Pruners are handheld gardening tools designed for cutting and shaping plants. They typically feature sharp blades and a spring mechanism that allows for easy, one-handed operation. Pruners are essential for maintaining the health of plants by removing dead or overgrown branches, promoting better air circulation and growth. There are different types of pruners, including bypass pruners and anvil pruners. Bypass pruners have two curved blades that slide past each other, making clean cuts, while anvil pruners have a straight blade that presses against a flat surface. Both types are useful for various gardening tasks, depending on the specific needs of the plants.