Anvil secateurs

The autumn and winter pruning seasons are just around the corner. Herbaceous perennials are almost ready to cut back, trees and shrubs need pruning and for most of these tasks secateurs will be your go-to tool.

There are three main types of secateurs: bypass models, which are best for softer, greener growth; plus anvil and ratchet secateurs, which are the types you need for pruning now and in the months to come..

Anvil models have a blade that’s sharpened on both sides and cuts like a knife, pushing through a stem or branch onto a ‘cutting board’ or block. Less effort is required, and they can cut thicker stems than bypass pruners, up to 25mm in diameter depending on the model. But they can crush stems, so work best on thick, woody or dead branches and stems.

Ratchet secateurs have springs and mechanisms that ease the effort, cutting through a stem in a series of stages. Rather than one big push, you press and release until a stem is sliced all the way through and they are very