Having the right pair of hedge shears can make all the difference when it’s time to clip your hedge.
I have cut my fair share of hedges, and one thing I can say for sure you need the right tool to achieve the result you are looking for. Working tall flat hedges requires something different from working small curved hedges. So this has led me to categorize the best hedge shears for a number of tasks.
I tested some of the most popular garden hedge shears available today. Along with a breakdown of the most important specifications for each pair of shears, I included a short review of each one that will help you decide which garden hedge shears are perfect for you.
- Best Hedge Shears at a Glance
- Choosing the Best Garden Hedge Shears
- Best Hedge Trimming Shears Reviewed
- 1. ARS Professional Hedge Shears
- 2. Corona HS Extendable Hedge Shear 10-Inch Blade
- 3. OARA Garden Hedge Shears
- 4. Okatsune Precision Hedge Shears, 7 5/8” Blade, 22” Overall
- 5. TABOR TOOLS Straight Blade Hedge Shears
- 6. Fiskars Garden Powergear 2 Hedge Shears, 23”
- 7. STIHL Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Hedge Shears
- 8. Okatsune Wood Hedge Shear Blade: 8in Total:30.7in
- Verdict: Best Hedge Shears for Clipping
Best Hedge Shears at a Glance
If you are short on time and need to know which to know the best garden shears, then here are my three recommendations. The best overall quality shears, the best extendable product, and the best budget option.
Best Professional Shears
ARS Professional Hedge Shears
High-quality shears with 7-inch scissor-action blades. So light you can use them all day without fatigue.
Best Extendable Shears
Corona HS Extendable Hedge Shear 10-Inch Blade
Steel handles extend 15” to 26”, and offer plenty of reach. 10-inch high carbon steel blades have a smooth cut action.
Best Budget Shears
OARA Garden Hedge Shears
Budget shears that offer surprising quality. 21-inch long with 65MN carbon steel blades and Teflon coating.
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Choosing the Best Garden Hedge Shears
Many people assume that one pair of garden shears is the same as the next, but many different factors are important to understand when you’re thinking of buying hedge shears. So let me break it down for you, allowing you to pinpoint what specifications matter to you.
How Do You Intend Using Your Shears
Perhaps the most informative question to ask before buying hedge shears is what you plan on doing with them.
Are you looking for a pair of powerhouse shears that will slice through thick woody branches, or do you only need to trim newer, softer growths on your hedges?
Do you need long handles to reach up high? Or, are you working in tight spaces where a shorter pair of garden hedge shears might be more dextrous?
These essential questions can go a long way to narrowing down your choices for shears. So have that thought in mind as we run through this nest section.
Type of Hedge Shear Blade
Hedge shear blades come in several shapes: straight, wavy/curved, or serrated. Each style has its pros and cons, so consider your options carefully.
Straight Edge
Blades with a straight edge geometry are optimized for trimming softwood branches and green shoots. They are also the most straightforward hedge shear blade to sharpen, especially if you can disassemble the shear blades.
For these reasons, straight-edge blades are the most common blade shape available today. If at the end of this you are still unsure what shape blade to go for, then opt for a straight edge, and you won’t go far wrong.
Curved Blade
Curved or wavy blades are a fantastic choice for cutting through thick branches of 0.25 inches or more. The curved shape of the cutting edge helps to draw the branch inward and stops the branch from slipping.
Curved blades are difficult to sharpen, and it is often best to take these types of shears to a professional for sharpening unless you already have the necessary experience.
Serrated Edge
Shears with serrated blades are for cutting through the thickest and toughest branches. The “teeth” on a serrated blade are very effective at biting into the wood, making cutting branches thicker than 0.25 inches much easier.
Serrated blades are the hardest to resharpen and should only be handled by professionals with purpose-designed sharpening tools.
Cutting Capacity
When I refer to cutting capacity, I am talking about the maximum diameter of a branch that a set of garden hedge shears can cut.
Most hedge shears are capable of making cuts of up to about 0.5 inches. Some manufacturers design hedge shears with a limb notch that helps to enhance their cutting capacity, but for really thick branches, using a hedge pole saw or pair of loppers is a better choice.
Blade Material
You need to carefully consider the material the shear blades are made of when buying garden shears.
Different metals have different chemical makeups, which impact how sharp the blade will get, how well it holds its edge, how easy it is to resharpen, and if it will be prone to rust. Some manufacturers will also apply protective coatings to their blades to increase their durability.
Stainless Steel
A popular choice because of its corrosion and rust-resistant properties, stainless steel is often used for the blades of hedge shears. Stainless steel blades are best for thinner, younger branches with new green growth.
Carbon Steel
High carbon steel blades are more robust and sharper, making them a good choice for cutting thicker or harder branches. However, because of the high carbon content in the steel, these blades are prone to rust when exposed to moisture, so keeping them clean and dry is critical.
Non-Stick Coating
Many manufacturers will apply a non-stick coating such as Teflon on their blades. The coating helps protect the blade against rust and corrosion. The non-stick coating also ensures that natural materials such as sap don’t build up and cause the edges to stick together.
Length of Shears
The right length for garden hedge shears depends on what you want to do with them. Shear length can be broken down between blade length and handle length.
Blade Length
Short blades of around 6-inches in length are an ideal choice for making cuts between waist and shoulder high. For tall hedges, a blade that measures somewhere between 9 and 12 inches will provide the best overall performance.
Most hedge shears have blades of around 7 to 8 inches in length, and that is an excellent all-around option that can handle almost every kind of cut you will need to make.
For extremely tall hedges, then it may be worth considering a pole hedge trimmer, which is essentially a motor-powered trimmer mounted on a fixed or extendable pole.
Handle Length
Most shears will have handles that measure about 20 to 25 inches long.
Longer handles will provide more power and leverage, which can make cutting thick branches easier. Short handles help reduce the weight of the shears and are easier to handle in tight spaces.
Extendable or Telescopic Handles
Hedge shears have either a fixed handle length or extendable handles that increase your reach when necessary.
If you need the reach and power of long handles but also want to maneuver in small spaces around your hedges, buying shears with extendable or telescopic handles offers the best of both worlds.
Leverage Gears
Some manufacturers designed their garden hedge shears with geared mechanisms that increase the cutting power of the shears. Typically built at the pivot point between the blades, a leverage gear mechanism can provide up to 2x or 3x more power than shears without a gear mechanism.
A leverage gear can be a lifesaver if you have thick or dead branches that you need to cut, but if you are mainly cutting young green shoots, this type of cutting machine is unnecessary.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Garden hedge shears are only worth the money if you are going to use them, and a significant factor in how often you do so is how easy the shears are to use.
When considering ease of use, weight is a vital factor to be aware of. Shears need to be lightweight enough that you can comfortably lift them overhead, reach across hedge tops, and navigate with them easily. You might even strain your neck, back, or arms if the shears are too heavy.
Handle construction is essential too. Handles are often made with shock-absorbing materials to reduce fatigue. The lightest, most comfortable handles typically use plastic, fiberglass, or wood.
The ergonomics of the hedge shears are also an important aspect of the tool that you should review before making a final decision. Handle angle, anti-sweat grips, anti-vibration materials, and adjustable blade tension are all elements of the shears that might affect how comfortable they are to use.
Best Hedge Trimming Shears Reviewed
Here are the eight best hedge shears I tested and reviewed. Every pair of shears listed below is a high-quality tool, but which one is perfect for you will depend on your individual needs.
1. ARS Professional Hedge Shears
Best Professional Shears
- Overall Length: 28 inches
- Blade Length: 7 inches
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Blade Design: Straight
- Weight: 1.72 lbs
Pros:
- Ergonomic handles with shock-absorbing bumpers
- Marquench hardened blades
- Extraordinarily lightweight
Cons:
- Blade length could be longer
The best professional-grade shears available today, the ARS HS-KR1000, measure 28 inches long, including 7-inch blades. The straight-edge blades are high carbon steel that has been marquench hardened for even more outstanding durability.
These shears are lightweight but also cut smoothly, making them the perfect choice for shaping and trimming your hedges. The shock-absorbing bumpers, ergonomic handles, and adjustable blade tension all help to make these professional shears incredibly comfortable and easy to use.
These shears are the perfect choice for any landscaper who needs power, precision, and efficiency in a lightweight package.
2. Corona HS Extendable Hedge Shear 10-Inch Blade
Best Extendable Shears
- Overall Length: 15-26 inches
- Blade Length: 8.5 inches
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Blade Design: Straight
- Weight: 3.48 lbs
Pros:
- Steel handles extend from 15 to 26 inches
- Precision pivot bolt offers smooth cutting strokes
- Easy to resharpen the blades
Cons:
- Too heavy for all-day trimming
A pair of hedge shears with extendable handles are essential when you have tall hedges. The Corona HS extendable shears are 15 inches long, and you can extend them to a total length of 26 inches.
The 8.5-inch high carbon forged steel blades are sharp and durable, while the precision-made pivot bolt makes the cutting action smooth and reliable.
These shears are on the heavy side, but the ShockStop bumper and soft rubber comfort grips help make using the shears comfortable.
3. OARA Garden Hedge Shears
Best Budget Shears
- Overall Length: 20.9 inches
- Blade Length: 10 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Blade Design: Wavy
- Weight: 2.07 lbs
Pros:
- Anti-sweat vinyl grips are comfortable
- 65MN carbon steel blades will stay sharp for a long time
- Teflon coating prevents rust
Cons:
- Small size is not suitable for tall hedges
Hands down, the best budget-level shears I tested for this article are these OARA garden hedge shears. They are just over 20 inches long and feature 10-inch long, carbon steel, wavy-shaped blades that are perfect for cutting thicker branches that a straight edge might struggle to cut.
Despite being marketed as a budget option, these OARA shears come with several excellent features to make the shears more comfortable to use, like the anti-sweat vinyl grips and a shock-absorbing bumper that reduces vibration.
- Overall Length: 22 inches
- Blade Length: 7.5 inches
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Blade Design: Straight
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
Pros:
- Durable handles made of Japanese White Oak
- The high carbon Yasuki steel blades are incredibly sharp
- Lightweight and well-balanced
Cons:
- Prone to rusting if not regularly oiled
Utilizing hot hammer-forged Izumo Yasuki Steel for the straight blades and durable Japanese white oak for the handle, Okatsune manufactured these impressive hedge shears.
Okatsune has tempered the 7.5-inch blades to a 60 on the Rockwell Hardness scale, and they are extraordinarily sharp.
Despite not offering any of the comfort features that have become increasingly common on modern shears, these precision garden shears are comfortable to use. They are well-balanced and lightweight enough that shoulder and arm fatigue was not an issue even after extended usage.
- Overall Length: 23.23 inches
- Blade Length: 7 inches
- Blade Material: Precision-Ground Steel
- Blade Design: Straight
- Weight: 2.05 lbs
Pros:
- Lightweight aluminum handles reduce shoulder/arm fatigue
- Delicate but sharp blades are suitable for precision cutting
- Shock bumpers and vinyl grips increase comfort
Cons:
- Too small for big jobs
These hedge shears from Tabor Tools are 23 inches long with 7-inch precision-ground steel blades and aluminum handles.
The handles feature vinyl comfort grips and bumpers for absorbing shock. They are also shorter, making the shears comfortable while keeping them tight against your body.
If you have boxwoods, hedges, or decorative topiary shrubs, the straight blades on these Tabor shears can provide the delicate precision you need to trim and shape your plants.
- Overall Length: 23 inches
- Blade Length: 10 inches
- Blade Material: Alloy Steel
- Blade Design: Straight
- Weight: 2.45 lbs
Pros:
- Patented gear technology offers up to 3x more power
- Long, oval-shaped handles make cutting easier
- The low-friction coating prevents rust and stuck blades
Cons:
- Alloy steel blades typically aren’t as sharp as high carbon steel
The PowerGear2 hedge shears from Fiskars feature a power-boosting leverage gear and oval-shaped handles that contributed to the Arthritis Foundation certifying these shears as being easy and comfortable to handle.
The 10-inch long, straight-edge blades are strong, and Fiskar applied a low-friction coating to the blades that protect against rust and stops the blades from sticking.
These shears are heavier than other options, but the patented gear technology provides up to 3x as much power and makes cutting thick branches easier.
- Overall Length: 22 inches
- Blade Length: 8.5 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Blade Design: Straight
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
Pros:
- Ultra-sharp blades slice through hedges quickly
- .375 inch cutting capacity is perfect for sculpting
- Aesthetic design with mirror-finish blades and white oak handles
Cons:
- Blades are not replaceable
STIHL’s heavy-duty hedge shears feature 8.5-inch long carbon steel blades that are cold-forged and corrosion-resistant. The straight-edge blades also feature an intriguing mirror finish that adds a nice finish to the tool.
The shears are also comfortable to use with round oak handles that make it easy to maneuver the shears over the tops and sides of hedges.
These heavy-duty shears offer a cutting capacity of up to 0.375 inches and are an excellent choice for trimming and sculpting jobs.
- Overall Length: 30.7 inches
- Blade Length: 8 inches
- Blade Material: Alloy Steel
- Blade Design: Straight
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
Pros:
- Long handles offer better reach for tall hedges
- Razor-sharp blades perform well on hard branches
- Alloy steel has a very high Rockwell hardness rating of 60-61
Cons:
- Most expensive option on the list
The second pair of Okatsune shears on this list is a little over 30 inches long with 8 inches of alloy steel blades that are razor sharp and have a Rockwell rating of 60-61.
Despite being the longest shears on this list, these hedge shears are well-balanced and relatively lightweight. I found them comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
The extra-long handles are made of Japanese White Oak and provide a good amount of reach for cutting tall hedges. These hedge shears are worth your consideration if you have a holly, yew, or azaleas bushes.
Verdict: Best Hedge Shears for Clipping
Ultimately, the right shears for your hedges are up to you, but hopefully, a few of the hedge shears on this list have caught your attention.
If you are interested in professional-grade hedge shears, check out the ARS Professional Hedge Shears. They are light as a feather, and the hardened blades make cutting easy.
Best Professional Shears
ARS Professional Hedge Shears
High-quality shears with 7-inch scissor-action blades. So light you can use them all day without fatigue.
Best Extendable Shears
Corona HS Extendable Hedge Shear 10-Inch Blade
Steel handles extend 15” to 26”, and offer plenty of reaches. 10-inch high carbon steel blades have a smooth cut action.
Best Budget Shears
OARA Garden Hedge Shears
Budget shears that offer surprising quality. 21-inch long with 65MN carbon steel blades and Teflon coating.