What Is the Best Tool for Cutting Tree Branches?

Last Updated on June 12, 2022 by Gary Stephen

For any branch around one to two inches thick, a lopper tool will do the job just fine. But this might change depending on the height and thickness of the branch. So, get these estimates before buying a tool. Or else, you might just end up wasting your time, and possibly breaking a tool in the process. So, here are a few best tools for cutting tree branches you should consider.

Best Tool for Cutting Tree Branches

Lopper (teach around 2 feet for 2-inch-thick branches)

Tools to cut tree branches

The Lopper is a heavy-duty snipping tool used to cut branches usually no bigger than 2 inches in diameter. It is the go-to tool for all your tree-trimming needs, and there are different styles of loppers:

  • The anvil lopper uses a ‘crushing’ motion to cut off the branches. It is easy to use and can cut thicker branches if need be. It can also be used to cut through dead wood but tends to give a rougher cut over-all.
  • The bypass lopper is far more common and makes a far cleaner cut than the anvil lopper. Due to the cutting action, it requires far greater upper body strength to use, and can’t cut through thicker branches. But it does make a cleaner cut.

Loppers can also be extended and come in a heavy-duty type which can cut through even thicker branches. But the bigger it is the more muscle you’ll need to cut through those branches.

Hand saw (no reach for 2-inch-thick-branches)

Hand saw

If the branches you want to cut are quite low, you can rather pick up a hand saw. This small tool can be carried around in your pocket. Although it requires a bit of effort, it comes quite cheap. Most of them are also folding saws, making it quite safe to carry around in the garden.

They also come in an electric variety. Although they will, of course, be heavier to lug around, it is far easier to cut off a tree limb with an electric version.

Hand pruners (no reach for delicate branches)

Hand pruners

If all you’re looking for is to trim those smaller branches from a tree, then a hand pruner will do the job just fine. Most prefer the bypass action, as it offers the best leverage and cleanest cuts. But don’t try and use the hand pruner on anything bigger as you’ll end up hurting your hand and the pruner.

What tool can I use for cutting high tree branches?

What can I use to cut high branches

If your branches are out of reach from the ground, and you’re a bit nervous to get on the ladder, try using a pole saw. The pole saw’s reach can vary between 8 to 20 feet depending on the type you buy.

The clue is in the title; it’s a pole with a saw attached on the end and it comes in two distinct varieties. Manual and electrical.

Electrical

Electric pole saws have chainsaws attached. They are far easier to use and quite convenient in a garden. Unlike the manual, the electric is quite heavy and does not have the reach of its counterpart, but it is far simpler to use. Just lay it on the branch, hold it steady and turn it on.

You can buy them as battery-powered, gas-powered or electric, where the gas is overall the heaviest and most expensive and the electric the cheapest, but you will need a power outlet.

Manual

The manual has no power and relies on good old-fashion upper body strength. Although it requires a bit more effort, the manual is far cheaper, has more reach, is less hazardous and can get the job done just as well. Manual pole saws can also be easily adjusted and thus can give you a greater range or reach and manoeuvrability.

Call Apopka arborists to prune your trees 

Wrapping up

Pesky tree branches giving you a headache? Fear not, we’ve compiled an article with all the ins and outs of the best tool to use to cut tree branches. From loppers and hand pruners to electric and manual devices, we’ve also explained which tool would be best to use in which situation. Happy pruning!

Gary Stephen
Gary Stephen

Hi, I am Gary Stephen. I have been gardening for a long time. Gardening gives us much benefits and pleasure. Many of us desire to have a garden, but it cannot fulfill the desire for the proper guide or instruction of gardening. So, I am eager to help them. For this purpose, I have developed the MyGardenPlant.com website to make a garden with the proper guide. So, you will get me beside you if you want to know anything about gardening.