Pruning Saw vs Loppers: What to Use When - Plant Care Guide

A pruning saw is best for cutting larger branches, typically those thicker than 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, that are too tough for loppers. Loppers excel at cutting branches up to 1.5 or 2 inches thick, providing clean cuts with less effort thanks to their long handles and leverage.

What's the Main Difference Between a Pruning Saw and Loppers?

The main difference lies in their cutting capacity and design. Pruning saws have a toothed blade designed to slice through wood by pulling and pushing, much like a carpenter's saw but optimized for live wood. Their teeth are often larger and spaced further apart, and sometimes even curved to grip branches better. Loppers, on the other hand, operate like giant scissors, using two blades or a blade and an anvil to snip through branches. Their long handles provide the leverage needed to cut thicker material than hand pruners can manage, but still have a limit before a saw becomes necessary.

When Should You Use a Pruning Saw?

You should use a pruning saw when you encounter branches that are too thick for your loppers or when you need to make a very clean, precise cut on a thicker limb. They are especially useful for removing deadwood, shaping larger shrubs, or taking out small tree limbs that are up to 6 or 8 inches in diameter, sometimes even more for larger saws.

Types of Pruning Saws and Their Best Uses

There isn't just one kind of pruning saw; several designs are suited for different tasks:

• Folding Pruning Saws: These are compact and safe to carry when folded. They're great for light to medium pruning jobs and for backpacking or camping. Their blades are often replaceable. A good option is the Fiskars Folding Saw.
• Fixed-Blade Pruning Saws: These saws have a rigid blade that doesn't fold, offering more stability for heavier work. They often come with a sheath for safe storage and transport.
• Pole Pruning Saws: For reaching high branches without a ladder, a pole pruning saw extends your reach. Some models combine a saw blade with a bypass pruner on the same pole, offering versatility for overhead tasks. Consider a Jameson Fiberglass Pole Saw for professional-grade reach.
• Curved Blade Saws: Many pruning saws have curved blades. This design helps the teeth bite into the wood more effectively and prevents the saw from binding, especially when cutting overhead or at awkward angles.
• Straight Blade Saws: While less common for general pruning, straight blade saws can be useful for very precise cuts in tight spaces or for flush cuts against a trunk.

Benefits of Using a Pruning Saw

• Handles Larger Branches: This is their primary advantage, allowing you to cut branches that are beyond the capacity of loppers.
• Clean Cuts on Thicker Wood: A sharp pruning saw makes very clean cuts, which is important for the health of the plant, as it helps the wound heal faster.
• Versatility: From small ornamental trees to larger shrubs, a pruning saw can tackle a wide range of tasks.
• Reach: With pole saws, you can reach branches high up without needing a ladder, improving safety.

When NOT to Use a Pruning Saw

Avoid using a pruning saw for very small branches or green growth that is less than half an inch thick. For these, hand pruners are more efficient and cause less stress to the plant. Also, don't use a pruning saw to cut anything metal or non-wood, as it will dull the blade quickly.

When Should You Use Loppers?

You should use loppers for cutting branches that are too thick for hand pruners but still manageable with manual leverage. This typically means branches between 0.5 inches and 1.5 or 2 inches in diameter, depending on the strength of the loppers and the type of wood. They are ideal for routine pruning, shaping shrubs, removing suckers, and clearing overgrown areas.

Types of Loppers and Their Best Uses

Just like saws, loppers come in different styles, each with specific strengths:

• Bypass Loppers: These have two blades that "bypass" each other, much like scissors. They make very clean, precise cuts that are ideal for live green wood, as they cause minimal crushing. For general garden tasks, the Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Lopper is a popular choice.
• Anvil Loppers: Anvil loppers have one sharp blade that closes against a flat "anvil" surface. They are best for cutting dead or very tough, woody branches, as they tend to crush the wood slightly. While not ideal for live branches where a clean cut is crucial, they are robust for demolition-style pruning.
• Ratchet Loppers: These loppers have a mechanism that allows you to make a cut in stages, by repeatedly squeezing the handles. This multiplies your cutting force, making it easier to cut thicker branches with less effort, especially if you have less hand strength.
• Gear-Assisted Loppers: Similar to ratchet loppers, these use a gear system to increase leverage, reducing the force needed to make cuts. They are excellent for those who need more power without the multi-step action of a ratchet.
• Telescoping Loppers: These loppers have extendable handles, allowing you to reach higher branches without a ladder, similar to pole saws but for smaller diameter cuts. They provide more leverage than fixed-handle loppers.

Benefits of Using Loppers

• Increased Leverage: The long handles of loppers give you significant leverage, making it easier to cut branches that would be very difficult with hand pruners.
• Clean Cuts (Bypass): Bypass loppers produce clean cuts that are beneficial for plant health, promoting faster healing.
• Comfort and Control: Two-handed operation provides better control and reduces strain compared to single-handed pruners for medium-sized branches.
• Versatility: They are perfect for a wide range of pruning tasks in the garden, from shaping hedges to removing overgrown shrub branches.

When NOT to Use Loppers

Do not use loppers on branches that are too thick for their capacity. Forcing loppers can damage the tool, dull the blades, or even cause injury. If you have to strain significantly, or if the handles begin to flex, it's a clear sign that you need to switch to a pruning saw. Also, avoid using loppers on very delicate or small stems that could be crushed or damaged by their powerful action; hand pruners are better for these.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Pruning Saw and Loppers

Choosing the right tool depends on several factors related to the task at hand and your personal needs.

Branch Diameter

This is the most critical factor.

• Loppers: Ideal for branches generally up to 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
• Pruning Saws: Essential for branches thicker than 1.5 to 2 inches, often up to 6-8 inches or more depending on the saw size.

Type of Wood

• Live Wood: Bypass loppers are excellent for clean cuts on live branches, promoting healthy regrowth. A sharp pruning saw also makes clean cuts on live wood.
• Dead Wood: Anvil loppers can be effective for dead, brittle wood, though a pruning saw is also highly effective for removing dead branches, especially larger ones.

Location and Accessibility

• Tight Spaces: A compact folding pruning saw or even hand pruners might be better for very tight spots where lopper handles would get in the way.
• High Branches: Pole loppers or a pole pruning saw are necessary for reaching overhead branches safely without a ladder.
• Ground Level: For branches near the ground, standard loppers or a fixed-blade pruning saw are suitable.

User Strength and Stamina

• If you have limited hand strength or stamina, consider ratchet or gear-assisted loppers to reduce the effort needed.
• For very large branches, even if they're within a saw's capacity, using a pruning saw can still be physically demanding. Sometimes, it's a job for a professional arborist or a chainsaw.

Cut Precision and Cleanliness

• Bypass loppers offer very clean, precise cuts on live wood, which is crucial for plant health.
• A sharp pruning saw also makes clean cuts, but requires a steady hand and proper technique to prevent tearing the bark.

Safety Considerations

Always prioritize safety.

• Wear gloves to protect your hands from blisters and thorns.
• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Ensure a stable footing, especially when working on ladders or with pole tools.
• Keep blades sharp. Dull tools are more dangerous as they require more force and are prone to slipping.
• Always cut away from your body.
• Never try to force a tool. If a cut is too difficult, switch to a more appropriate tool or technique.

Essential Pruning Techniques for Both Tools

Mastering basic pruning techniques will help you achieve the best results and maintain plant health, regardless of whether you're using a pruning saw or loppers.

The Three-Cut Method (for Larger Branches with a Pruning Saw)

When removing a large branch (typically 2 inches or more) with a pruning saw, use the three-cut method to prevent the bark from tearing down the trunk, which can severely damage the tree.

1. First Cut (Undercut): Make a shallow cut on the underside of the branch, about 6-12 inches away from the trunk. This cut should go about one-third of the way through the branch. This prevents the branch from tearing down the trunk as it falls.
2. Second Cut (Overcut): Make a cut from the top, a few inches further out from your first cut (away from the trunk). Continue cutting until the branch falls off. You'll be left with a stub.
3. Third Cut (Final Cut): Cut off the remaining stub at the branch collar. The branch collar is the swollen area at the base of the branch where it connects to the trunk. Make this cut just outside the collar, at an angle that allows water to drain, but without damaging the collar itself. This promotes proper healing.

Proper Cuts with Loppers

When using loppers, aim for clean, smooth cuts that leave no ragged edges.

• Angle of Cut: For most branches, a cut at a slight angle (around 45 degrees) helps water run off the wound, preventing rot. However, some prefer a straight cut, especially if cutting back to a node.
• Cut to a Bud or Branch: Always cut back to a healthy bud, a side branch, or the main trunk. Avoid leaving stubs, as these are pathways for disease and pests.
• Cut just above a node: When shortening a stem, cut about 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud. This encourages new growth in the desired direction.

Maintaining Your Pruning Saw and Loppers

Proper maintenance extends the life of your tools and ensures they perform their best, making your pruning tasks easier and safer.

Cleaning After Each Use

• Remove Sap and Debris: Sap can be sticky and corrosive. Use a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or a specialized blade cleaner like Felco Blade Cleaner to wipe down the blades of both your pruning saw and loppers.
• Rinse and Dry: If you use water, make sure to dry the tools thoroughly to prevent rust.
• Disinfect: Especially if you're pruning diseased plants, disinfect your blades with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent spreading pathogens.

Sharpening Blades

Sharp blades make cleaner cuts, require less effort, and are safer to use.

• Loppers: Sharpen lopper blades with a sharpening stone or a diamond sharpener. Maintain the original bevel of the blade. Sharpen the cutting blade only on its beveled side; the flat side should remain flat.
• Pruning Saws: Sharpening a pruning saw can be trickier due to the specialized tooth patterns. For many modern saws, especially those with impulse-hardened teeth, replacement blades are often more practical than sharpening. If your saw is designed to be sharpened, use a specialized saw file that matches the tooth profile. The Corona AC 8300 Sharpening Tool is a good general sharpener for some tools.

Lubrication

• After cleaning and drying, apply a light coat of machine oil or spray lubricant to the blades and pivot points of both your pruning saw and loppers. This helps prevent rust and ensures smooth operation.

Storage

• Store your tools in a dry place to prevent rust.
• For saws, use a blade guard or sheath to protect the teeth and prevent accidental injury.
• Hang loppers by their handles or store them in a way that protects the blades from damage.

When to Call a Professional Arborist

While a pruning saw and loppers are excellent for many garden tasks, there are times when it's best to call in a professional arborist.

• Large Tree Removal: Any tree removal, especially large trees close to structures or power lines, should be handled by an expert.
• Branches Near Power Lines: This is extremely dangerous and should always be left to professionals or the utility company.
• Pruning Large Limbs at Height: If you need to prune large limbs high up in a tree that cannot be safely reached with a pole saw from the ground, it's time for an arborist. They have the proper safety equipment and expertise.
• Diseased Trees: If you suspect a serious tree disease, an arborist can diagnose and recommend the best course of action.
• Storm Damage: After a storm, damaged or hanging limbs can be very unstable and dangerous.

Understanding the distinct pruning saw vs loppers use cases is key to efficient and healthy pruning. Loppers are your go-to for medium-sized branches up to 2 inches, offering leverage and clean cuts. For anything thicker, your pruning saw is indispensable, allowing you to tackle larger limbs with precision. By selecting the right tool for the job, maintaining it properly, and knowing when to call a professional, you'll ensure your plants thrive and your pruning efforts are safe and effective.