In this article, we will be discussing the best hedge shears available in the market and what to look for when making a purchase.
Hedge shears are a must-have tool for any gardener who wants to keep their hedges, shrubs, and bushes looking neat and tidy. These shears come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, making it challenging to choose the right one for your needs.
When it comes to hedge shears, the critical factor to consider is the blade. The blade’s sharpness and quality will determine how efficiently and effectively you can trim your hedges.
A high-quality blade will ensure a clean and precise cut, reducing the risk of damage to your plants. Additionally, the blade’s length and shape will determine how easy it is to reach tight spaces and awkward angles.
Another essential factor to consider is the handle’s comfort and grip. Since hedge trimming can be a time-consuming task, it’s essential to have a comfortable and ergonomic handle that reduces hand fatigue and strain.
The handle’s grip should also be secure, providing a non-slip surface that ensures safety during use.
After researching and testing various hedge shears, we have identified the top products that stand out in terms of performance, durability, and comfort. In the following section, we will dive into the details of each product, highlighting their unique features and benefits.
Best Hedge Shears
We understand the importance of maintaining a beautiful garden, and we know that having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best hedge shears on the market.
Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a homeowner looking to keep your hedges in top shape, our list has something for everyone. From ergonomic handles to sharp blades, we’ve taken into consideration all the features that make a great hedge shear.
So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best hedge shears in 2024.
1. Fiskars PowerGear2 Hedge Shears
If you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting hedge shear, the Fiskars PowerGear2 Hedge Shears is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With its extendable handles, it’s perfect for making high or hard-to-reach cuts, trimming flower stems, maintaining your herb garden, and more.
- The patented gear technology multiplies leverage to give you more power on each cut, making it easier to use for extended periods.
- The low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance, ensuring that the blades stay sharp through heavy use.
Cons
- The shears are a bit heavy, which may make it difficult for some users to maneuver.
- The handles may feel a bit uncomfortable for users with smaller hands.
- The price point may be a bit high for some users.
In our experience, the Fiskars PowerGear2 Hedge Shears is a high-quality product that is designed to last. The extendable handles and patented gear technology make cutting easier and less tiring, while the low-friction blade coating ensures that the blades stay sharp and durable.
However, the weight of the shears may be an issue for some users, and the handles may not be comfortable for users with smaller hands.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting hedge shear, the Fiskars PowerGear2 Hedge Shears is definitely worth considering.
You might also be interested in checking out the guide on the best long handled lawn shears.
2. ARS HS-KR1000 KR1000 Hedgeshears Steel
We highly recommend the ARS HS-KR1000 KR1000 Hedgeshears Steel for anyone looking for the best hedge shears on the market.
These shears provide the best and healthiest cut possible and are perfect for both professional and personal use (find out the best professional garden shears).
Pros
- Superior steel and blade treatment for unsurpassed cutting performance
- Long-lasting sharpness; Pivot bolt for blade adjustments
- Perfect shape and balance for continued use
Cons
- Higher price point than some other options on the market
- Replacement blades can be expensive
- May not be ideal for larger hedge trimming jobs due to the smaller size
The ARS HS-KR1000 KR1000 Hedgeshears Steel are made with superior steel and blade treatment, making them unmatched in terms of cutting performance.
The long-lasting sharpness and pivot bolt for blade adjustments make these shears ideal for continued use, and their perfect shape and balance ensure comfortable use.
One downside to these shears is their higher price point compared to some other options on the market. Additionally, replacement blades can be expensive. These shears may also not be ideal for larger hedge trimming jobs due to their smaller size.
Overall, the ARS HS-KR1000 KR1000 Hedgeshears Steel are the best hedge shears on the market for those looking for the highest quality and most precise cuts.
3. Fiskars Power-Lever Hedge Shears
If you’re looking for hedge shears that are versatile and easy to use, then the Fiskars Power-Lever Hedge Shears are a great choice.
Pros
- The extendable handles make it easy to reach high or hard-to-reach areas while still maintaining control.
- The low-friction blade coating ensures smooth cuts and reduces gumming, while the self-sharpening design ensures every cut is clean and crisp.
- The steel blades are durable and stay sharp even with heavy use.
Cons
- The blades may begin to separate when the handles are fully extended.
- The shears are relatively heavy, which may make them difficult to use for extended periods.
- The price point is higher than some other hedge shears on the market.
We’ve used the Fiskars Power-Lever Hedge Shears for a variety of pruning tasks, and we’ve found them to be reliable and easy to use. The extendable handles are a great feature, as they allow us to reach high or hard-to-reach areas while still maintaining control.
The low-friction blade coating ensures smooth cuts and reduces gumming, while the self-sharpening design ensures every cut is clean and crisp. We’ve also found that the steel blades are durable and stay sharp even with heavy use.
One potential downside to these shears is that the blades may begin to separate when the handles are fully extended. This can make it difficult to make precise cuts in tight spaces.
Additionally, the shears are relatively heavy, which may make them difficult to use for extended periods. However, we’ve found that the benefits of the extendable handles and durable blades outweigh these minor drawbacks.
Overall, we would recommend the Fiskars Power-Lever Hedge Shears to anyone looking for versatile and reliable hedge shears.
While they may be a bit more expensive than some other options on the market, we believe that the quality and durability of these shears make them worth the investment.
4. KEMAISI Pruning Shears Garden Shears
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable pair of pruning shears, KEMAISI Pruning Shears Garden Shears might be the right choice for you.
These garden scissors are made from high-quality SK-5 high-carbon steel blades that stay sharp through heavy use and offer excellent durability for lasting value.
They are designed to help you cultivate a better garden, with features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space.
Pros
- The bypass design can effectively cut stems without damaging the plant itself. They will leave clean cuts on the branches.
- The low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance. The self-cleaning sap groove keeps blades from sticking.
- The ergonomically designed soft cushion non-slip handles allow more control of the clippers.
Cons
- The locking mechanism is not very smooth, and it can be difficult to lock and adjust the hand.
- The cutting capacity is limited to tree branches up to 3/4″ in diameter, depending on the type of tree.
- The handle is not very comfortable for people with larger hands.
We have used KEMAISI Pruning Shears Garden Shears for a variety of pruning tasks, such as cutting flower stems and maintaining our herb garden. The bypass design is effective in cutting stems without damaging the plant itself, leaving clean cuts on the branches.
The low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance. The self-cleaning sap groove keeps blades from sticking, making the pruning process more efficient.
The ergonomically designed soft cushion non-slip handles allow more control of the clippers, making it easier to make precise cuts. However, the locking mechanism is not very smooth, and it can be difficult to lock and adjust the hand.
The cutting capacity is limited to tree branches up to 3/4″ in diameter, depending on the type of tree. Additionally, the handle is not very comfortable for people with larger hands.
Overall, KEMAISI Pruning Shears Garden Shears are an excellent choice for gardeners who need a reliable and durable pair of pruning shears.
They are designed to help you cultivate a better garden, with features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space.
You might also be interested in checking out the article on the best grass shears.
5. Woodland Tools Co. Super Duty 32″ MaxForce Lopper, Tree Cutter, Branch Trimmer, Gardening Hand Loppers, Limb Clipper (25-3003-100) Super Duty Lopper
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable lopper, the Woodland Tools Co. Super Duty 32″ MaxForce Lopper is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The optimized gearing technology with advanced blade design provides superior cutting power that you won’t get from other brands.
- The U-shape design keeps the tool in your power zone, allowing you to maximize your own strength and make cuts with less effort.
- The tri-layer elongated soft grips allow you to grip the tool in a position that is comfortable for you, while shock-reducing bumpers limit impact during tough cuts.
Cons
- The lopper is a bit heavy, which might make it difficult for some people to use it for extended periods of time.
- The price is a bit steep compared to other loppers on the market.
- The lopper is quite large, which might make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Woodland Tools Co. Super Duty 32″ MaxForce Lopper, and we were impressed with its performance.
The lopper features a high carbon steel blade with a proprietary Onyx coating that provides both performance and durability, keeping the tool sharp and rust-free.
The U-shape design of the lopper kept the tool in our power zone, allowing us to maximize our own strength and make cuts with less effort. The tri-layer elongated soft grips were comfortable to hold, and the shock-reducing bumpers limited impact during tough cuts.
Overall, we would recommend the Woodland Tools Co. Super Duty 32″ MaxForce Lopper to anyone in need of a reliable and durable lopper.
While it is a bit heavy and expensive, the superior cutting power and functional comfort make it worth the investment. Plus, the fact that the company is committed to sustainability and offers a lifetime guarantee is a nice bonus.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best hedge shears, there are a few important factors to consider.
We’ve compiled a list of features to look for when shopping for hedge shears to ensure you make the right choice for your needs.
Blade Quality
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing hedge shears is the quality of the blades.
Look for blades that are made from high-quality materials such as carbon steel or stainless steel. These materials are durable and will hold their edge longer than cheaper materials.
Additionally, look for blades that are sharp and have a serrated edge. This will ensure that you can make clean, precise cuts with minimal effort.
Blade Length
The length of the blades is another important factor to consider. Longer blades are ideal for trimming larger hedges, while shorter blades are better for smaller hedges and precision trimming.
Consider the size of the hedges you’ll be trimming and choose a blade length that is appropriate for your needs.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort and ergonomics are also important factors to consider when choosing hedge shears. Look for shears that have comfortable handles that are easy to grip.
Additionally, consider the weight of the shears. Heavy shears can quickly become tiring to use, so choose a pair that is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Other Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. For example, some hedge shears have extendable handles that allow you to reach higher hedges without the need for a ladder.
Others have a locking mechanism that keeps the blades closed when not in use for added safety. Consider your specific needs and choose a pair of hedge shears that has the features that are important to you.
By considering these factors when shopping for hedge shears, you can ensure that you choose a high-quality product that will meet your needs and last for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated brands for professional hedge shears?
When it comes to professional hedge shears, there are a few brands that stand out. Some of the top-rated brands include ARS, Felco, and Okatsune. These brands are known for their high-quality materials, durability, and precision cutting.
Which hedge shears are best suited for heavy-duty garden work?
If you’re looking for hedge shears that can handle heavy-duty garden work, then you’ll want to look for shears with longer blades and sturdy handles.
Some good options include the Fiskars PowerGear2 Hedge Shears, the Corona HS 3950 Extendable Hedge Shears, and the Gonicc Professional Hedge Shears.
How do electric hedge shears compare to manual ones in terms of performance?
Electric hedge shears are generally faster and easier to use than manual ones, but they can also be more expensive and require more maintenance (find out the best electric grass shears).
Manual hedge shears, on the other hand, are more affordable and don’t require any power source, but they can be more tiring to use for long periods of time.
What are the recommended blade lengths for efficient hedge shaping?
The recommended blade length for hedge shears depends on the size of the hedge you’ll be working on. For small hedges, a blade length of 6-8 inches should be sufficient. For larger hedges, you’ll want to look for blades that are 10-12 inches long.
Can you explain the difference between hedge shears and hedge trimmers?
Hedge shears and hedge trimmers are both used for shaping hedges, but they work in slightly different ways.
The hedge shears are manually operated and are used for the precise shaping of individual branches. The hedge trimmers, on the other hand, are powered by electricity or gas and are used for quickly cutting back large sections of a hedge (here are the best electric hedge trimmers).
Be sure to check out our detailed comparison guide for hedge trimmer with battery vs gas.
What features should one look for when choosing hedge shears for precise shaping?
When choosing hedge shears for precise shaping, there are a few key features to look for. First, look for shears with sharp, high-quality blades that will make clean cuts.
You’ll also want to look for shears with comfortable handles that are easy to grip and won’t cause hand fatigue.
Finally, consider the weight of the shears – lighter shears will be easier to maneuver and control.