Best secateurs for pruning and trimming, tried and tested by a gardening expert

With more than 25 years’ experience in my garden and allotment, I've tried plenty of secateurs - (Abigail Willis/The Independent)

First, a confession: pruning is my all-time favourite gardening task. I love the sound of well-sharpened secateurs slicing a stem, and the best will help you deal with dead, damaged or diseased plant material; pruning’s ‘three Ds’ are non-negotiables.

Along with a trowel and fork, secateurs are a must for any garden toolkit. Sharp blades and a comfortable grip are essential, but what constitutes the best secateurs is subjective, and there’s a range of styles to choose from.