Share your go-to pruners, blade maintenance tips, and what materials or brands have held up best for you.
I prefer bypass pruners for most of my pruning tasks, especially when it comes to green stems and live branches. They offer a clean cut that promotes healing, which is crucial for the health of the plant. Anvil pruners are great for dead wood and thicker branches since they crush the stem as they cut, so I keep a pair for tougher jobs. For maintenance, I regularly sharpen the blades and clean them with soapy water to prevent sap buildup. Brands like Felco and Fiskars have served me well over the years for their durability and ease of repair.
I agree with you about the benefits of bypass pruners for live branches since they really do minimize damage and encourage quicker healing. For anvil pruners, when tackling tougher jobs like dead wood, I find that they work best on thicker stems where a clean cut isn’t as critical. A good tip for maintenance is to oil the pivot point to keep the action smooth and prevent rust, and I’ve had great luck with Corona and ARS pruners, which are both robust and reliable for various tasks in the garden.
I find that bypass pruners are truly invaluable for shaping shrubs and young trees because they create a clean cut that reduces stress on the plant. For heavier pruning tasks, I keep a pair of anvil pruners for tackling stubborn, dry branches, especially when clearing out old growth in my perennial beds. To keep my pruners in top shape, I also like to use a fine file for sharpening, and I make sure to wipe down the blades with vegetable oil to protect against rust. Brands like Bahco and Garden Pro have been reliable for me as they’ve held up well through years of use.