Where Are Kew Gardens Pruner Made

With the summer in full swing and the sun coming out, what better to do than get out and groom your garden? Before you start though, you should make sure you have the best choice of garden secateurs to ensure pruning and cutting can happen with full efficiency.

Whether you're new to gardening or have been green-fingered for years, secateurs are sure to have come up as a garden tool you'll need. These little clippers help to trim down any dead bushes and clean up your plants.

What are secateurs?

Hand holding blue garden secateurs on red background

©Getty Images

Secateurs are a staple tool for every and any gardener - from beginner to expert. Also known as hand pruners, secateurs are sharp scissors that you use on plants.

The reason why they're so effective in gardens is that they're strong enough to cut through thicker branches, but also work well on smaller plants and flowers.

They have a curved shape to them, designed with plant branches in mind to cut most effectively. You can see the photo above to see the classic curved blade.

You can also get loppers and shears for your garden, which differ in size and shape.

Secateurs vs. shears: What's the difference?

One of the biggest questions when buying secateurs is the difference between garden shears and secateurs. Are both of them necessary to effectively trim down a garden?

The answer really depends on the size of your garden, what you're looking to do and what your budget is. We would recommend investing in both shears and secateurs to ensure you have the right tools for every job.

The biggest difference between the two is that secateurs are smaller, used for trimming plants and branches and held in just one hand. Shears are commonly used for larger jobs, used with two hands and are better if you have hedges, larger plants and need to cut up bigger amounts of garden waste.

You can tell this difference because whereas secateurs are smaller and curved in shape, shears are large and have long blades to cut more at once. Secateurs are really just more precise.

Types of secateurs to buy: anvil and bypass

There are two types of secateurs you can buy on the market: anvil and bypass.

Bypass works with cutting action, the same way as using a pair of scissors. It does what it says on the tin because the blades literally 'bypass' each other to make the cut. We recommend these for all-around use and if you're looking for a pair of secateurs to last.

Anvil secateurs work with a crushing action, where the two blades meet each other. These secateurs are better for sturdy branches, stems that are thicker, deadwood and thick bushes.

Black Friday might be over, but you can still get your hands on great deals on secateurs right now:

We'll be updating this page with the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals across November, so make sure you check back!

Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.

The best secateurs UK 2021

So, with all this in mind, we've hunted down the best garden secateurs on the market right now. Whether you have a large bushy garden or a small balcony with plants, secateurs are the perfect tool for any modern garden.

These GRÜNTEK secateurs are our top pick for the best bypass secateurs you can get right now. Top-rated on Amazon, they're perfect for dead hanging and pruning with extra-sharp Teflon-coated blades. Great value for secateurs that are just over £10.

Features: SK5 Japanese steel, Teflon coated, ergonomic handle

Blade length: 18mm

Review: "These look robust and very well made, are extremely sharp and I can't believe they only cost £10.70 delivered. Unbelievable value compared to other brands I looked at. They cut well straight from the packet."

If you're looking for a pair of anvil secateurs, then these babies are yours. Our top choice for anvil secateurs, these Spear and Jackson cutters have been rated Gold in the Great British Growing Awards 2020. Another SK5 steel blade, these are ultra-sharp and non-stick. Great for all modern gardens.

Features: PTFE coated SK5 steel blade, ambidextrous locking catch, lightweight body,

Blade length: 15mm

Review: "I searched the internet to find the best pair to buy, I have the start of arthritis in my right hand and needed something that would help me cope with it... well after using them for a few weeks, I love them so much I bought a pair for my mother."

With a 5-year guarantee, you can buy these secateurs knowing that you're getting good quality. Hardwood Bypass secateurs means that they're strong enough to get through even the toughest branches. Non-stick and a carbon steel blade, this is sure to do the job for you.

Features: Non-stick carbon steel blade, lightweight and strong, soft grip handle

Blade length: 12mm

Review: "Cheap, but very effective bypass pruners. At this price, what's not to like."

Micro-secateurs are made with smaller hands in mind to make it extra easy to prune your garden. Great for anyone looking for a lighter tool or has difficulty with dexterity in their hands.

Features: Carbon steel blade, lightweight, perfect for smaller hands

Secateur length: 16cm

Review: "Excellent, easy to use, comfy grip, sharp cutting."

If you're taking your gardening seriously, you may want to invest in these professional, premium secateurs. Slightly more expensive, they're worth the price with a comfortable grip, sharp blade and non-slip handles. These can cut up to 3/4" branches and have a sap groove design to avoid any stickiness.

Features: Ergonomic non-slip handles, drop forged body and handles, premium titanium sleep blade, sap groove design

Review: "Used to cut thick brambles out of the garden, very sharp and cuts very thick stems easily. Cannot fault them in any way, a very high-quality garden tool!"

These ratchet anvil secateurs make pruning super smooth, with rust-resistant blades and a roomy loop handle. You can use these in a left or right hand for extra comfort. Part of the Royal Botanical Kew Gardens collection, you know you're getting the most out of these.

Features: High carbon steel blades, metal anvils, aluminium alloy handles

Review: "I have gone through so many pairs of secateurs during my 30 years of gardening and I can honestly say these are the best yet. I have arthritis so needed a pair that did not strain my hands too much."

Another trusted collection, these secateurs from tool specialists Burgeon and Ball are made with the National Trust. Highly resistant to rust, they also have an impressive FSC-certified hardwood handle. They're precise and they look good, too.

Features: National Trust recommended, stainless steel, FSC-certified,

Review: "Quality and well made item."

If you're looking for a great present for your loved one, these Waitrose Garden foldable secateurs are pretty and efficient. With a pink handle, nylon patch for safekeeping as well as two extra tools hidden, these secateurs are efficient and effective. A perfect idea for someone who loves their garden.

Features: Rustproof stainless steel blades, foldable, durable Nylon pouch

Blade length: 15mm

Review: "Love these 'Ladies' Secateurs'. I have used them to great effect. Easily folded to be safely stored in their pouch. The extra tools of tiny saw, and knife, (concealed in the handles), I'm sure will come in handy, when the secateurs can't manage on their own. Well priced, and packaged."

What to read next

Hedge trimmers to keep your hedges prim and proper

Garden shears that help you regain control of your outdoor space

Weed killers to tackle that unsightly garden growth