Pruning is a must for maintaining the health of your plants and trees, but it can be difficult to choose the right hand pruner for your needs. Before you shop, take into account what you will be pruning and the size of your hands to make sure that you pick a tool that is the right fit.

Pruners come in a wide range of sizes, from smaller ones ideal for flowers and small shrubs to large tools that can easily cut 1-inch branches. Choosing the correct tool for your hand helps improve control, comfort, and cutting power.

First, figure out how large the limb you want to trim is. If it's too big for a hand pruner, move up to a lopper or folding saw.
Second, choose a hand pruner that has a comfortable grip and is ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue. Many pruners have a spring that separates the handles and blades when you release your grip, which minimizes stress on your hands.
Third, choose a blade that is made from high-quality steel, which will last longer and stay sharper for a long time. Softer steel is often less durable but will bend or snap when it's under pressure, while hard steel tends to be brittle and break easier.
Finally, choose a pruner that has a safety lock to keep the jaws closed when not in use, preventing them from opening wide and potentially damaging your plants. This feature also prevents the cutting head from moving, which can cause injury to you or other users.