Manual hedge trimmer: which shear to choose ?

What is a hedge shear used for?

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

A hand shear is like a large pair of scissors. It is mainly used to cut woody material. The blades’ shape and size determine the diameter of the branches to cut. Hedge trimmers or shears are therefore suitable for pruning hedges, as their name suggests.

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

Shears are also very useful for helping to make a path through sometimes lush garden vegetation, especially in passageways. A stem of a climbing rose (liana) that protrudes, a hazel branch crossing the path, a twig that falls straight into your eyes as soon as you venture into the garden… One snip with the shear and problem solved!

Let us not forget that these tools can also be used at end of season or, better still, in early spring to cut back dead stems of perennials or prune the culms of certain grasses. Note that cleaning 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, the hand shear can replace a brushcutter to quickly cut a patch of nettle (to make nettle manure, for example) or shoots of trees and bushes.

Shear with straight or undulating blades?

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

• Shears with straight blades : these shears are intended for cutting soft, small-diameter plant material. They are ideal for cutting herb at base of trees, cutting back perennials as they emerge after winter and for pruning bushes with soft wood or very thin twigs. It’s the ideal tool for maintenance of low hedges, topiaries or for tidying up after a pass with a motorised hedge trimmer. Note that some models have blades aligned with axis of the handles or, conversely, offset so they can cut herb on the ground without straining the back, for example.

• Shears with undulated blades : the blades are wider and feature a serrated section. This type of shear is used to cut hardwood and branches of larger diameter. It’s the ideal tool for informal natural hedges or for quickly making a path through a slightly wild area of the garden. In this case too, blades can be aligned with axis of the handles or offset.

Two different blades: straight or undulated

What materials for long-lasting hedge shears?

• For blades: choose blades in hardened, stainless carbon steel. A non-stick Teflon coating is an added bonus.
• For handles: wood is a noble, durable material but it is 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… In the end, they’re all much the same — it’s up to you to decide what suits you best. For info: shears with telescopic handles are available.

Let's talk ergonomics...

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

• A tool not too heavy and suited to your build;
• Ergonomic, non-slip handles so tool won’t slip from your hands if you sweat;
• A cushioning bumper to absorb shocks and reduce vibration in tool;
• High-quality, always-sharp blades in hardened stainless steel with non-stick coating (or anti-adhesive);
• As with pruning shears, some shears are fitted with a compound-action mechanism that allows cutting larger-diameter shoots without extra effort.

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

Care and maintenance for your manual hedge trimmers

• Sharpening : a light sharpening can be considered if your shear begins to show signs of age. Do this carefully using a sharpening stone or a diamond file from outer edge of blades towards inner edge ;
• Disinfection : to prevent spread of disease, you can dip blades in a disinfectant solution or wipe with a cloth soaked in 90% alcohol ;
• Oil : a few drops of oil at axis of the blades once or twice a year will ensure smooth cutting throughout year ;
• Rust : to remove rust, brushing with a wire brush is often sufficient. Otherwise, consider giving your tool a short pre-soak in an acidic solution for 24 hours : vinegar, for example.
• Axis tightening : from time to time, a small tightening of the screw or clamping bolt can be considered if you feel slight play between blades. But don’t over-tighten !
• In winter : if handles are made of wood, you can remove any dirt with a stiff-bristle brush (avoid sandpaper !) then apply a little linseed oil to feed and protect the wood. If handles are 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.

For more on maintaining tools, consult our advice sheet : Clean, maintain and protect your garden tools.

Further reading...

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