Pro Quality garden tools tested and reviewed by Fred In The Shed

Tree and Shrub Pruning Tools

Tested and Reviewed by Fred-in-the-shed

Updated 3rd March 2025

This page is dedicated to tried and tested tree pruning tools, used by Fred and his team of amateur and professional gardeners.

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Long Reach Tree Pruners

Wolf Multi-change Tree Pruning System

Loppers

Pruning Saws

Bow Saws

Lightweight Long Reach Pruners

For My Page On Secateurs Use Link Below

Secateurs

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Darlac Heavy Duty Long Reach Pruning Tools

Darlac Expert Tree Pruning Range

DP1570 Giant Telescopic Pole

DP1583 Heavy Duty Geared Anvil Tree Pruner

Darlac DP1565 Heavy Duty Tree and Hedge Saw Blade

This new tree pruning system is strong and lightweight but has the best cutting capability of any pruner I have tried.

The pole extends from 1.9m to 4.9m but still weights less than 2kg.

This product is designed for the upper end of the domestic market and is also suitable for contract gardeners.

It comes from a company I have dealt with for many years and who supply parts and service back up.

	Light Weight Pole Pruner - Fiskars Long Reach Tree Pruner (UP53) I have used this tool for about 20 years and still marvel at its incredible cutting power and ease of use. Fiskars UP53 Anvil Tree Pruner The original UP53 is still available but the latest version is called the Powergear UPX 82 and has an orange tip on the blade. (see below) Both models are approximately 1.6m long and weight under or around 1kg. The orange coloured blade guide is useful but too long and floppy so I cut my one down a couple of cm as it kept getting caught on branches. The optional saw attachment fits the UPX82 but not the earlier UP53. With its cord on the inside it is easier to use than traditional tree pruners, because the cord does not get tangled up in the branches. Also the multi-angle head contains a brilliant mechanism with a belt and chain that enables the tool to effortlessly slice through branches up to 32mm. There are 3 ways of activating the cut, pull the sliding handle, pull the side cord or for extra reach pull the ball at the bottom of the handle. The UP53 Fiskars Geared Universal Cutter won a 2002 Golden Shed Award and other prestigious design awards. In 2008 it was re-engineered using more Aluminum, a bypass blade and a chain on the cutting mechanism. Both versions are 1.6m long and weigh around 850g and 1.2kg , but the UP82 cost about £20 more. These Fiskars pruners are unconventional tools, but trust me, if you have branches to prune in hard to reach places, this is the tool. You will love the lack of entanglement and easy cutting action. A super long telescopic version (UPX86) 2.4m-4m long is available and has a reach of up to 6 metres when you add you body height! If you don't believe me or want to do things the old way try the Spear & Jackson Telescopic Tree Pruner Coming Soon - Currently Under Testing - Felco Telescopic Tree Pruner This superb new tool will be available soon, use the link below to pre-order. Felco 290 Telescopic Tree Pruner - new for 2024 From my testing so far I am very impressed with the quality, ease of use and lightweight of the Felco 290 pruner. Closed down it is a similar size to the Fiskars UP52 and UPX82 but can be telescoped out to 2.67m. This is not as long as the Fiskars UPX86 at 4m but a 4m long pole becomes unwieldy so I prefer the Felco 290 for practicability. Fiskars Universal Cutter Anvil - original UP53 model For newer (slightly heavier) model use link below Fiskars PowerGear X Tree Pruner UPX82, Length 1.6 m Saw attachment for UPX82 and UPX86 Fiskars saw Fiskars Telescopic Universal Cutter - now called Powergear UPX86 Fiskars PowerGear X Telescopic Tree Pruner UPX86 Length 2.4 - 4 m, The new materials make the 3rd telescopic version of this amazing tool significantly lighter. The latest version (UPX86) now has a bright orange plastic guide on the blade so you can see it easier from the ground. This simple improvement really helps when you are pruning the highest branches. I have owned and used this tool since the first version was introduced around 20 years ago I have even used it from my wheelchair! The cutting mechanism can be activated from the orange slider on the shaft or from the ball at the bottom of the shaft to give you maximum reach. The head can be angled to cut across branches which is something you don't get with the old fashioned tree loppers. A separate saw is available to attach to the UPX models in both 1.6m and 2.4m lengths. If you find a long pole hard to manage then you could use a fishing rod support like the one on the link below to help steady the pole. Body Worn Fishing Rod Support Fiskars Branch saw for Tree Pruners UPX86, UPX82 The original Fiskars Telescopic Universal Cutter was a Golden Shed Award Winning Product Return to top of page
	Wolf Tree Pruning Tools Wolf Garten Power Cut Pruning Saw PC370MS I have used the Wolf Multichange system tree pruning tools for over 25 years. This curved saw has a hooked end for side shoots and has its own built in handle. As it has its own handle it cannot be fitted to the Wolf ZM02, ZM04,ZMi12 and ZMi15 handles. The saw and it's brother, the adjustable tree pruner are both superbly efficient and are best fitted to the telescopic aluminium ZMV4 pole to extend to 4m, giving you a reach of 4m plus your own height. Whilst Silky from Japan seem to be the top brand with professionals for this type of tool the high cost of Silky tools is prohibitive to most people and Wolf is a sensible option for people who want quality at a fair price. Wolf Garten ZMV4 Multi-Change Telescopic Handle Extends from 220 - 400cm Wolf-Garten Adjustable Anvil Tree Loppers RCVM Garden & ZMV4 Telescopic Handle Gardena Combisystem Tree pruning Tools The Gardena Combi-system is also German made and I have used it for over 25 years now. It is very popular in Germany but as it commands a smaller market here the prices are a bit steep for most people. I particularly like the gutter cleaning tool and the fruit picking basket. Gardena Combisystem Garden Saw 300 PP curved (8738) Gardena Combisystem Telescopic Handle 160 - 290 cm (3720) reach up to 5 metre Combisystem Anvil Branch Pruner with 3-Fold Transmission Fredshed recommended range of cheaper interchangeable tree pruning tools Traditional Pruning Saw Darlac Swop Top Geared Tree Pruner Head This entry level Darlac range uses a very lightweight telescopic pole and is cheaper than Wolf and Gardena. It is ideal for someone who is not so strong or just does occasional tree pruning. Return to top of page
	SHORTER LENGTH TREE AND SHRUB PRUNING TOOLS LOPPERS Best Telescopic Loppers -Best Professional Loppers Top Quality Telescopic Loppers Telescopic loppers are great at giving the user extra reach and leverage but the introduction of moving parts presents a potential weakness. In my experience telescopic loppers fail either by snapping or the twisting mechanism gets jammed. This mainly happens if the arms are made from round tubular steel. This problem is overcome by using square section metal and locking pins to secure the adjustment. For long term heavy use Wolf telescopic loppers are the ones that I recommend (based on 15 years of hard work with the same pair). They will cut live 50mm branches and have the easiest handle adjustment method. Just be aware that the updated Wolf loppers are heavy relative to some similar size tools as they are designed to be as strong as possible. My trusty old Wolf loppers and the new replacement model. Whilst ratchet loppers sound like a good idea and many work well, they are prone to breaking if used incorrectly. If you are a professional gardener it is likely that you will use hired help, and they may not take the best care of your tools. If this is the case it can be useful to have some more budget priced tools for your underlings to use. The Bulldog telescopic ratchet loppers are ideal for this purpose as they are strong, effective and don't cost too much. The Bulldog loppers and the Wolf loppers. Bulldog Telescopic Ratchet Bypass Lopper Wolf-Garten RR 900 Telescopic Power Cut Wolf Garten - Telescopic Loppers - with arms fully extended and 50mm cut, The new version of my 10 year old pair is even better and is one of the few tools I cannot find any fault with whatsoever! Use the link below for the best price deal- you wont be disappointed. Wolf-Garten RR 900 Telescopic Power Cut Wolf Garten Power Cut loppers - they go as big as you can cut with loppers! Geared Loppers I have been using geared loppers and shears for many years now and hundreds of readers have bought them on my recommendations and provided positive feedback. This first geared loppers were from Wilkinson Sword and they have now been improved further with the use of lighter stronger handles. The Wilkinson Sword brand was bought by MTD of the USA and the best geared loppers are now made by Fiskars of Finland. These loppers have the gearing mechanism that provides extra cutting power but now the tool is 80% hi tech plastic which makes them ultra light - but still very strong. Available in 3 sizes! - 2 bypass blade models and a small anvil version. Use my links below to make sure you get the latest version Fiskars L31 (S) PowerGear Anvil Lopper Fiskars L74 (M) PowerGear 2 Bypass Loppers Fiskars L78 (L) PowerGear Bypass Lopper Fiskars geared loppers showing maximum cutting diameters. New Brand of Lopper from Swiss Company Felco is famous for top quality pruning tools used by many professionals and celebrity gardeners. These Swiss made tools make no compromise on quality but are understandably quite expensive. Alpen is their new lower price brand that has all the essential features and quality of build, just a bit less fancy. I am now testing these Alpen loppers and a saw so watch this space. Return to top of page
	Pruning Saws tested by Fred-the-shed Best Pro-Quality Pruning Saws The Pruning saw is designed to get into hard to reach areas and give an precise clean which helps prevent diseases entering the plant. You will be amazed at how quickly a top quality blade will cut through green wood. Folding pruning saws are also available but I find they flex a little so don't cut as quickly as a fixed blade model. The best pruning saws come from Japanese makers such as ARS and Silky and Swiss companies Felco and Alpen. You can't go wrong with a saw from any of these companies but it won't be cheap. If you value quality and want to spend a bit less Bahco provides many tools to the forestry industry and their tools are very good. Also Alpen are a new brand introduced by Swiss legend Felco to offer a lower price point. My favourite saw is the fixed blade pruning saw that comes with a leg holster. If you buy a saw without a holster expect it, or you, to become damaged. Alpen curved Blade Pruning Saw With Sheath Fredshed Pruning saw tip - Fixed blade = Less Flex = Better Cut Folding Blade Pruning Saws Folding blade saws are convenient to store but less efficient at cutting. My Bahco Laplander has given me 8 years use and has the best user reviews of any garden tool I have ever seen. It is popular with garden enthusiasts, woodsmen and even doomsday preppers. The Bahco Laplander is superb value and if you want a reasonably priced saw for pruning this is my recommendation. The quality of the cutting edge is superb and like all the best saws it cuts on the backstroke for better control. Links For Japanese Made Silky Saws For Specialist and Professional Use Silky Pocketboy 170mm Folding Saw Silky Zubat Professional 270-33 330mm Curved-Blade Hand Saw with Scabbard Return to top of page BIGGER SAWS FOR TREE SURGERY Bowsaws Tested and Reviewed This humble Bowsaw in the right hands is one of the most efficient and cost effective garden tools available. For a few quid and a bit of effort you can prune or clear tress and shrubbery in rapid time. A Bowsaw is a lot easier to start than a chainsaw and requires little maintenance, and no petrol. If you do have a chainsaw then a bowsaw makes a good back up tool. If you buy either size Bahco Bowsaw you can be sure of always being able to obtain spare blades and keep this tool for many years. Even if you have a chainsaw you should also have a bowsaw as a backup in case of failure or if you are working in areas were people don't want noise. 24 inch blade 30 inch blade Bahco 10-24-23 Bowsaw 24In Bahco 10-30-23 Bowsaw 30In Copper Clout Nails ~Tree Stump Killers Return to top of page Light-Weight Long-Reach Pruners This fantastic lightweight pruner has red jaws on the head hold onto stems after they have been cut. I have used the Darlac 600mm, and 1.1m version (known as Snappers) for 20 years. There are more expensive Japanese made ARS versions and a Spear & Jackson version. I don't think you can beat the Darlac Snappers. The way the handle twist to position the blades makes cutting easier. My Snappers have lasted 20 and 15 years with regular oiling and an occasional sharpen Darlac DP100 Cut n Hold Snapper 1m long ARS Long Reach Cut and Hold Pruner - 600mm Spear & Jackson Easy Reach Pruner - 750mm Return to top of page

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	Best Secateurs for Professional Use Original Felco 2 and the slightly larger, more ergonomic Felco 8 For extensive information of the best secateurs like these and also Japanese and German made Secateurs SEE MY PAGE DEDICATED TO SECATEURS AND OTHER HAND TOOLS

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Thanks - Fred