Pruning Tools and Equipment Every Arborist Should Own
Introduction
A lot of people think that pruning in tree care is all about aesthetics—but any professional arborist can tell you that there's so much more to it than that. Not only does pruning provide safety by taking care of potentially hazardous limbs or other branches, but pruning actually helps promote healthy growth as well. Depending on the type of tree or plant you're talking about, it could boost fruit production, improve the overall health of the plant, and more.
For arborists, it's not just recommended to have access to the best and top pruning tools. It's a requirement, as innovative arborist tools not only make tree care easier and more effective, but they're safer to use as well. You should always prioritize the right tool for the right job, and the requirements of a task may vary depending on the type of tree you're talking about, where on the tree you're trying to work, the season, and so much more.
With that in mind, there are seven innovative arborist tools in particular that every pro should own. The tools that will be covered include the following:
- Bypass pruners, which are for cutting live branches.
- Anvil pruners, which are great for thicker branches.
- Pruning saws, which are used for cutting larger branches.
- Pole pruners, which are good for hard-to-reach areas.
- Loppers, which are good for medium-sized branches.
- Electric pruners, which are used by people with limited hand strength.
- Pruning shears, which are perfect for detailed pruning and shaping.
Tool 1: Bypass Pruners
Corona ProCUT Bypass Pruner
Bypass pruners are used for trimming live branches that tend to be on the smaller side in the most precise way possible. Because they're intended to be used by hand, a lot of innovation with regard to bypass pruners over the years has centered on making them more comfortable to use. Ergonomic designs help with that tremendously, especially over long periods of work. Adjustable blade tensions and enhanced blade materials help make them a great tool to use in a wider array of potential situations.
Bypass pruners are best for cutting those aforementioned live branches, so long as they're only about 1" in diameter. Some of the most popular brands include Corona, Felco, and Stihl.
Tool 2: Anvil Pruners
Felco 31 Anvil Pruners
Unlike bypass pruners, anvil pruners only have one blade that cuts the tree, plant, or bush you're working on. That's how they get the name—instead of functioning like a pair of scissors, they function like an anvil. This makes anvil pruners great for thicker limbs and branches in particular.
Some of the innovative features that designers have been working on over the years include blades that the user can easily replace as well as handles that help reduce some of the strain on an arborist's wrist during use. Many even have advanced cutting mechanisms to help them tackle more sophisticated jobs. Anvil pruners are great for cutting not only thicker branches but dead wood as well. Felco and Fiskars are two of the top brands in this field.
Tool 3: Pruning Saws
ARS Professional Pruning Saw
Pruning saws, as the name implies, are innovative arborist tools that are intended for cutting larger branches and limbs. If you have a job that is too thick for pruners alone, a pruning saw would be the next thing you turn to.
One great feature that manufacturers have been working on over the years has to do with teeth that stay harder and sharper for longer. Many models also have rust-resistant coatings to help them last for longer periods of time without maintenance. Since pruning saws are designed for thicker and tougher branches, this is a major benefit because those teeth don't have to be sharpened quite as frequently. Overall, pruning saws are perfect for branches and shrubs that are about 1" to 4" in diameter. Some of the top brands of pruning saws include models made by ARS and Silky.
Tool 4: Pole Pruners
Fiskars Extendable Pole Saw & Pruner
Sometimes, you find yourself with a need to prune a very high branch or tree limb, and you can't, for whatever reason, use a ladder. Maybe you don't have time, or possibly it's a matter of the environment not being safe enough to do so. For those situations, pole pruners were created to help make sure the job gets done properly.
Pole pruners are essentially a pruner on a pole that can extend to 15 feet or more, depending on the model. Innovative features include adjustable lengths and the use of lightweight materials to make them as easy as possible to use, especially over long periods. Some pole pruners have even started to use the types of blades that you would need to cut very thick branches, not just ones that are difficult to reach without the use of special equipment from the ground.
In a larger sense, pole pruners are great for hard-to-reach areas where safety is still a top priority. Brands that are manufacturing high-quality pole pruners include but are certainly not limited to ARS, Fiskars, and even Jameson.
Tool 5: Loppers
Corona WL6350 ClassicCUT Lopper with Hickory Wood Handles
Loppers are a type of arborist tool that, at first glance, appear similar to bypass pruners. However, loppers have a longer handle and tend to come with more rugged and intensive blades. They're great for precisely cutting medium-sized branches, as they offer superior cutting force to many alternatives. They're best for use with branches that are roughly 2" thick in diameter.
A few recent innovations to concern yourself with include loppers with a compound action mechanism that can help enormously with ease of use. You should also be on the lookout for models with extendable handles to increase flexibility and nonstick blade coatings to improve overall durability. Notable brands include Fiskars and Corona, among others.
Tool 6: Electric Pruners
STIHL GTA 26 Electric Pruning Kit
Electric pruners, as the name implies, are a specific type of pruning tool that is powered by electricity. Sometimes, you'll encounter a branch that is too difficult or otherwise too thick to handle with the sheer force of your own hand alone. The motorized cutting mechanism in electric pruners can pick up the slack. They're also particularly helpful for people who may have limited hand strength for whatever reason.
One of the more recent innovative features to be aware of when purchasing electric pruners for your business is rechargeable batteries. Not only do the batteries themselves last longer than ever before, but you'll also want to purchase multiples to increase the amount of time you can work without delay. Many modern-day electric pruners also include extensive safety mechanisms as well as automatic blade-sharpening features that allow them to go longer without maintenance.
Two of the more notable brands known for manufacturing high-quality electric pruners include Stihl and Husqvarna, although there are certainly others.
Tool 7: Pruning Shears
Finally, no list of the best pruning tools would be complete without a mention of pruning shears. You may have heard them referred to by a number of names, including "hand pruners." They're best for use when you need to precisely cut not only small branches but stems and even foliage as well. They have two blades that move past one another when the handle is squeezed, making them a perfect tool to have around in a pinch. They certainly go a long way toward making repetitive cutting tasks a lot easier than they otherwise would be. Many arborists use them for both pruning and shaping in particular.
Rotating handles are among the more recent innovations that have come to pruning shears, which allow them to be useful in more varied situations. Pruning shears also often include sap groove designs as well as microtip blades. All these things make new pruning shears infinitely more versatile than the models that were released even as recently as a decade ago. Notable brands include Felco and Barnel.
Conclusion
Pruning is Easier with the Best High-Quality Tools
Just as someone like a plumber will need a toolbox filled with different types of wrenches to make sure their job gets done, a professional arborist will need a bevy of different pruning tools to make sure they're prepared for any situation.
If you come across medium-sized branches that need to be cut, you'll want to have quality loppers at your side. If you have limited hand strength, electric pruners will offer incredible assistance. Anvil pruners are great for thicker branches. The list goes on and on.
All told, arborists must see these innovative tools for what they are: an investment. Not only do they go a long way toward enhancing an arborist's own efficiency; they can't help but guarantee better results as well.
Be sure to visit our website to get more pruning tips and other essential information that arborists can put to good use today!
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