Loppers are designed to prune medium tree and shrub branches under 2 inches thick. Loppers are more powerful and have more reach than pruners, and will allow you to apply more leverage to cut through bigger branches. Regularly pruning your trees and shrubs to remove dead or diseased braches will ensure healthy growth and flowering.
There are two types of lopping shears: bypass loppers and anvil loppers. The difference has to do with the way the blades cut. Bypass loppers, which are more common, cut as the blade passes by the hook base. Anvil pruners, better for dry or dead growth, cut as the blade passes to the hook base.