IN this age of low-quality products that are made by underpaid workers in some sweatshop factory in an offshore country, it's difficult to find properly designed pruning tools that are made to last.
Well-designed pruning tools have always made my work profitable, easier to complete and more enjoyable than the alternatives. During my 26 years in this industry I have tried most of the pruning tools made in North America, Europe and Asia, suffice to say that all pruning tools are not created equal.
Well-designed pruning tools are built with ergonomic considerations in mind, meaning they are designed to fit the human hand and body while easing the potential for repetitive stain injury that is associated with the prolonged or repetitive use that occurs when pruning. Those tools also extend the length of time the tool can be used, which may not be important to hobbyists but it is vital to professional horticulturists.
Quality tools last the test of time by performing through the rigors of our coastal weather while withstanding the structural stresses of pruning hard wood. But a good pruning tool does more than just last; it acts like an extension of the human hand and allows the user freedom to focus on the art and science of pruning instead of worrying about tool functionality.
By contrast, poorly designed low-quality pruning tools produce unappealing results and they are stressful and frustrating to use.
In my opinion, any pruning tool made of lightweight plastic, low-quality steel or poor quality alloy is a junk tool because such tools do not last, they produce unappealing results and cost more money to replace not to mention the loss to productivity when those tools break - and junk tools always break.
Yes, I am talking about all those cheap, low-priced, knockoff pieces of junk that look like the real thing but their performance is definitely sub-standard. I decided a long time ago not to give away my money to tool companies that produce junk tools for pruning, or anything else for that matter.
I know people in the horticulture industry who believe it is cheaper to buy three junk pruners, one after
another, instead of buying just one good hand pruner. Their logic is lost on me. Maybe I am old school but time is money and quality counts so why not buy quality once instead of junk three times? Even for the homeowner or hobbyist, good tools make the time spent in the garden more effective and enjoyable than using junk tools.
There is really only one hand pruner that has set the standard for quality pruning tools for the last half century in the world of horticulture and it is Felco. And no I am not being paid by Felco to write this story. As a matter of fact, I regularly turn down product endorsements because everyone seems to be selling absolute junk these days.
Felco also sells other well-designed pruning tools including an interesting electric pruner that is worn as a backpack and designed for large-scale pruning like the work done in orchards and vineyards. Another good pruning tool company is Corona. And no I am not being paid by Corona either. But their tools are well crafted, durable and easy to use.
I own tools from both companies and have had those tools in use for many years without need for replacement. It is becoming more difficult to find quality tools as the gardening tool market becomes saturated with offshore junk tools found at big box stores. So you have to source tools in garden centres that know something about quality tools, or companies that specialize in professional grade pruning tools and now more than ever through online purchasing direct from the manufacturer.
For the hobbyist, homeowner or amateur gardener I can see why they might buy junk tools; they simply do not do enough work in the field to justify the expense. However, as our population ages and hobbyist gardeners continue to work in their gardens, repetitive stain injury becomes more of a problem which is why buying a well-designed pruning tool is important for everyone. And well-designed tools make the work more enjoyable and easier, and after all, isn't gardening supposed to be enjoyable?
When buying pruning tools, quality counts; so does ease of use and most importantly so does enjoying the process of pruning in the garden because pruning is an art and a science, not just work. There are several pruning tool brands that I will never buy, most are sold at big box stores, made from cheap quality materials for mass consumption at a low price and those tools are designed by unicorns.
Todd Major is a journeyman horticulturist, garden designer and builder, teacher, skills trainer and organic advocate. For advice contact him at [email protected].
