Manual hedge trimmer: which shear to choose?

What is a hedge shear used for?

To cut! Certainly. But not just anything, nor just any way!

The hand shear resembles a large pair of scissors. It will primarily be used to cut woody plants. The shape and size of the blades will determine the diameter of the branches to be cut. Hedge trimmers or shears are therefore suitable for trimming hedges, as their name suggests.

These manual hedge trimmers can also be used to shape topiary or Niwaki (a cloud pruning technique for certain trees and bushes).

Shears are also very useful for making a way through the sometimes lush vegetation in the garden, especially in pathways. A rambling rose stem that sticks out, a hazel branch crossing the path, a twig that falls right in your eyes as soon as you venture into the garden… A quick snip with the shears and the problem is solved!

Let’s not forget that these tools can be used at the end of the season or even better, after winter, to cut back the dry stems of perennials or trim the culms of certain grasses. It’s worth noting that cleaning flower beds after winter has two major advantages: keeping decorative elements during winter and protecting the stumps from the cold while providing shelter and cover for garden wildlife.

Finally, in small areas, the hand shear can replace a brush cutter to quickly cut a patch of nettle (to make manure, for example) or suckers from trees and bushes.

Shears with straight or undulating blades?

There are mainly two types of blades for manual shears.

• Straight blade shears: these shears are designed for cutting soft and small-diameter plants. They are ideal for trimming grass at the base of trees, cutting back perennials after winter, and for pruning softwood bushes or very thin branches. This is the perfect tool for maintaining low hedges, topiaries, or for finishing touches after using a powered hedge trimmer. Note that there are models where the blades are aligned with the handles or, conversely, offset to allow cutting grass at ground level without straining your back, for example.

• Wavy blade shears: the blades are wider and feature a serrated section. This type of shear is used for cutting hard wood and larger branches. It is the ideal tool for natural free-form hedges or for quickly making your way through a somewhat wild area of the garden. In this case as well, the blades can be aligned with the handles or offset.

Two different blades: straight or wavy

What materials for hedge shears that last?

• For the blades: choose blades made of stainless tempered carbon steel. A non-stick Teflon coating is definitely a plus.
• For the handles: wood is a noble and durable material, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to find shears with wooden handles. To design tools that are both lightweight and sturdy, manufacturers have opted for various materials: tubular steel, aluminium, resin, plastic… Ultimately, it all comes down to what suits you best. For your information: there are shears with telescopic handles.

Let's talk about ergonomics...

Gardening should not be a chore but a pleasure. Therefore, it is important to choose your tools wisely based on the task at hand as well as your own physique. Here are the points to consider before purchasing a pair of shears:

• A tool that is not too heavy and suitable for your physique;
• Ergonomic and non-slip handles so the tool does not slip from your hands if you sweat;
• A stop to absorb shocks and reduce vibration in the tool;
• Quality blades that are always sharp, made of stainless steel with a non-stick coating;
• As with pruning shears, some shears are equipped with a gearing system that allows you to cut thicker branches without exerting more effort.

Please note: as with all gardening tasks, make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear! Do not hesitate to stop or slow down if you feel tired or experience any pain!

Maintenance to consider for your manual hedge trimmers

• Sharpening: a light sharpening can be considered if your shear starts to show signs of age. Do this carefully using a sharpening stone or a diamond file from the outside of the blades towards the inside;
• Disinfection: to prevent the spread of diseases, you can soak the blades in a disinfectant solution or wipe them with a cloth soaked in 90° alcohol;
• Oil: a few drops of oil at the axis of the blades once or twice a year will ensure a smooth cut all year round;
• Rust: to remove rust, brushing with a wire brush is often sufficient. Otherwise, consider giving your tool a brief soak in an acidic solution for 24 hours: vinegar, for example.
• Tightening the axis: from time to time, a little tightening of the screw or bolt may be necessary if you feel there is a slight play between the blades. But don’t over-tighten!
• In winter: if the handles are wooden, you can remove any dirt with a dandelion brush (avoid sandpaper!) and then apply a bit of linseed oil to nourish and protect the wood. If the handles are made of another material, a simple damp sponge will suffice to remove dirt. The blades and all metal parts should receive a good layer of tool grease, oil, or paraffin in autumn to protect them from rust during winter.

For more information on tool maintenance, check our advice sheet: Clean, maintain, and protect your gardening tools.

For further reading...

Find our range of hedge cutting tools in our online nursery.