Which tool provides a longer reach for cutting thicker branches than hand pruners and is rated for 1/2 to 1-1/2 inch branches?

• A. Bow Saw
• B. Drop Spreader
• C. Pruning Saw
• D. Lopping Shears

Answer: (D)

Focusing on reach and cutting capacity helps you prune safely from the ground while handling mid-sized branches. Lopping shears have long handles that extend how far you can reach into a tree, letting you cut branches from a standing position rather than up close. They are commonly rated to cut branches in the range of about 1/2 inch up to around 1-1/2 inches in diameter, which matches the specified size. The other options don’t fit both criteria as well: pruning saws and bow saws can cut thicker material but aren’t designed for extended reach from the ground in the same convenient way, and they’re typically used with more effort or for larger cuts. A drop spreader isn’t a cutting tool at all. So the tool that best combines longer reach with the ability to cut 1/2 to 1-1/2 inch branches is the lopping shears.