Having the right tools is crucial for maintaining the look and health of the garden. If you’re serious about growing and improving your garden, it’s high time you invest in core garden tools.

Now here’s the thing: garden tools can be pretty expensive, so choosing the right one is essential. Gardening tools happen to be some of the most neglected devices, so the quality of the products will affect their life and performance.

Cutting tools, in particular, will get a lot of use in and around the garden, and getting the right ones will definitely benefit your outdoor space. Use these tools to prune and shape shrubs, trim perennials and cut unruly tree branches. Here are some buying tips to get you started on building your garden tools collection:

Cutting Tools Buying Guide

How do you choose pruning tools for a pruning job?

When you’re buying a specialized tool for a specific garden task, you have to be sure that it’s something you really need to get the most out of your money. You need to ask yourself if this is something that you will get a lot of use from because some tools can be substituted for conventional garden tools. Cutting tools are some of the most often used and abused garden tools, so it pays to have a high-quality set on hand.

Whether you’re shopping online or in-person, here are some factors that you should consider when buying cutting tools for a pruning job:

The weight of the pruning tool: Pruning is not only hard work; it takes a while to cover even a small area, even if there are only a few shrubs or trees to prune. That’s why it pays to check the weight of the pruning tool. You want a garden tool that feels solid in your hands, has some heft to it that it feels durable but not too heavy that it makes pruning more taxing than it already is. The tool should feel high quality but never uncomfortable to use.

Ergonomic design: This is one of the most essential features to look for in a pruning tool. The tool must have an ergonomic design, so it’s comfortable to use. The tool shouldn’t feel too big or too small to use when the operation becomes awkward. The handle should fit the curves of your hands and the length of your fingers as you hold it so you can cut quickly and precisely. Essentially, you want a garden tool that feels good to hold, one that you can grip firmly without cramping your fingers so you can use it comfortably throughout the duration of the pruning.

Overall quality and performance: The overall quality and performance of the product will determine how useful the tool will be once you’re working in the garden. Two things to consider are the durability and longevity of the materials used to craft the tool.

Plastic: Plastic material is very resilient and shock absorbing but turns brittle when exposed to heat. It’s not as strong as steel, but it’s lightweight.

Steel alloys: Hand-forged steel, stainless steel, and carbon steels are some of the most durable materials for blades and metal mechanisms. Virtually life-proof but can be pretty heavy to use and, depending on the alloy, can be prone to corrosion and rust.

Aluminum: Lightweight and flexible but tends to be weaker compared to steel alloys. For cutting tools, this is not an ideal material for pruning because aluminum is prone to warping and bending.

Wood: This is a relatively lightweight and durable material for handles. Depending on the thickness, wood doesn’t break or bend easily, although it’s prone to molds if the material is constantly exposed to moisture as well as splitting when exposed to heat.

Carbon fiber: An excellent material for handles – resilient, lightweight, and durable. Depending on the thickness, carbon fiber could bend when great force is applied.

Telescopic handle or pole: Cutting tools with telescopic poles or handles are helpful in the garden, especially when trimming thick stems and branches high up or in narrow areas. The handles could be shortened or lengthened, enabling you to reach a certain height without using a ladder. If your garden is full of high trees and climbing plants along fences, investing in tools with telescopic handles like the ECOgardener telescopic pruner will make trimming infinitely easier and more comfortable.

Choose Motorized Tools Carefully

Motorized tools are reserved for tough jobs, so these should be chosen carefully to get your money’s worth. You don’t want a power tool that breaks down after just a few uses! When it comes to shopping around for power tools, you need to check the overall construction of the product and the reputation of the brand. Well-made motorized tools can be pretty expensive, so choosing the wrong one will be a pricey mistake!

When shopping for a motorized tool in person, check the overall construction of the tool, the material, and attachments that come with the set, if there are any. Hold with your hand. Does it feel solid yet easy to grip? Check the handle and the mechanisms of the tool to make sure nothing is jiggling, wiggling, or no parts that are likely to snap while in use.

Get someone to test the power tool first before you seal the deal. If the sales rep could conduct a demo, ask for it and watch closely.

If you are shopping online, check the features of the products, including the attachments that come with the set, along with the warranty and return policy. Check for product reviews online to see what other people are saying about the power tool. The return policy is important; if the product didn’t pass muster, you should be able to send it right back for a refund.

Why Choose ECOgardener Garden Pruning Tools?

There is a reason why the ECOgardener brand is one of the most trusted names in gardening essentials. We’re all about providing the highest quality products at reasonable prices. From our raised beds to our weeders and pruners, you’re getting only the best products for your money.
If you’re ready to invest in pruning tools that will last for YEARS, check out our core gardening essentials and enjoy shopping!