Hand pruning mode for light cuts

Lopper mode for larger pruning cuts

When stepping out in my garden, a pair of hand pruners (shears) is the first tool in my pocket or belt pouch. A good pair of pruning shears is indispensable for snipping off old spent flowers and growth from perennials such as hostas, daylilies,  peonies, et al; shrubs like rhododendrons, lilacs, hydrangeas; to clear away encroaching vegetation from a path; remove dead, pest ridden, and diseased twigs or small (1-inch diameter) branches.

Over the years I’ve owned a number of pruning shears from top manufacturers. The Corona #60 hand pruner has been my “go-to” pruners, backed up by the Corona 19 inch long lopping pruners.

As stated in a previous blog, my prerequisites for a good pruning shears are:

• Blades forged from high grade forged steel, less likely to rust and stays sharp longer
• Comfortable hand grips, less prone to cause calluses after heavy use
• Colorful hand grips so pruner is not easily lost in the garden
• Trustworthy locking mechanism that, when engaged, the blades close and don’t reopen in your pocket or belt pouch. Cutting action does not lock up by a faulty locking clip
• Stays sharp longer and cuts almost effortlessly
• Scissor cut and not anvil type

The Corona BP7450 is a convertible pruner + lopper. The lopper is designed for making cuts up to 1 1/4 inch in diameter. This lightweight pruning shears cuts through soft green stems and  small twiggy wood effortlessly. Or convert it into a lopping shears for cutting through thicker branches up to 1 1/4 inch diameter.

This convertible pruner + lopper is mostly available on-line. Eventually, blades wear out or become rusted (if left outdoors–always a no-no for most garden tools). Most parts are available from Corona dealers and some orchard supply companies across the U.S.