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DAVID DOMONEY EXPLAINS ANVIL, BYPASS AND PRUNERS

ANVIL, BYPASS AND RATCHET EXPLAINED

Our gardens are in a flurry of growth in midsummer. With new growth comes the promise of pruning, shaping, and tidying.

Knowing which type of garden pruner to use for each job is essential. Between deadheading bedding plants and removing woody stems from shrubs, the right pruner makes a big difference.

Here’s how to pick the best pruner for each task, with seasonal advice to make every cut count.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANVIL, BYPASS AND RATCHET PRUNERS?

Each pruner style works differently, and that’s why it’s so important to match the tool to the task.

BYPASS PRUNERS EXPLAINED

Bypass pruners use a scissor action, with the two curved blades gliding past one another to make clean, precise cuts. These are ideal for pruning fresh, green stems and delicate growth. Clean wounds promote faster healing for the plant.

USE BYPASS PRUNERS FOR:

  • Deadheading roses, cosmos, and salvias
  • Cutting back soft herbs like parsley and mint
  • Light trimming of houseplants and perennials

The Ames Bypass Pruner is purpose-built for precision. Its contoured handles are designed to reduce fatigue, which is particularly helpful in July when you’re deadheading daily. And the precision blade gives a smooth, clean finish even on finer stems.

Bypass pruners in July: Deadhead flowering plants like geraniums and dahlias regularly to encourage repeat blooms. A clean cut with bypass pruners prevents disease and keeps displays looking sharp.

ANVIL PRUNERS EXPLAINED

Anvil pruners have a straight blade which closes onto a flat, anvil-like base, much like a knife and chopping board. This mechanism delivers great crushing power, so it is ideal for use on tough, woody stems or dead material.

USE ANVIL PRUNERS FOR:

  • Removing dead wood from shrubs and small trees
  • Pruning woody herbs like rosemary or sage
  • Cutting back fibrous, overgrown stems

The Ames Anvil pruner is made for power and control. The Power-Lever® mechanism multiplies cutting force, making getting through dense, fibrous material much easier. The hardened blade holds its edge longer, even when handling rough, dry stems.

Anvil pruners in July: Now is a good time for pruning back spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia. Remove the oldest stems at the base to promote strong new shoots. Anvil pruners can make light work of this thick material.

RATCHET PRUNERS EXPLAINED

Ratchet pruners have a clever, staged cutting mechanism. It allows the blade to cut in steps, rather than one squeeze. This limits hand strain and is ideal when tacking particularly tough branches or lengthy pruning jobs.

USE RATCHET PRUNERS FOR:

  • Cutting dense stems when hand strength is limited
  • Pruning thick-stemmed evergreens like laurel and holly
  • Shaping overgrown shrubs or mature climbers

The Ames Ratchet pruner has a multi-step action, making cutting through thicker branches much easier without forcing the tool. The non-stick blade reduces sap build-up, keeping cuts clean, even in sappy stems.

Ratchet pruners in July: This is a great opportunity to shape evergreen hedges and shrubs before growth hardens off. Use ratchet pruners for tidying pyracantha, euonymus, and bay laurel with ease.

It’s worth noting that under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s an offence to disturb active bird nests. So, before trimming hedges or dense shrubs, have a quick look for any nesting activity. If birds are present, it’s best to delay the job until they’ve safely fledged.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST GARDEN PRUNERS FOR YOUR JULY JOBS

With so many types of pruning jobs, here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right tool for the task:

  • Choose bypass pruners for delicate, live stems, like flowers, fresh herbs, and soft perennials.
  • Use anvil pruners for thicker, woody stems, especially when dealing with older shrubs or dead branches.
  • Reach for ratchet pruners when you need extra power. This is ideal for dense shrubs, mature growth, or if you want to reduce hand strain.

By using each tool for its intended purpose, you’ll get cleaner cuts, healthier plants, and save yourself effort.

PRUNING TASKS FOR JULY

July is a busy pruning month. Here are some seasonal jobs made easier with the right pruners:

PRUNING OLD STEMS AND SHRUBS:

Shrubs that flowered in spring can now be thinned and shaped with anvil or ratchet pruners, depending on the thickness.

DEADHEADING ROSES AND BEDDING PLANTS:

Use bypass pruners to prolong blooming and prevent seed formation.

CUTTING BACK SPENT HERBS:

After flowering, trim woody herbs like thyme and oregano with anvil pruners to encourage a second flush.

SHAPING HEDGES AND EVERGREENS:

Use ratchet pruners for accurate shaping of thick, leafy stems.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR GARDEN PRUNERS FOR LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE

Good pruning tools last for years if you treat them well. Here are a few tips:

  • Clean blades after each use to avoid spreading disease or sap residue.
  • Sharpen blades regularly to maintain smooth, precise cuts.
  • Oil moving parts and store tools in a dry space to prevent rust.

Regular maintenance doesn’t just extend the lifespan of your tools. It also ensures every cut you make is clean, efficient, and safe for your plants. Consider keeping a small tool care kit in your shed or greenhouse. Include a sharpening file, a clean cloth, and a drop of lubricating oil.

Ames pruners are built with durability in mind, from high-carbon steel blades to ergonomic designs that support longer pruning sessions without strain.

By using the right pruner, be it bypass, anvil, or ratchet, your gardening tasks will become easier, and your plants will thank you too. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or starting a new hobby, the right tools make gardening tasks more enjoyable.

This month, whilst growth is lush and constant, well-chosen and well-maintained tools from Ames will keep your garden healthy, beautiful, and under control.

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