Secateurs, also known as pruning shears or pruning scissors, are hand-held gardening tools designed for trimming and cutting plants. These specialized cutting implements are primarily used for precise and controlled pruning, shaping, or trimming of shrubs, hedges, flowers, and small tree branches. Secateurs are commonly used by gardeners, horticulturists, and arborists to maintain the health, structure, and aesthetics of plants.
The term "secateurs" originates from the French word "sécateur," which means "cutter." These tools typically consist of two blades, one curved and one flat, that pivot against each other to create a slicing motion for cutting through branches. The curved blade acts as a guide to hold the branch in place, while the flat blade makes the actual cut.
Secateurs are designed for efficiency and precision, offering gardeners a comfortable grip and a smooth cutting action. The blades of secateurs are usually made of hardened or stainless steel to ensure durability and sharpness, while the handles can be made of various materials such as metal, plastic, or wood, depending on the intended use and user's preference.
The two most common types of secateurs are bypass and anvil secateurs. Bypass secateurs have blades that pass over each other like scissors, resulting in a clean and precise cut, making them ideal for live and green branches. Anvil secateurs, on the other hand, have a single blade that closes onto a flat surface, known as the anvil, crushing the branch against it. Anvil secateurs excel at cutting dead or dry wood.
Overall, secateurs serve as invaluable tools for gardeners and horticultural enthusiasts in maintaining the health, appearance, and structure of plants through accurate and controlled pruning.
