For shrubs, privets, and small oleanders, it does the job quite well and doesn't get stuck. The longer blade helps too. For thicker branches, roughly over 5-7 millimeters, it struggles and probably needs a different category of tool. In terms of quality, it's neither "from the bargain bin" nor top-notch, and it produces a rather rough sound that indicates it doesn't have the best design. But for occasional and not professional use, in the budget category, it is satisfactory.