Tools to Prune Evergreens

Pruning Shears

• Pruning shears resemble a cross between a pair of scissors and a pair of wire cutters. They can cut branches up to 3/4 inch in diameter and are the most important tool a gardener can use. They allow for great detailing of the shrub or tree's appearance due to their compact design. Anvil shears resemble a cutting board in that the top blade cuts through the stem or branch as it presses against a flat surface, instead of using both a top and bottom blade to cut through the wood. Bypass shears, another type of pruning shears, use two blades to cut into branches with the cutting edges of the blades passing each other like a pair of scissors.

Lopping Shears

• Lopping shears are similar to pruning shears, but they have a longer handle allowing for greater leverage when cutting branches up to, but not exceeding, 1 1/2 inches in diameter. They are not as controllable as pruning shears, but are best suited for stubborn branches.

Hedge Shears

• Hedge shears are meant to trim hedges and are effective in cutting small branches and small succulent growths. This tool is best used for overall large scale trimming and shaping of evergreens. Hedge shears are used when forming evergreens into more conventional shapes, such as making clean square- or oval-shaped hedges.

Saws

• A variety of saws can be used in pruning. The handsaw is used to cut branches of around 1 inch in diameter, but there are special tri-cut or razor-toothed saws that can cut a branch upwards of 4 inches in diameter. Pole saws allow for a further reach because of the longer handles, but make it difficult to achieve a clean cut due to being somewhat cumbersome. Chainsaws can also be used to prune evergreens, but must be used with care and safety equipment.