Stihl ASA 20 wins pruning shear test as gardening tool selection criteria are outlined

The Stihl ASA 20 battery-powered pruning shear has been named the winner of a 2026 test conducted by IMTEST. The device is designed for thinning fruit trees, pruning shrubs, and cutting woody shoots. It features an OLED display to show the selected setting and cut count, and offers two adjustable opening sizes to handle branches up to 25 mm in diameter. The test highlighted its ability to produce clean cuts, which is essential for minimizing the risk of fungal infections in plants.

In the broader market for gardening tools, selecting the correct shears depends on the type of material being cut. Bypass shears are recommended for young shoots and sensitive wood to ensure clean cuts, while anvil-principle shears or hybrid geometries, such as those offered by LÖWE, are better suited for thicker or drier wood. Factors such as branch diameter, available workspace in dense foliage, and handle material are critical considerations for gardeners when choosing between precision models for tight spaces and power-focused models for larger branches.