Tree Loppers – Pruning Made Easy

Pruning shrubs, hedges and trees can be a rewarding pastime but it’s also one of the most strenuous. If the right tools are not used or they are ill-suited to the job then the process can turn into an arm, back and wrist-aching chore that can take hours and even cause injury. A pair of loppers that are well suited to the task at hand, however, can transform pruning into a quick and relatively painless chore.

Tree Loppers (or tree pruners) are designed to cut branches that are too thick for standard garden shears or a chainsaw. Most are operated by two hands with handles that can range from 30 centimetres (12 in) up to 91 centimetres (36 in). Some have extendable handles which can be adjusted to increase leverage, helping the user achieve better results or work on more difficult sections of a tree. Others have a gear or compound lever system which increases the force exerted by the user without increasing the amount of effort, making them particularly effective for larger or thicker branches.

It is important to note that lopping a tree should only be carried out by professionals as indiscriminately cutting to shorten the height or shape of a plant can damage its structure. Furthermore, removing too many leaves can starve the tree as this limits its access to essential nutrients, so you should avoid lopping a tree unless absolutely necessary.

A good pair of loppers will be capable of dealing with most general garden tasks, including trimming small to medium-sized trees and shrubs. They will also be suitable for cutting dead or dying limbs to reduce the risk of potential hazards. More importantly, a pair of high quality loppers should be comfortable to use for long periods of time, being well-balanced and not too heavy. Some models will also feature a built-in shock absorber to cushion the blow when the blades close, helping reduce the impact on the arms and wrists during use.

These loppers have the highest cutting capacity of all the models we’ve tested and should be suitable for pruning most types of flowering or fruit trees. They have a long steel blade that’s coated for extra strength and rust resistance and long, narrow aluminium handles with rubber grips. They’re also a light option at just under 5 pounds and should be easy to wield for extended periods.

A bit more expensive than the other loppers on our list, these are a great choice for those who want to tackle taller plants like bamboo or apple and pear trees. They have a slightly longer overall length than most other models we’ve tested and can handle branches up to 2.25 inches in diameter. The extending feature on these loppers means the user can vary the length of the reach, which should make them easier to use for people with less able bodies and help to prevent arm and shoulder fatigue during longer pruning jobs.

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