6 Best Root Pruning Shears For Small Tree Roots Old Farmers Swear By
Discover the 6 best root pruning shears for small trees. These farmer-approved tools deliver clean cuts for healthier, more manageable root systems.
You’re on your knees, wrestling a stubborn fruit tree sapling out of its nursery pot, and the roots are a tangled mess. Or maybe you’re trying to move that overgrown lilac bush that’s blocking the sun from your vegetable patch. In moments like these, you realize the cheap bypass pruners from the hardware store just aren’t going to cut it—literally.
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Why Good Root Shears Matter for Healthy Trees
A clean cut on a root is just as important as a clean cut on a branch. When you use dull or flimsy tools, you don’t slice the root; you crush and tear it. This ragged wound is an open invitation for soil-borne diseases, fungus, and rot to set in, stressing the tree and slowing its recovery.
Think of it like surgery. A sharp, clean incision heals quickly with minimal scarring. A jagged tear gets infected and causes long-term problems. The same principle applies below the ground. Good root shears create that clean cut, signaling the plant to heal and send out new, fine feeder roots.
This isn’t just about the tree’s health, either. It’s about your own energy. Fighting a tough root with a bad tool is exhausting and frustrating. A quality lopper or saw lets you work efficiently, saving your back and your time for the hundred other tasks waiting for you.
Felco 231 Lopper: Swiss Precision for Tough Roots
When you need surgical precision on a tough, woody root, the Felco 231 is the tool many old-timers reach for. It uses a curved anvil design, which means a sharp cutting blade closes against a softer, flat anvil. This unique geometry pulls the root into the jaw as you cut, preventing it from slipping out and giving you incredible leverage.
This isn’t a brute-force tool; it’s a precision instrument. The cut is exceptionally clean, which is crucial when you’re working with valuable nursery stock or trying to save a stressed tree. Every part on a Felco is replaceable, from the blades to the bolts. You’re not just buying a lopper; you’re investing in a tool that will last a lifetime with proper care. It’s an investment, but one that pays off in tree health and reliability.
Fiskars PowerGear2 Lopper: Less Strain on Your Back
Let’s be honest: not all of us have the brute strength to slice through a two-inch maple root without breaking a sweat. That’s where the Fiskars PowerGear2 comes in. Its patented gear mechanism multiplies your cutting force, making tough cuts feel surprisingly easy. You’ll feel the gears kick in right at the hardest part of the cut.
This tool is a game-changer if you have a lot of transplanting to do or if you’re clearing an area with numerous small saplings. It significantly reduces the strain on your arms, shoulders, and back. While the geared mechanism adds a bit of complexity compared to simpler designs, the trade-off in saved energy is well worth it for most hobby farmers. It allows you to work longer and finish the job with less fatigue.
Corona SL 3264 Lopper: Durable All-American Power
The Corona SL 3264 is the definition of a workhorse. With its solid steel handles and a simple, powerful bypass cutting head, this tool is built for pure durability and raw power. There are no fancy gears or complex mechanisms—just solid construction designed to handle abuse and keep on cutting.
This is the lopper you grab when you need to clear a fenceline or tackle tough, overgrown shrubs. It has a satisfying heft to it that inspires confidence. While it might not have the feather-light feel of aluminum models, that weight translates into power when you’re cutting through stubborn, springy roots. It’s a straightforward, reliable tool that simply gets the job done without any fuss.
ARS LPB-30L Lopper: The Professional Orchardist’s Pick
If there’s one thing professional orchardists obsess over, it’s the quality of the cut. That’s why many of them turn to ARS. Made with high-carbon Japanese steel, the blades on these loppers are legendarily sharp and hold their edge for a remarkably long time. A sharper blade means less effort is required to make a cut.
The ARS LPB-30L is incredibly lightweight thanks to its aluminum handles, but it’s deceptively strong. The clean, effortless slice it makes is second to none, leaving a smooth surface on the root that heals quickly. This is the tool for the perfectionist, the farmer who understands that the health of their prized apple trees starts with the cleanest possible cut. It’s a premium tool for those who prioritize sharpness and precision above all else.
Bahco P160-SL-75: Lightweight Ergonomic Choice
Doing farm work day in and day out teaches you the value of good ergonomics. The Bahco P160-SL-75 is designed with the user’s body in mind. The lightweight aluminum handles reduce fatigue, and the comfortable grips and shock-absorbing bumpers make a long day of pruning much more manageable.
This lopper excels in situations where you’re making dozens of cuts, like trimming back the root ball of a large shrub or clearing invasive buckthorn. The thoughtful design means you can work more efficiently and with greater control, especially when reaching into awkward positions. Choosing an ergonomic tool isn’t a luxury; it’s a practical decision to protect your body and extend your working years on the farm.
Corona RazorTOOTH Saw: For Roots Too Thick to Shear
Sometimes, you’ll hit a root that’s just too big for any lopper. Trying to force it will only break your tool and your spirit. This is when you need to switch from shearing to sawing. A folding pruning saw, like the Corona RazorTOOTH, is an essential companion for any serious planting or transplanting job.
What makes a root saw special are the teeth. They are designed to cut on the pull stroke, which prevents the blade from buckling and binding in the damp, gritty soil. The curved blade helps you get into tight spaces between other roots without damaging them. Don’t think of it as a replacement for loppers; think of it as the next tool in the progression. Loppers for the 1-2 inch roots, and the saw for everything bigger.
Choosing Your Tool: Lopper, Saw, or Hand Pruner?
The biggest mistake is trying to make one tool do every job. Using the wrong tool is inefficient and often leads to damaging the plant or the tool itself. The key is to match the tool to the diameter of the root in front of you.
Here’s a simple framework:
- Hand Pruners: Use these for the fine, fibrous roots around the edge of a root ball, or anything smaller than your pinky finger (up to about 3/4 inch). They are for delicate, precise work.
- Loppers: This is your primary workhorse for transplanting and clearing. They are ideal for woody roots from about 3/4 inch up to 2 inches in diameter. The long handles give you the leverage you need.
- Pruning Saw: When a root is thicker than 2 inches, put the loppers down and pick up the saw. It’s also the best choice for cutting in tight quarters where you can’t open a lopper’s jaws.
There is no single "best" tool, only the right tool for the task at hand. Having all three in your garden shed means you’re prepared for any root you encounter, making the job faster, safer for the tree, and easier on your body.
Investing in a few high-quality cutting tools is one of the smartest moves a hobby farmer can make. It’s not about spending money; it’s about investing in the health of your trees and, just as importantly, in your own time and physical well-being. A clean cut with the right tool gives a young tree the best possible start and makes your hard work pay off for seasons to come.
