Best Tree Loppers

Tree Loppers are the tools gardeners use to cut large branches from a tree. They are usually operated with both hands and feature handles that can be extended to provide greater leverage. Some designs also have a ratcheting mechanism to increase cutting force and reduce hand fatigue. They are often used to clear dead or damaged branches and make the first cut on thick branches before a saw is used to finish the job.

The best loppers for pruning thick or mature limbs have smooth, durable blades that can stand up to heavy use. They may be coated with Teflon to reduce the buildup of sap and wood sawdust, or made from stainless steel to withstand moisture and rust. The handles are designed to be comfortable for long periods of time and include nonslip grips and built-in shock absorbers to lessen arm fatigue. The best loppers can be used to cleanly cut green or living wood and have the greatest cutting capacity of any tool on our list (except for our best pole pruner).

Some loppers are built with a telescoping handle, which can be extended or shortened as needed. These can be useful when working up high or in tight spaces where it’s difficult to maneuver other types of extending tools. However, they are typically heavier than loppers with a fixed handle and may be difficult to operate if the user’s arms start to get tired.

Most loppers have two blades that are connected by a lever at the fulcrum, which opens and closes them to make cuts. Manual loppers are the most basic type and work with the user’s strength to supply all of the cutting force. More advanced loppers are available with a ratcheting mechanism that increases pressure as the handles are squeezed, allowing users to trim larger or thicker branches more easily without releasing and then reopening the handles to begin a new cut.

The Felco loppers have the longest blades of any of our picks and are made from a strong, lightweight, high-carbon steel that resists corrosion and is easy to sharpen when the tool becomes dull. The blades are curved to help minimize the amount of force required to cut and they have a sap groove to prevent the buildup of sticky tree sap and other grunge. The handles are shaped to fit the hand and have nonslip grips that have a slight inward angle, which helps gardeners exert more force while maintaining a natural arm position to reduce strain on the hands. The handles also have built-in shock absorbers to help ward off arm fatigue during long gardening sessions.

Michelle Ullman is a commerce writer at The Spruce who specializes in tools and gardening supplies. She has reviewed dozens of loppers for durability, cleanness of cuts, and ease of use to create this list of the best. She is an experienced gardener and is a proponent of minimizing yard and home maintenance by using the right tools for the job.

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