What type of pruner is defined as having a blade and anvil that leads to greater damage?

An anvil-type pruner is specifically designed with a blade that cuts against a flat surface, known as the anvil. This design can lead to greater damage to the plant material being pruned because the mechanism compresses and crushes the stem rather than making a clean cut. The blade makes a slicing motion against the anvil, which can cause more crushing injuries especially on thicker branches. This damage can impede healing and increase the likelihood of disease or pest infestation in the plant.

In contrast, bypass pruners, loppers, and hand pruners are designed with cutting mechanisms that tend to create cleaner cuts. Bypass pruners and loppers use a design similar to scissors where the blade bypasses the other arm, cutting more efficiently and with less crushing damage. Thus, the design of the anvil-type pruner is less favorable for maintaining the health of the plant compared to these other cutting tools.