles are not slippery. Choose those shears with bumps or ridges on the lower handles as they provide a much more firm grip.
Spare accessories
As pruning shears are often used to cut off or trim plants, they may go through some wear and tear. That is why you need to make sure that the clipping shears you buy come with spare parts. In this way, your investment will be worth it and provide you with a long-term pruning solution for your garden.
Durable steel blades
Another important thing is the durability and quality of the blades. To make perfect cuts, the blades should be sharp, corrosion-free, and must have a friction-free overlay. All these features will help in the precise makeover of your plants.
Safety first
As pruning shears have sharp blades that can even cut through the skin, that is why it is essential to the ones that have robust lock mechanisms. It is always better to be safe than sorry. So, after making the proper use of the trimming shear, you need to clasp the blades together and lock them.
How To Maintain Pruning Shears?
There is no hard and fast procedure for taking care of your clipping shears. All you have to do is take some preventive measures, and everything will go smoothly.
- Do not leave them out in the open, especially in the rainy season
- Make sure to clean them properly after every pruning session
- Use a lubricating oil spray from time to time
- Make sure to lock them after trimming
Final Word
Pruning shears are essential tools for maintaining the proper growth and outlook of your garden. You do not only use them to release your stress but also to take care of your plant food. They are divided into three basic types, namely bypass, anvil, and straight blade shears. You can use them for different kinds of plants and trees.
Moving on, you need to make sure that whatever pruning shear you choose must have some basic features. They should have an ergonomic design, reliable blade, a sound lock system, and spare parts. If your cutting shear has these properties, it will most certainly be remarkable.
In addition to that, taking care of pruning shears is also very important to prolong their usability. Keep them lubricated and clean them regularly after the pruning sessions. We hope our list of best pruning shears in 2021 will make things easier for you, as all the products mentioned in this article have the required features that make them worthwhile.
People Also Asked
Can we do pruning with scissors?
No, we cannot do pruning with scissors. Using regular scissors for trimming your plants is a terrible idea. They will only end up destroying your garden. Only use pruning shears for clippings or cuttings plants as they are specially designed for this purpose.
Can pruning shears be used for cutting wires?
Yes, pruning shears can be used for cutting wires but make sure there is no current in the cables as it can lead to a severe electric shock.
Do all pruning shears have the same size?
No, pruning shears vary in style and size depending on the work you require from them
Article Contributors
Read More About Garden Gate Review Team HereThe Garden Gate Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best products for a beautiful and bountiful garden and backyard. The content is created by The Garden Gate Review Team. Garden Gate’s editorial staff is not involved. Garden Gate is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Garden Gate Review Team is composed of authors, editors, and gardeners. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.
Please reach out to aimperiapt@gmail.com with any questions regarding product testing or specific articles.