Quality tools can make or break how much you enjoy gardening, especially a tool with so many uses like a pair of pruners. Good pruners can mean the difference between leaving your garden perfectly pruned and well-harvested versus uneven cuts that can actually cause harm to plants.
I've talked to a lot of gardeners over the years for advice when it comes to the essential gardening tools, and one thing I've learned from them all is how much they swear by their favorites. Once they find the perfect tool, no other compares. They'll always keep their trusty faves by their side, especially a good set of garden pruners.
Ahead of next spring, I decided to chat to gardening and flower pros to discover their top pruner recommendations. And there was one particular pair that won by a landslide. Find out which pruners pros love and also discover some other durable options that will leave your hands feeling comfortable and ensure a job well done.
3rd Place: Corona Clippers or Bahco Pruners
In joint third place, with one recommendation each are the Corona Clippers and the Bahco Pruners, both of which are available on Amazon.
Amy McCord, master florist, avid gardener, and CEO at Flower Moxie swears by the Corona Clippers for achieving precise cuts and loves how easy they are to keep clean.
"Corona clippers are nonnegotiable," says Amy. "These clippers protect my wrist and hand, but still power through woody, thick branches like butter and do not dull quickly. They’re not flashy, but they’re workhorses.
"I wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol at the end of each use and occasionally rub a drop of mineral oil at the hinge to keep them gliding smoothly. If they start to dull, I will lightly sand them with fine sandpaper to sharpen them." The wine cork hack is another trick our team of plant experts loves for keeping pruners sharp and rust-free.
Meanwhile Scott Seargeant of Seargeant Landscape & Arboriculture can't live without his Bahco pruners. He finds they fit in his hand better than others out there, plus they cut super quietly.
"Bahco pruners are ergonomic and have a better fit in my hand than other pruners," says Scott. "I recommend the Bahco pruners with the swivel handle as there is far less wear on your hand and it is easier to cut limbs.
"They're easy to take apart to clean and sharpen although they do not need to be taken apart to do quick in-field sharpening."
2nd Place: Fiskars Pruners
Coming in at second place are the Fiskars Pruning Snips available on Amazon and the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears. With around 75,000 glowing reviews combined, Fiskars have become a reliable brand in the gardening space, loved for their durability and good value.
Homesteader and avid gardener Lindsey Chastain of The Waddle and Cluck is a fan of both of these products and has been using them for years.
"I have long been a fan of the Fiskars pruners. They just do the job well and don't cost a fortune," says Lindsey. "I've been using both for about 6 years now and they have held up perfectly well.
"I have them sharpened professionally once a year in the winter and keep a sharpening stone on hand to keep them sharpened throughout the gardening season. Pro tip: to keep your pruners nice, keep them clean and dry. Regularly oil any moving parts."
It's always smart to give your pruners a good cleaning, sharpening, and oiling before storing tools for winter. That way they're ready to use right away for late winter pruning.
1st Place: Felco Pruning Shears
Last but not least, first place goes to the beloved Felco Pruning Shears. Three gardeners I reached out to had glowing reviews of these cult favorite pruners the pros swear by. Many others I've met during my time gardening have had amazing things to say about Felco pruners as well.
Jenny Rose Carey, author and avid gardener, recommends Felco pruners if you're looking for something reliable as well as easy to maintain.
"Each gardener has their favorite pruning shears but I like my Felcos," says Jenny. "I like the weight of them and I've had the same ones for years. It helps that the blades are replaceable, too, for longevity. Always my go-to for pruning."
Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love and a big-time gardener, feels the same way. "Felcos are the perfect handheld small bypass pruners. They make it easy to get in tight spaces and make precise cuts, and at the same time they can cut through some pretty tough branches because they are strong."
Tabar Gifford of American Meadows loves how versatile Felco pruners are, and says they would be the one tool she'd bring with her to a desert island garden.
"If I had to pick one tool to take to a deserted island garden, it would be my Felco #2 pruners. They never leave my side pocket during the growing season. I use them for trimming perennials, harvesting bouquets, and even cutting twine when I’ve forgotten my scissors (again). They fit my hand perfectly and give me a clean, confident cut every time. I've had mine for years."
If you're looking for the best of the best, then the Felco Pruning Shears are the clear winner. Below, you'll find the pros' other top picks if you're not ready to splurge on this cult favorite.
Shop Top Pruners
A favorite among gardeners for good reason! These pruning shears are durable, high quality, and easy to maintain. They also have comfortable cushioned handles.
As if these high-quality yet affordable pruners can't get anymore tempting, they also come with a lifetime warranty.
Ergonomic tools are great for everyone, not just those with sore joints. These Bahco pruners come in four different ergonomic handle shapes, designed to suit everyone.
