Tree Loppers – What Are They?

Tree Loppers are a pruning tool designed to cut thicker branches, or twigs, from trees and shrubs in your garden. They are similar to hedge trimmers, but with a larger cutting capacity, and can be operated by two hands. Some models have telescopic handles to increase leverage and reach high branches. Some also have a power-lever mechanism or compound-action blades that increase the amount of force applied to the cutting blades, which can help reduce hand fatigue.

The best loppers feature hardened steel blades that are precision-ground and stay sharp. They are coated for rust resistance and have non-slip handle grips. They can be used with a wide variety of trimming and cutting tasks, including removing dead branches, thinning or shaping hedges and limbing out small fruit trees. You can choose between a bypass blade, which is good for all general pruning of green or living growth and anvil loppers which are ideal for cutting dry or dead wood.

An arborist is a certified professional who has the knowledge and technical know-how to understand the structure, body and health of a tree. They have the expertise to identify and treat any issues that a tree may have and are able to work with a tree through specialist techniques so that it thrives. A tree lopper on the other hand is a non-certified individual who cuts trees for a nominal fee and only thinks about the short-term results of their actions.

While they can be used to prune or shape a tree, it’s important that you hire a qualified arborist over a tree lopper for the safety of yourself and those around you. While it might seem like there’s not much difference between these two types of professionals, the truth is that an arborist has the necessary qualifications, insurance and tools to ensure your trees remain healthy and safe.

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for ease of use, these light and comfortable loppers have a coated steel blade with a metal anvil. The extending aluminium handles have an ergonomic shape and are covered in rubber grips. They have a 40mm cutting width and are simple to manoeuvre through dense stems. The handles are also long enough to allow you to work in a tree or shrub without the need for climbing equipment, although this does make them heavier than our other top picks.

The Black + Decker Alligator Lopper has an exceptionally large cutting width, up to 3.6 inches. It has a unique, powerful compound-lever system that multiplies the user’s force, making it easy to cut even the thickest branches. This makes it an excellent choice for cutting down or removing tall trees or hedges, and is ideal for commercial applications where maximum efficiency is required. The Alligator Lopper is also available in a cordless version, for added versatility. It is not a tool to be used on a daily basis, however, as it requires some maintenance and care to extend its life.

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