Comparison: Best Long Handled Pruning Shears (Updated | Jan 11th)
If you’ve ever struggled to reach that high branch or leaned precariously to trim a stubborn shrub, you know the frustration of standard shears. Long-handled pruning shears are the game-changer your garden needs, offering extra reach without sacrificing control. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? We’ve tested and compared the best models to help you find the perfect balance of reach, sharpness, and comfort. Let’s dive in and find your new favorite tool!
Key Takeaways
- Editor’s Choice cuts thick 2.25-inch branches with professional-grade steel.
- Choose shears with durable materials and extended reach for tough pruning.
- Lightweight aluminum handles reduce fatigue during prolonged use.
Hickok Heavy Duty Loppers for Tree Trimming – 36″ Branch Cutter & Pruning Shears with Long Handle | Lightweight Aluminum Tree Trimmer | Professional-Grade Pruner Made in USA
Maximum Reach & Leverage
- Cuts thick 2.25-inch branches
- Lightweight durable aluminum
- Extended 36-inch reach
- BEST FOR BALANCED HEAVY DUTY: Hickok Heavy Duty Loppers for Tree Trimming – 30″ Branch Cutter & Pruning Shears with Long Handle | Lightweight Aluminum Tree Trimmer | Professional-Grade Pruner Made in USA Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EFFORTLESS CUT & HOLD: GARTOL Cut & Hold Long Reach Pole Pruner Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EXTENDABLE COMPOUND POWER: YRTSH Loppers for Tree Trimming Heavy Duty Branch Cutter with Compound Action Read More ↓
- BEST FOR MAXIMUM REACH & LEVERAGE: Hickok Heavy Duty Loppers for Tree Trimming – 36″ Branch Cutter & Pruning Shears with Long Handle | Lightweight Aluminum Tree Trimmer | Professional-Grade Pruner Made in USA Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT HEAVY DUTY: Hickok Heavy Duty Loppers for Tree Trimming – 28″ Branch Cutter & Pruning Shears with Long Handle | Lightweight Aluminum Tree Trimmer | Professional-Grade Pruner Made in USA Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PREMIUM GEARING SYSTEM: Kimura® Pro Telescopic Garden Shears – Premium Hedge Shears Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HIGH-CAPACITY COMPOUND ACTION: YRTSH Loppers for Tree Trimming Heavy Duty Branch Cutter with Compound Action Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PRECISION HAND PRUNER: Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ADJUSTABLE ANVIL POWER: AIRAJ 27-37” Extendable Anvil Loppers Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Long Handled Pruning Shears
Hickok Heavy Duty Loppers for Tree Trimming – 30″ Branch Cutter & Pruning Shears with Long Handle | Lightweight Aluminum Tree Trimmer | Professional-Grade Pruner Made in USA
The Hickok Heavy Duty Loppers are designed for serious gardeners and professionals who need reliable tree trimming tools. With a 30-inch length, these loppers provide excellent leverage for reaching high branches without straining.
The aircraft-grade aluminum handles are lightweight yet durable, reducing fatigue during long sessions. The forged steel blade cuts through branches up to 2.25 inches thick, ensuring clean and precise cuts.
Made in the USA, this tool is built for daily commercial use but is also user-friendly for homeowners. Whether you’re maintaining shrubs or tackling heavy-duty pruning, these loppers offer strength, reach, and precision.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Cuts thick branches easily
- Lightweight aluminum handles
- Extended 30-inch reach
- Durable forged steel blade
- Made in the USA
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavier than some models
- Higher price point
GARTOL Cut & Hold Long Reach Pole Pruner, 32 Inch Lightweight Tree Trimmer Long handle Pruner, Cuts up to 1/2 Inch, One-Hand Use Garden Pruning Shears for Branches Trimming, Fruit Picking
The GARTOL Cut & Hold Long Reach Pole Pruner is a lightweight and ergonomic tool designed for effortless pruning. At only 1.12 lbs, it is three times lighter than traditional loppers, making it ideal for seniors or those with limited mobility.
The 32-inch reach allows you to trim high or low branches without bending or using ladders. Its innovative cut-and-hold design securely grips cut branches, preventing debris from falling.
The sharp SK5 steel blade cuts cleanly through branches up to 0.5 inches thick. The 180-degree rotating handle adds flexibility for various cutting angles.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Extremely lightweight design
- Cut and hold feature
- 32-inch extended reach
- Ergonomic rotating handle
- Safe for seniors
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited cutting capacity
- Not for heavy branches
YRTSH Loppers for Tree Trimming Heavy Duty Branch Cutter with Compound Action, Effortless Tree Pruner Extendable 21-26″ Loppers for Gardening, Long Handle Pruning Shears with 1.6″ Clean Cut Capacity
Experience effortless gardening with the YRTSH Loppers, designed to tackle tough pruning tasks with ease. Featuring compound action technology, these heavy-duty branch cutters provide up to four times more power, allowing you to slice through 1.6-inch thick branches smoothly.
The sharp, non-stick steel blade ensures clean cuts, while the extendable aluminum handles adjust from 28 to 41 inches for extended reach. Ergonomic soft rubber grips offer comfort and anti-fatigue during prolonged use.
Perfect for trimming fruit trees, bushes, and shrubs, these versatile pruning shears are a must-have for both amateur gardeners and seasoned landscapers seeking efficiency and durability.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Effortless compound action cutting
- Adjustable handle length
- Sharp non-stick blades
- Comfortable ergonomic grip
- Cuts thick branches easily
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- May be heavy for some
- Limited cutting capacity
Hickok Heavy Duty Loppers for Tree Trimming – 36″ Branch Cutter & Pruning Shears with Long Handle | Lightweight Aluminum Tree Trimmer | Professional-Grade Pruner Made in USA
Built for performance, the Hickok Heavy Duty Loppers combine strength and precision for all your tree trimming needs. With 36-inch aluminum handles, these loppers offer extended reach and maximum leverage, reducing fatigue during extended use.
The forged steel blade is heat-treated for durability, cleanly slicing through branches up to 2.25 inches thick. Ideal for both professional landscapers and homeowners, these pruning shears are made in the USA with high-quality materials.
Whether you’re maintaining large limbs or shaping shrubs, this tool delivers reliable, heavy-duty performance season after season, making it a trusted choice for any serious gardener.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Cuts thick 2.25-inch branches
- Lightweight durable aluminum
- Extended 36-inch reach
- Made in the USA
- Professional-grade steel blade
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher price point
- Fixed handle length
Hickok Heavy Duty Loppers for Tree Trimming – 28″ Branch Cutter & Pruning Shears with Long Handle | Lightweight Aluminum Tree Trimmer | Professional-Grade Pruner Made in USA
Hickok Heavy Duty Loppers are designed for serious pruning tasks, offering extended reach and superior cutting power. With 28-inch handles, these loppers provide maximum leverage for cutting deep or hard-to-reach limbs.
Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, they are lightweight yet durable, reducing fatigue during extended use. The forged steel blade ensures precision cuts, handling branches up to 2.25 inches thick.
Ideal for both professionals and homeowners, these loppers are built in the USA for reliability and longevity. Whether for yard work or professional landscaping, this tool delivers consistent performance season after season.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Extended reach for high branches
- Lightweight yet durable handles
- Cuts thick branches effortlessly
- Made in the USA
- Precision-forged steel blade
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- May be too long for storage
- Pricey for occasional users
Kimura® Pro Telescopic Garden Shears – Premium Hedge Shears, Patented Gearing Technology, Lightweight Extendable Aluminium Handles, Japanese SK5 Steel Blades, Heavy Duty Gardening Shears – 650-850mm
Kimura Pro Telescopic Garden Shears combine precision and power for effortless pruning. The sharp Japanese SK5 steel blades ensure clean cuts, while the telescopic handles extend from 650mm to 850mm, reaching high branches with ease.
Ergonomic aluminum handles with soft TPR grips provide comfort and control, reducing strain during use. The patented gearing technology delivers up to 3x more power, making cutting effortless.
PTFE coating prevents sap build-up and rust, ensuring smooth operation. Perfect for shaping hedges or trimming shrubs, these shears are ideal for gardeners seeking efficiency and durability.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Telescopic handles for reach
- Powerful patented gearing tech
- Sharp Japanese steel blades
- Lightweight ergonomic design
- Low friction PTFE coating
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited branch cutting capacity
- Higher price point
YRTSH Loppers for Tree Trimming Heavy Duty Branch Cutter with Compound Action, Effortless Tree Pruner Extendable 28-41″ Loppers for Gardening, Long Handle Pruning Shears with 2″ Clean Cut Capacity
The YRTSH Loppers are designed for heavy-duty tree trimming with a compound action that delivers four times more power, making it easy to cut through branches up to 2 inches thick. The sharp steel blade ensures smooth cuts, while the extendable aluminum handles adjust from 28 to 41 inches, allowing you to reach high branches without strain.
The ergonomic, non-slip grip provides comfort and control, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. Perfect for trimming fruit trees, bushes, and shrubs, these loppers are a reliable choice for gardeners seeking efficiency and durability in their yard maintenance tools.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Effortless cutting power
- Adjustable long handles
- Ergonomic non-slip grip
- Sharp durable blade
- Versatile for various plants
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly heavier build
- Higher price point
Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears, 1-Inch Cut Capacity Softgrip Pruner, Forged Steel Replaceable Blade Stays Sharp Through Heavy Use with Rust Resistant, Low-Friction Coating
Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears are a gardening essential, offering a 1-inch cut capacity with ultra-durable, replaceable forged steel blades. The precision-ground, fully hardened blade stays sharp longer and features a low-friction coating for smooth cuts and rust resistance.
Designed for maximum power and precision, these shears are built to last through rigorous gardening tasks. The Softgrip touchpoints enhance comfort and control, fitting well in most pruner holsters for easy access.
Ideal for trimming stems and branches, these shears combine quality construction with ergonomic features to make gardening more enjoyable and efficient.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Sharp replaceable blade
- Comfortable Softgrip handle
- Lightweight and durable
- Rust-resistant coating
- Fits most holsters
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited cut capacity
- Not ideal for thick branches
AIRAJ 27-37” Extendable Anvil Loppers,Tree Trimmer Heavy Duty with Compound Action,Branch Cutter with 2” Cutting Capacity,Chops Thick Branches Ease,Garden Lopper for Gardening Pruning Shears
The AIRAJ Extendable Anvil Loppers are a top choice for gardeners seeking efficiency and reach. With an adjustable aluminum handle that extends from 27 to 37 inches, these loppers make trimming high branches effortless.
The SK5 steel blades, coated with Teflon, ensure durability and sharpness even after heavy use. Featuring a compound action and four pivot points, they can cut branches up to 2 inches in diameter with ease.
The ergonomic design minimizes fatigue, making them perfect for prolonged use. Ideal for both home gardening and professional tasks, these loppers deliver reliable performance year-round.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Adjustable handle length
- Sharp SK5 steel blades
- Cuts thick branches easily
- Ergonomic design
- Durable construction
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly heavy
- Handle extension can stick
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for when buying long handled pruning shears?
Prioritize blade material, such as high-carbon steel, for durability and sharpness. Check the handle length for your specific needs, as longer handles provide more reach but may reduce leverage. Ensure the grip is comfortable and non-slip to avoid fatigue during extended use.
How do bypass pruners differ from anvil pruners?
Bypass pruners have two blades that pass like scissors, making them ideal for live wood and clean cuts. Anvil pruners have a single blade that cuts against a flat surface, better suited for dead or woody stems. Bypass models generally provide more precision for delicate plants.
Are telescopic handles worth the extra cost?
Telescopic handles offer versatility, allowing you to adjust the length for different tasks or heights. They’re especially useful for reaching high branches without a ladder, but may be less sturdy than fixed-length models. If you prioritize flexibility over maximum leverage, they’re a great choice.
What features enhance cutting efficiency?
Look for a ratcheting mechanism, which multiplies force for easier cutting through thick branches. Shock-absorbing handles reduce strain on your wrists and arms during repetitive cuts. Some models also include a sap groove to prevent sticky buildup on the blades.
How do I maintain my pruning shears for longevity?
Clean the blades after each use to remove sap and debris, which can cause rust. Sharpen the blades regularly with a whetstone or file to maintain cutting precision. Lubricate the pivot point with oil to ensure smooth operation and prevent stiffness.
What’s the average price range for quality long handled pruning shears?
Expect to pay between $30 and $80 for a reliable pair, with higher-end models offering premium materials and ergonomic designs. Budget options may lack durability, while mid-range shears often provide the best value for casual gardeners. Professional-grade models can exceed $100 but justify the cost with extended warranties and superior performance.
Can long handled pruning shears replace a lopper?
Long handled pruning shears can handle light to medium-duty tasks, but a lopper is better for branches over 1 inch thick. The leverage from a lopper’s longer handles makes cutting thicker wood easier. For most home gardeners, a combination of both tools ensures versatility.