7 of the best secateurs for a tidy garden

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Keep your garden trimmed, manicured and weed-free with the best secateurs in tow.

Whether you’re an avid gardener or a newbie, a pair of secateurs are essential tools for keeping your garden in tip-top shape.

From pruning plants to trimming overgrown rose bushes to cutting small branches, these compact yet mighty accessories can do wonders for your space.

So, if your garden could use some TLC, it’s time to invest in this all-rounder tool.

Read on and shop a pair of the best secateurs in the UK right here.

Read more: Top garden strimmers for a well-kept lawn

Specifications

Material: steel, aluminium alloy

Dimensions: 2.5 H x 10.2 W x 23.5 D cm

Non-slip coating on ergonomic handles

Made from high-quality hardened steel

Comes with a lifetime guarantee

No revolving handle

Not suitable for left-handed gardeners

With more than 20,000 reviews on Amazon and a stellar 4.8 rating, it's safe to say that this tool is a favourite of gardeners of all abilities.

With plenty of features for optimal performance, like hardened steel that provides a precise and clean cut, a wire-cutting notch, a sap groove for easy pruning and non-slip handles for a comfortable grip, this model tops our list of the best secateurs.

Best of all? This piece is covered by a lifetime guarantee, so if any part fails or doesn't function as it should, it can easily be replaced.

Specifications

Material: ‎carbon steel

Dimensions: 3.5 H x 6 W x 22 D cm

High-quality and heavy-duty build

Notched blade for cutting thicker stems

Adjustable cutting width for different hand sizes

Some reviewers say the catch was initially stiff

Safety lock can be fiddly

Durable tools can help you achieve greater cutting power and strength. This pick is no exception.

With their two sharpened blades that work like scissors, these bypass secateurs offer excellent cutting performance, making them ideal for live or green stem cutting, while a notched blade allows for deeper cuts on thicker stems.

Premium carbon steel blades and an aluminium handle make them sturdy and robust, yet lightweight and comfortable to grip throughout use. Not to mention, their vibrant red colour means you'll be able to spot them miles away if you misplace it.

Our favourite feature is the adjustable cutting width, which can be modified with just a turn to fit a variety of grip sizes.

Specifications

Material: high-carbon steel, metal

Dimensions: 2.5 H x 8.5 W x 21 D cm

Easy to use and operate

Ideal for thicker branches, green wood

More efficient cutting

Reviewers say the safety catch is stiff

Ratchet mechanism takes getting used to

Part of the Kew Gardens collection, these ratchet anvil secateurs ease the burden of gardening by cutting through stems in shorter stages, requiring less effort on the part of the user.

As well as reducing hand fatigue, this mechanism creates a more precise cut, which reduces the likelihood of damaging your plants while increasing your speed and efficiency. What’s not to love?

Suitable for pruning branches or stems to more difficult tasks like cutting older or dead wood, this pick is one of the most versatile garden tools available.

Specifications

Material: carbon steel

Dimensions: 2.2 H x 5.5 W x 20.5 D cm

High-quality construction

Handmade

Durable and strong

On the pricey side

Can be finicky at first

If you're looking for an accessory that is of top-quality craftsmanship, Japanese secateurs are your best bet.

Crafted by a small family business in Japan, these garden pruners offer the perfect balance between simplicity, function and high performance.

Their slender yet robust carbon steel blades are capable of cutting even the most delicate of plants. Meanwhile, a spring action and chunky bottom catch offer a comfortable and functional grip during use and a drop-forged body ensures optimal strength and durability.

While this pair is one of the more expensive options on this list, their high-level quality construction makes them a worthwhile investment for gardens that need ongoing maintenance.

Specifications

Material: high-carbon steel

Dimensions: 6 H x 17 W x 21 D cm

Budget-friendly option

Suitable for weaker hands

Suitable for left and right-handed use

Some shoppers claim they are difficult to lock

When it comes to working with arthritis, this reliable option is best for a less painful gardening experience.

Designed specifically for those with weaker or smaller hands, this ergonomic tool comes with a number of features that produce significant results with minimal effort.

They’re built with a rotating handle that evenly distributes pressure as you cut and a guard to protect your fingers from blisters. This can relieve your hands of strain after hours of use. But they’re no less powerful with a sturdy blade that can cut branches up to 20mm thick.

As for durability, their high-carbon steel blades are designed to stay sharper for longer, even with extensive use.

Reviewers praised this pick for their lightweight design, easy grip and comfortable and pain-free operation, all of which are available at an affordable price.

So, if you’re wondering what are the best secateurs for arthritic hands, this pick is it.

Specifications

Material: alloy Steel, titanium

Dimensions: 3.4 H x 18.2 W x 28 D cm

Budget-friendly

Ergonomic non-slip handles

Suitable for lightweight and heavy-duty tasks

Some reviewers say that the spring mechanism can be stiff

With these bypass secateurs, you can get professional results at home without breaking the bank.

Made with premium titanium steel and topped with an ultra-fine polish, this gold and black tool performs as good as it looks.

These shears can be used for both lightweight and heavy-duty gardening tasks, from pruning to cutting branches up to three-quarters of an inch in diameter.

The non-slip grips on each handle are also wrapped in a soft layer of PVC so they won't hurt your hand while you press down to cut or use it for long periods of time.

Specifications

Material: stainless steel, wood

Dimensions: 3 H x 8 W x 22 D cm

Produces a precise, clean cut

Rust-resistant blades

Traditional and classic look

No ergonomic handles

Can be uncomfortable to use for long periods of time

This pair of precision secateurs is a solid option for making every cut count.

Made from stainless steel, this tool uses a clever scissor action to make sharp, clean cuts to reduce any damage to your plants, making gardening easier..

While their rust-resistant steel blades prioritise strength and durability, classic wooden handles offer a traditional rustic look that every old-school gardener loves. Plus, the handles are noticeably longer than most standard secateurs, so you’re less likely to injure or bruise your hand when cutting.

According to The Budding Planter, there are three main types of secateurs:

Bypass: Designed with two curved blades, this tool operates like a pair of scissors. One blade is sharpened on the edge, while the other is thicker and unsharpened to produce a precise, clean cut. For this reason, they’re one of the most popular types of pruner among gardeners.

Anvil: This tool features a single blade and cuts in a similar fashion to a knife. They are best suited to old or dead branches, twigs or stems.

Ratchet: With a built-in mechanism, this option cuts in smaller and gradual stages with little pressure or strain, making it easier to use for those with weaker hands or mobility issues.

While all of our picks should make the cut in your garden, we do have a few standout favourites.

A top choice among gardeners, the FELCO Model 2 Secateurs offers high performance, functionality, a comfortable hold and a lifetime warranty.

But if you suffer from limited mobility or conditions like arthritis, we recommend the Garden Secateurs Strain Reducing tool as it is designed to relieve pressure from your hands as you use it.

Finally, if you want the best of the best, these Japanese secateurs are a must-have. They're handcrafted, durable and will make your everyday gardening maintenance a whole lot easier.

Prices updated on 16/08/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

A self-proclaimed ‘obsessed TikTok user,’ Lauren Pascal uses her knowledge to help readers shop for trendy new products. Lauren is also an experienced travel writer and recently wrote informative pieces for travellers during the pandemic.