Tree Loppers & Pruning Saws

Choose the Right Pruning Tool for the Job

A sharp pruning saw will leave a cleaner cut on thicker branches, helping trees and shrubs recover more quickly, while a branch cutter is better suited to younger growth and smaller limbs. Matching the tool to the size and type of material also makes pruning safer, reducing the effort needed, and giving you greater control throughout the job. 

Whether you're carrying out routine maintenance or tackling more established trees, a quality garden saw or pair of loppers will help you achieve better results with less strain.

Our Pruning Saws & Loppers Range

Hand Pruning Saws

A quality pruning saw is an essential tool for everything from seasonal tree maintenance to cutting firewood-sized branches. Our range includes compact models such as the STIHL PR16 Handycut, alongside premium options like the Silky Zubat, Silky Gomtaro, and Darlac Razor Tooth Saw. 

Straight blades are well suited to controlled, accurate cuts, while curved blades help maintain cutting efficiency when working overhead or in denser growth. You'll also find both folding and fixed-blade designs, making it easy to choose the best pruning saw for your garden or professional workload. 

If you're looking for a dependable Silky saw or a versatile garden saw, you'll find plenty of options to suit the task.

Battery Garden Pruners

For lighter pruning and routine garden maintenance, battery-powered tools offer a fast and convenient solution. Machines such as the STIHL GTA 26 and GTA 40 are ideal for pruning shrubs, cutting smaller branches, and preparing timber for the fire. Their compact design and cordless operation make them easy to carry around the garden, with instant starting and minimal maintenance.

Loppers & Branch Cutters

When branches are too thick for secateurs but don't require a saw, a branch cutter or pair of loppers is often the best choice. We stock bypass, geared, and ratchet designs from trusted brands including STIHL, Darlac, and Gardena. 

Bypass loppers deliver clean cuts on live wood, while anvil loppers provide extra leverage for removing harder, dead branches with less effort.

Pole Saws & Extending Tree Loppers

For higher branches, telescopic tools let you work safely from the ground without compromising reach. Our range includes professional Silky Hayauchi pole saws, Gardena StarCut pruners, Darlac telescopic systems, and specialist lopper heads for maintaining taller trees and orchards. 

If branches become too large for manual tools, our range of Chainsaws offers additional cutting power, while Wolf-Garten Multi-Change Tools provide further versatility for year-round garden maintenance.

Features To Look For

Choosing the right pruning tool comes down to the type of work you do most often. Here are the key features worth considering before you buy.

• Blade Type: Straight blades are ideal for controlled pruning, while curved blades grip the branch as you cut, making them a popular choice for tree work. Both styles are available across our range of pruning saws.
• Cutting Capacity: Match the tool to the size of the material you're cutting. Loppers and branch cutters are perfect for smaller limbs, whereas thicker branches are tackled more efficiently with a pruning saw.
• Reach: If you regularly work above head height, telescopic pole saws and extending tree loppers let you prune safely from the ground, reducing the need for ladders.
• Weight & Comfort: Lightweight aluminium handles, balanced designs, and comfortable rubber grips help reduce fatigue, making longer pruning sessions easier and more controlled.
• Replaceable Parts: Many professional tools feature replaceable blades and interchangeable pole attachments, allowing you to extend the life of your equipment instead of replacing the whole tool.
• Professional Features: Look for premium features such as impulse-hardened teeth, Japanese steel blades, high-carbon steel construction, and geared cutting mechanisms. These designs cut more efficiently and stand up to demanding use.

Pruning Saw or Loppers?

Choosing between a pruning saw and loppers depends on the type of branches you're cutting. 

• A pruning saw is the better option for thicker branches, offering precise cuts that are ideal for tree pruning and removing established limbs.
• Bypass loppers are designed for cutting live growth. Their scissor-like action produces clean cuts that are less likely to damage healthy stems, making them a great choice for shrubs, young trees, and routine pruning.
• When dealing with dead or seasoned wood, anvil loppers are often more effective. The single cutting blade closes against a flat anvil, generating greater force to cut through tougher material with less effort.
• If you need one tool that bridges the gap between secateurs and a saw, a quality branch cutter is a practical addition to any garden toolkit. 

Many gardeners find that keeping both loppers and a pruning saw on hand gives them the flexibility to tackle almost any pruning job.

How To Choose the Right Pruning Tool

The right tool depends on what you're cutting and how often you tackle pruning jobs.

• Light pruning: For trimming soft stems and small shoots, choose a pair of hand pruners from our Secateurs & Scissors range.
• Medium branches: A quality pruning saw is the best choice for branches that are too thick for loppers, delivering quick cuts with less effort.
• Dead wood: Anvil loppers provide extra cutting power, making them ideal for removing dry or seasoned branches.
• Fresh growth: Bypass loppers produce clean cuts that help protect healthy plants, making them well suited to pruning shrubs and young trees.
• Tall branches: Extending tree loppers and pole saws allow you to reach higher growth safely from the ground. 
• Professional tree work: If you regularly maintain mature trees or orchards, premium Silky saw systems offer exceptional cutting performance and long-lasting durability.

For shaping hedges, browse our Shears collection, while larger limbs are often better tackled with one of our Chainsaws.

Expert Advice & Aftercare

As a family-run business, we're here to help you choose the right pruning tools for the job. We stock trusted brands including Silky, STIHL, Darlac, and Gardena, backed by expert advice, fast UK delivery, and ongoing support after your purchase.

Where available, we can also supply replacement parts and servicing support, helping you keep your equipment performing well as the years roll on.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pruning saw for thick branches?

For thicker branches, look for a pruning saw with a longer blade and aggressive tooth pattern. Professional users often choose a Silky saw, such as the Zubat or Gomtaro, thanks to their fast cutting performance and excellent edge retention. 

The best choice depends on the size of the branches you're cutting and whether you prefer a straight or curved blade.

When is the best time to prune shrubs and trees?

The ideal time varies by plant species, but many trees and shrubs benefit from pruning during late winter or early spring while dormant. Flowering shrubs may need pruning after they have finished blooming. Removing damaged or dead branches can usually be carried out whenever they are found.

Should I use a pruning saw or anvil loppers?

A pruning saw is better for thicker branches that are beyond the cutting capacity of loppers. Anvil loppers are designed for cutting dead or dry wood, while bypass loppers are better suited to healthy, living growth.

Keeping both tools on hand gives you greater flexibility for different pruning jobs.

Do you sell extending tree loppers for hard-to-reach branches?

Yes. We stock a range of extending tree loppers and pole pruning tools from leading brands including Darlac, Gardena, and Silky. Telescopic handles allow you to reach higher branches safely from the ground, making them ideal for larger gardens, orchards and routine tree maintenance.

What is the difference between bypass and anvil loppers?

Bypass loppers use two passing blades to make clean cuts through living wood. Anvil loppers have a single cutting blade that closes against a flat surface, allowing them to apply greater force when cutting dead wood or tougher branches.

Are Silky pruning saws worth buying?

Silky pruning saws are widely regarded as some of the best available for both professional arborists and keen gardeners. Their Japanese steel blades, sharp impulse-hardened teeth, and comfortable handles deliver smooth cutting and long service life when properly maintained.

Can I replace the blade on a pruning saw?

Many premium pruning saws are designed with replaceable blades, allowing you to restore cutting performance without replacing the entire tool. This can be a cost-effective option for anyone who uses their saw regularly. 

Always check that you're purchasing the correct replacement blade for your specific model.

When should I choose a chainsaw instead of a pruning saw?

A pruning saw is ideal for controlled pruning and removing individual branches. If you're regularly cutting large limbs, processing logs, or carrying out heavier tree work, a chainsaw will complete the job more quickly and with less effort.

Find the Right Pruning Saw or Lopper

For maintaining a small garden or managing mature trees, you'll find quality pruning tools to suit the job at Sims Garden Machinery. Explore our range of pruning saws, loppers, and branch cutters from leading industry brands and backed by competitive pricing and fast UK delivery.

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