Gardening Tools: Pruning Saws

Every gardener at some point is going to need a good pruning saw. There is that limb that is just a little too big for loppers. I have actually cut down small saplings -- about 10-20-feet-tall small saplings -- with my pruning saw. In addition, they can come in handy when dividing large clumps of perennials or houseplants. For example, when I finally got around to dividing my mother's-in-law tongue, I found that after about 10 years that the roots had become quite compacted. I need my pruning saw to cut the plant into pieces. There are several types of pruning saws, and each has it pluses and minuses. You might even find yourself owning more than one type. (I have three so far.) Following are the most popular and, in my opinion, the most useful.

Straight pruning saw
This is what you might consider a standard saw. Most have wooden handles, and the blades are wider closer to the handle and taper to a narrower end. These are good for pruning tree limbs. You can also use this particular saw for cutting down small saplings.

Bow-framed pruning saw
The blade on this pruning saw is narrow and straight. The handle is shaped like a bow or like the letter D and is usually made out of metal. I prefer this saw for cutting down saplings and even for pruning thick limbs on trees, because you can use both hands on the handle, thereby getting better leverage.

Curved pruning saw
This saw has a curved blade and usually a wooden handle. It can be used on smaller projects, such as cutting out limbs in shrubbery or for dividing those large clumps of perennials.

Folded-blade curved pruning saw
This is much like the curved pruning, except the handle is often made of a heavy-duty plastic into which the blade folds when not in use. I love this saw, because I can easily stick it in a tool belt or garden pouch to carry around the yard with me. I also like the plastic handle better. (It is easier on my hands.)

Pruning saws are normally used on limbs and branches that are 1½ inches to about a foot in thickness. When purchasing a pruning saw, look for one with a tri-cut blade, sometimes called a three-sided or Japanese blade. These types of blades cut through the wood better, leaving a smoother cut than other blades.

Tip: If you need to reach taller branches that you cannot reach, you might consider purchasing a pole saw. These usually have curved blades and extendable handles.

References:

Roth, Susan A. New Complete Guide to Gardening. Des Moines, IA: Meredith Books, 1997.