What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hedge Shears

Hedge shears do not all offer similar performance. A number of factors affect their functionality, including blade type, blade material, handle length, ease of use, and more. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best hedge shears for landscaping.

Intended Use

Hedge pruning shears are typically able to cut branches up to a half-inch in diameter. Some models, however, feature limb notches to extend this dimension. Additional tools, like loppers, may also be required for cutting thicker branches.

Smaller pruning shears are also useful for maintaining hedges. They are well suited to reaching into tight spaces and trimming interior branches to allow more light and air to access the inside of the hedge.

Blade Type

Hedge shears are designed with either straight, wavy, or serrated blades, each of which has its own recommended usage.

Straight blades are optimal for trimming small shoots and soft branches. Due to their shape, they’re easy to sharpen with a millstone or sharpening stone, making them the most popular style on the market.

Wavy blades grip on to thicker branches that are a 0.25 inch or more in diameter and prevent them from slipping as you trim. They have to be professionally sharpened due to their design.

Serrated blades work best on thick, tough foliage and also require professional sharpening because of their shape.

Blade Material

Hedge shears are made from a variety of metals, and some are coated with added materials to prevent them from sticking and rusting.

Stainless steel blades are resistant to both rust and corrosion. They’re best for cutting thinner green branches.

High-carbon steel blades are a combination of stainless steel and carbon steel, which makes them stronger and easier to sharpen.

Nonstick blades include a coating that prevents the buildup of sap and other natural materials that cause them to rust or stick together.

Blade and Handle Length

The ideal blade length for hedge shears depends primarily on their intended use. A 6-inch blade is best for trimming hedges that are between waist and shoulder height. A 7- to 8-inch blade is versatile enough for most jobs, while a 9- to 12-inch blade is ideal for trimming taller privacy hedges.

Most hedge shears have a total length of between 20 and 25 inches. Longer shears are typically more powerful and provide a stronger cut. Telescoping handles provide optimal versatility because the total length of the shears is adjustable to accommodate the task at hand. It’s important to note that telescoping shears do tend to be heavier, so they may not be the best pick for gardeners who experience back and shoulder pain or suffer from arthritis in their hands.

Gears

Geared technology in a pair of hedge shears provides additional leverage when trimming, which comes in handy when handling thick or dying branches. Geared hedge shears typically provide between two and three times more power than gearless models.

Available on more powerful hedge shears, this cutting mechanism may not be necessary for all home gardeners. For those who regularly trim their hedges, gearless shears are sufficient for keeping up with new green growth.

Ease of Use

Several factors contribute to ease of use when tackling trimming jobs with a pair of hedge shears.

-Weight: Shears often must be lifted above the head during hedge trimming. For that reason, lightweight hedge shears can help prevent neck and shoulder pain or repetitive strain injuries. If weight is a concern, look for shears that weigh about 2 pounds or less.

-Handles: Telescoping handles are useful for reaching higher branches, but they tend to be heavier. The lightest hedge shears tend to have wood, fiberglass, or plastic handles.

-Comfort: Ergonomically designed shears and cushioned handles provide a more comfortable grip, enabling gardeners and landscapers to avoid hand pain and discomfort. Shock-absorbing bumpers reduce wrist and shoulder pain by tamping down vibrations and preventing abrupt stops.

-Maneuverability: An adjustable pivot bolt allows the user to adjust the blade tension to match the task at hand, making it easier to maneuver the shears when dealing with branches of different sizes.