Anvil pruners are a type of gardening tool designed for cutting branches and stems. They feature a straight blade that closes against a flat surface, known as the anvil. This design allows for clean cuts, making them ideal for cutting dead or dry wood. These pruners are particularly useful for tasks like trimming shrubs and small trees. Unlike bypass pruners, which have two blades that slide past each other, anvil pruners provide more leverage and are better suited for tougher materials. They are commonly used by gardeners and landscapers to maintain healthy plants and promote growth.