If you use poor tools when pruning fruit trees, the cut will fray, will not heal well and therefore offers the optimal entry point for pathogens and fungi. In this guide article you will find out which cutting tools you need and what they should be like. Please remember: No matter which scissors or saw you choose, the work material should always be sharp, free of rust and clean.
What tools do you need to prune fruit trees?
For pruning fruit trees you need sharp and clean secateurs such as bypass or anvil pruners and saws such as pruning saws, Japanese saws, foxtails or hacksaws. The right choice depends on branch thickness and cutting precision.
Garden scissors
These are available in different versions for right- and left-handed people. It's worth spending a little more money on pruning shears, as good quality pays off in the long run.
| Art | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bypass scissors | Works with two sharp blades that slide past each other. | Very precise cut. The tissue is not squeezed, but rather cut through smoothly. | You need more power when cutting. | Twigs that are not too hard, up to about two centimeters thick. |
| Anvil Scissors | Works with just one cutting edge that meets a blunt counterpart (anvil). | They cannot tilt and require less force. | The cut is not as precise as with the bypass scissors. There is a risk of crushing the wood, which can result in frayed wound edges. | Twigs that are hard and not too wet are easy to cut out. Suitable for branches up to around four centimeters thick. |
Sawing
These are available in different versions:
- Pruning saw,
- Japanese saw
- Foxtail
- Hacksaw
The hacksaw (€16.00 at Amazon) is suitable for almost all jobs. It performs well even in cramped conditions and is therefore the perfect all-rounder. The Japanese saw is very sharp. Models in which the tip of the blade is shaped like a bracket are practical because they do not slip out of the cut.
With the classic pruning saw, even higher branches can be trimmed. Make sure it is of good quality with hardened teeth so that the tool does not become dull so quickly. Handling the foxtail, which can be used to cut thin and thick branches, is not entirely straightforward, as this saw tends to bend when pushed.
Tip
You can shred the cutting waste with a shredder and add it to the compost. Chopped clippings are also suitable as mulching material for beds.
