Manual hedge trimmers: which shears to choose?

What is a hedge shear used for?

Cutting? Certainly. But not just anything, nor in any old way!

Hand shears are like a large pair of scissors. They are mainly used to cut woody growth. Blade shape and size determine diameter of twigs that can be cut. Hedge shears are therefore suitable for trimming hedges, as their name suggests.

These manual hedge shears can also be used to shape topiary or Niwaki (cloud‑pruning technique for certain trees and shrubs).

Shears are also very useful for helping to clear a way through sometimes luxuriant vegetation in the garden, especially along paths. A stem of rambling rose that overhangs, a hazel branch crossing the path, a twig that hits you in the face as soon as you venture into the garden… One snip with the shears and problem solved!

Let us not forget that these tools can also be used at end of season or, better still, on emerging from winter to cut back dead stems of perennials or trim the culms of certain grasses. Note that clearing flower beds in early spring has two major advantages: keeping decorative elements through winter and protecting stumps from the cold while providing garden wildlife with shelter and food.

Finally, on small areas, hand shears can replace a strimmer to quickly cut a patch of nettle (to make manure, for example) or suckers and offshoots of trees and shrubs.

Shear with straight or undulate blades?

There are mainly two types of blades for manual hedge shears.

• Straight-bladed shears : these shears are intended for cutting soft, small-diameter growth. They are ideal for cutting grass at the base of trees, cutting back perennials in early spring and for pruning soft-wood shrubs or very small-diameter branches. It is the ideal tool for maintaining low hedges, topiaries or for tidying up after using a petrol hedge trimmer. Note that some models have blades in line with the handles while others are offset to allow cutting grass at ground level without straining the back, for example.

• Wavy-bladed shears : blades are wider and feature a serrated section. These shears are used for cutting hardwood and larger-diameter branches. They are the ideal tool for informal natural hedges or for quickly making a way through a slightly wild area of the garden. Here too, blades can be in line with the handles or offset.

Two different blades: straight or wavy

Which materials for long-lasting hedge shears?

• For blades: choose stainless tempered carbon steel blades. A Teflon non-stick coating is clearly a plus.
• For handles: wood is a noble, durable material but it is increasingly difficult to find shears with wooden handles. To make tools both lightweight and sturdy, manufacturers have chosen various materials: tubular steel, aluminium, resin, plastic… In the end, they are all comparable; it is up to you to decide which suits you best. For information: telescopic-handled shears are available.

Let's talk ergonomics...

Gardening should not be a chore but a pleasure. Therefore, choose tools carefully according to the task to be done and to your own body shape. Here are the points to consider before buying a hand shear:

• A tool not too heavy and suited to your morphology;
• Ergonomic, non-slip handles so the tool does not slip from your hands if you sweat;
• A bumper to absorb shocks and reduce vibration in the tool;
• Quality, always-sharp hardened stainless steel blades with a non-stick coating (or anti-adhesive);
• As with pruning shears, some shears are fitted with a compound leverage system that allows cutting thicker stem diameters without requiring extra effort.

please note : as with all gardening tasks, wear gloves and protective goggles! Don’t hesitate to stop or slow down if you feel tired or experience pain!

Maintenance to plan for your manual hedge trimmers

• Sharpening: a light sharpening can be considered if your pruning shears begin to show signs of wear. Do this carefully using a sharpening stone or a diamond file, working from outer edge of blades towards inner edge ;
• Disinfection: to prevent spread of disease, you can soak blades in a disinfectant solution or wipe with a cloth soaked in 90% alcohol ;
• Axis oiling: a few drops of oil on the axis of the blades once or twice a year will ensure smooth cutting all year round ;
• Rust: to remove rust, brushing with a wire brush is often sufficient. Otherwise, consider giving your tool a short soak beforehand in an acidic solution for 24 h: vinegar, for example.
• Tightening the axis: from time to time, a small tightening of the screw or clamping bolt can be considered if you feel a slight play between the blades. But do not over-tighten !
• In winter: if handles are wooden, you can remove any dirt with a stiff-bristled brush (avoid sandpaper!) then apply some linseed oil to nourish and protect the wood. If handles are made of another material, a simple damp sponge will suffice to remove dirt. Blades and all metal parts should receive a good coating of tool grease, oil or paraffin in autumn to protect them from rust during winter.

To find out more about maintaining tools, consult our advice sheet : Clean, maintain and protect your garden tools.

Further reading...

Discover our range of hedge-cutting and pruning tools in our online nursery.