Trimming the hedges is quite important to ensure that the lawn looks presentable.
The issue with this is that it can be quite challenging at times. Especially during a hot day, trimming the hedge is the last thing I like to do (sometimes I sweet talk the husband into it!). But, all things said and done, it is never easy and not always comfortable. That is when I decided to research and ask around about better hedge shears.
Hi, my name is Stacy Smith, and if you too are looking to make hedge trimming a bit less strenuous, you’re in the right place. I’ve put together this comprehensive review and guide on the best hedge shears on the market right now. Hopefully, by the end of it, finding the ideal one won’t be so difficult.
So, let’s cut right to the chase, shall we?
Top 5 Hedge Shears Reviews
1. OARA Garden Hedge Shears
One of the first products I came across was this hedge shear by OARA. On digging deeper, I realized quite a large crowd was raving about it, and it’s also Amazon's choice. So, naturally, I had to give it a go.
Product Highlights
If manicuring hedges and making the lawn look decorative is your thing, then this hedge shear by OARA is worth considering. It is made out of 65MN carbon steel and is sharp enough to go through the hedges like a hot knife through butter. Moreover, it has an ergonomic design that makes it even easier to cut through.
Elaborating more on the design, the OARA hedge shear is very easy to hold on to. This hedge shear has vinyl grips that make it more comfortable to hold onto. But that’s not it; it has shock-absorbing bumpers as well that reduce arm and shoulder fatigue. In addition, the user-friendly design and cushioning will ensure hedge trimming is something you look forward to.
Additionally, it is very durable. The blades are coated with Teflon, preventing them from rusting due to all the friction and prolonged use. Plus, if the tool gets damaged, the company will replace it or provide a refund.
What’s There To Like About It?
One of the things that I liked was that holding on to it was effortless. The padding on the handle was soft, and trimming did not tire me out as much as it used to. Moreover, the feel of the handle is great and allows you to grip it properly.
I also liked how sharp the blades were and how smooth the whole trimming process is. It lessens the effort since the hedges cut without too much pressure.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The only thing I was a bit disappointed to see was that the anti-shock bumpers got damaged after just a few uses. It works well for a while, but prolonged use might make it snap. However, it’s a very small element to the tool, so it hardly makes a difference. Moreover, it is a little on the heavier side.
Pros and Cons of OARA Garden Hedge Shears
Pros
Cons
2. Okatsune Precision Hedge Shears
Next on this list is one that was recommended to me by a good friend and avid gardener, Philip. He is usually always in tune with what the market has to provide. And so, I had to try!
Product Highlights
If you’re looking for a top-quality hedge shear that is elegant and stylish, check out the Okatsune precision hedge shear. This garden scissor is ideal for professionals and beginners as it is small, lightweight, and easy to handle. Additionally, you can buy it in packs of two, three, and four (other than just one).
Now, coming to the design of this hedge shear. It is made with beautiful Japanese white oak to give it an elegant and attractive look. But, there is more to it than just pretty design. This hedge shear is 21 inches long with a 6.9-inch blade. Additionally, it is only 1.75 pounds in weight, making it comfortable to carry for long hours.
You will appreciate the quality of this shear as it is quite sharp and efficient. This is because it is made with the same steel that’s used in Katana.
What’s There To Like About It?
One of the best things about this hedge shear is the quality of the blade. It is uber sharp and can cut through most tough shrubs with ease. But that’s not all; I was quite impressed to notice the sharpness of the blade remained the same over a long time.
In addition to the sharpness, I loved the design as it is simple, but it gives off a beautiful look. This hedge shear was definitely an excellent addition to my toolbox.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
One thing that surprised me a bit about this tool was the price. It is relatively simple compared to some of its competitors yet was priced higher. This is probably because of the Japanese oak wood it is made of but still seemed unnecessary. In addition to that, I was disappointed to see no other features like a softer handler or shock-absorbers.
Pros and Cons of Okatsune Precision Hedge Shears
Pros
Cons
- Size: Total Length: 21.1 inches (53.5 cm), Blade Length: 6.9 inches (17.5 cm)
- Weight: 28.1 oz (800
- Material: Special steel
3. GARTOL Hedge Shears
While researching some more hedge shears, I came across this one by GARTOL. It seemed to be quite popular among many new and avid gardeners for being comfortable and efficient. After all, what more do you need, right?
Product Highlights
Finding a hedge shear that works ideally and doesn’t cost a fortune is no longer a challenging task, thanks to the GARTOL hedge shear. TPR grips and steel construction make this hedge shear easy to use and comfortable for long periods. Additionally, it has soft grip touch points to enhance comfort.
Even the blades are quite impressive on this tool. Made with SK5 high carbon, this hedge shear is made with 9-inch blades. These blades also have a rust-resistant coating that ensures they last for a long time. In addition, it has a flower-shaped tension control knob for when you’re cutting denser branches.
Another impressive feature is the shock absorption pads. These make manual trimming a lot easier and lower the amount of fatigue caused by it. And, they reduce the noise hedge shears usually make. Moreover, you will appreciate that a lifetime warranty backs it.
What’s There To Like About It?
I was mighty impressed with how sharp the blades were. I mean, there is no surprise there since it is made with high carbon steel, but it was a delight watching it smoothly cut through dense shrubs. Moreover, the flower knob in the middle did help a lot on most trimming days.
I also quite liked the design in general. Thanks to the non-slip handles and grip touch points, the make is pretty ergonomic.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
A significant issue with this hedge shear is that the handles, while offering tremendous grip, are not very soft. So while it is easy and comfortable to use initially, it can become harder on the skin with time.
Additionally, it does weigh a little more than other similar products in the market, so prolonged use might tire you out a little.
Pros and Cons of GARTOL Hedge Shears
Pros
Cons
- [WAVY BLADE FOR PRECISION CUTTING] Tired of branches slipping away? Our 23-inch hedge clippers feature an advanced wavy blade design that effectively traps twigs and branches, preventing them from sliding off during trimming. Perfect for shaping overgrown bushes, boxwoods, and decorative shrubs with clean, healthy cuts that promote plant growth.
- [FORGED HIGH-CARBON STEEL & RUST-RESISTANT] Built for heavy-duty yard work. The fully hardened, precision-ground high-carbon steel blades stay sharp longer than standard bypass shears. Coated with a low-friction, rust-resistant finish, these manual bush trimmers glide through wood smoothly and withstand outdoor moisture, ensuring long-lasting performance season after season.
- [SHOCK-ABSORBING BUMPERS FOR LESS FATIGUE] Say goodbye to shoulder and wrist pain. Integrated shock-absorbing bumpers significantly reduce jarring vibrations upon cutting impact. Combined with ergonomic, anti-slip TPR handle grips, these shears provide maximum comfort and control, making extended landscaping and yard maintenance tasks physically easier.
4. Corona Hedge Shear
Hedge trimming can be tremendously difficult for some people, especially when the hedge is quite long. This is where the Corona hedge shear comes in with features that make trimming easy for everyone.
Product Highlights
If you are looking for a hedge shear that can help reach a far corner you always miss out on, this one's for you. The Corona hedge shear can help as its design allows people to extend their reach without physically straining themselves . This tool has handles extending up to 20 inches, allowing most people to trim the shrubs comfortably.
Coming to the actual blade. The Corona hedge shear has an 8.5-inch blade made out of high carbon steel. This material ensures the blade remains durable and retains its strength for a long time. Plus, in case the blade does deteriorate in sharpness, they can be resharpened at home using a blade sharpener (not included).
In addition to all that, it has shock stop bumpers that are high-quality and will reduce arm and shoulder fatigue. To aid smoother cutting, the hedge shear has a pivot bolt that ensures effortless cutting.
What’s There To Like About It?
For me, it was the extendable handles. Leaning over and stretching out over the hedge is not really easy, and these extendable handles make life simple. With these, I was not physically straining myself to cut some difficult spots.
In addition, I liked the anti-shock rubber pads. These are very high quality and were successful in reducing the impact of the hedge shear too.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
These are not for the faint-hearted! It weighs close to 4lbs, and hence it is not meant for people with more extensive lawns. This can easily be used on smaller hedges or in shorter periods, but cutting a large area all at once can be a bit challenging.
Moreover, I realized that the extended portion of the handle does not lock for long.
Pros and Cons of Corona Hedge Shear
Pros
Cons
- Lightweight steel handles with comfort grips extend from 15-Inch to 26"
- 8.5" forged high carbon steel blades for durability and strength
- ShockStop bumper reduces and arm and shoulder fatigue
5. Colwelt Hedge Clippers
Finally, I present the hedge shears by Colwelt. These were given as a gift to me by my son when I expressed my need for new hedge shears. I had read about these, so naturally, I was excited to try.
Product Highlights
These hedge shears are ideal for anyone that’s looking for a classic and durable tool to trim hedges. It is 21 inches in length and has a total weight of 1.8 lbs making it sufficiently lightweight to use. Additionally, it is highly recommended by people who like to manicure and trim hedges into decorative shapes.
Now coming to the blades on this tool. It has forged carbon steel blades with an anti-stick coating. This ensures the blade does stick to the bushes and provides for a smooth cutover for prolonged periods. Plus, the unique design on the blades allows for more precise cutting and reduces the chances of the hedge shear slipping off.
Even the design is quite ergonomic, making it very popular among avid gardeners. The soft grip handles are comfortable to hold and are also non-slip to eliminate the chances of any accidents. But that’s not all; it has anti-shock bumpers to reduce fatigue and arm pain.
What’s There To Like About It?
One thing I particularly liked about these hedge shears was the feel of the tool. The handles are pretty soft to hold, and the grips make it even easier to achieve a comfortable hold for long hours of trimming.
Additionally, they are longer and lighter than most hedge shears in the market which adds to why it is easier to use. It has a little knob on the tool to adjust the cutting width that helps tremendously.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
One of the things that I found a little disappointing was how thin the blades were. While most of the time, it was cutting well and gave me no trouble, the blade’s thinness was tested against dense shrubs. In such cases, the blades tend to twist a little bit. Plus, the handles are not the best quality and tend to slip off with time.
Pros and Cons of Colwelt Hedge Clippers
Pros
Cons
- ABOUT HEDGE CLIPPERS: this hedge shears is 21’’ in length, 1.8lbs in weight. It is lightweight, sharp, durable, brings clean smooth cut. Every cut will be a joyful experience and your shrubs will grow back nicely. Ideal for shaping and manicuring boxwood, hedges, shrubs and decorative topiary plants.
- EASY CUT WAVY BLADES: the blades of this bush trimmers are made of forged carbon steel with anti-stick coating, which provides a great cutting performance and long-lasting usage. Wavy blades design makes cut smoothly and easily, keep the twigs from slipping off. The clean smooth cuts are better for plants' health.
- ERGONOMIC COMFORTABLE DESIGN: Some special designs of this hedge clippers are made to give you more efficient and pleasant trimming. The ergonomic Soft-grip Handles are nonslip & comfortable enough for extended time trimming with less pain. Shock-absorbing Bumper softens jarring vibrations of abrupt stops and reduces wrist and shoulder pain.
Buyers Guide
Hedge shears are not a new tool in the market, and there are tons to choose from. In a sea of hedge shears, how do you find the ideal one? That is what I’m going to be answering in this section.
There are quite a few factors that are usually taken into consideration when picking out the ideal hedge shear. It’s not just weight but also factors like padding and blade type that need to be looked at before finalizing one of the many available. I have gathered some information on these factors and put them together in a little buyer’s guide.
Let’s go into some more details.
1. Length
The length is an essential factor for quite a few people. If you are one of those people who do not have a lot of reach, having a long hedge shear can make things easier. The same goes for people who do have long hedges and want to get a lot done in one go.
Longer hedge shears allow you to trim in harder-to-reach places with ease. Additionally, they also provide a bit more trimming power.
2. Weight
One of the most important factors is the weight of the hedge shears, as you will have to hold on to the tool for a while. If these clippers are too heavy, then it can become physically strenuous to keep trimming with them. However, buying something too light might compromise the quality of the blade.
Most of the time, the perfect weight is dependent on the person and how much they can carry. But, it is a given that anything more than 2 pounds can be a bit heavy, especially if you’re a little older like I am. This is why it is essential to have something ideal according to your capabilities.
That being said, hedge shears with high-quality blades or extra long ones usually are a bit on the heavier side.
3. Blade Type and Length
Let’s begin with blade length. This determines how much of the hedge the tool will cut and hence affects the total time required. While longer blades offer a greater cutting surface, they also tend to warp or bend easily. You will find blades between five to 10 inches in the market, but I think somewhere around seven and nine is perfect.
Now, coming to the type of blade. There can be varying types, and the ideal one is based on what you want the result to be. Like some are straight and pointed, some are wavy, and some are serrated in the top. So, if you are looking for something that can cut thick branches, then having serrated edges is ideal.
4. Material
Another important factor is the material of the handle. The handles on most hedge shears can vary from wood, aluminum, or even steel. Since these tools are manually operated, they need to be comfortable for long hours of work.
If you’re looking for a light material to work with, then I suggest aluminum. Additionally, the ones with aluminum handles usually come in extendable versions.
5. Fulcrum
For the handle and the blades to work properly, the fulcrum needs to be top-quality as that is the element that joins them together.
Most of the time, it’s just a small screw, but sometimes, there is an adjustable knob that controls the blade. The ones with the adjustable knobs might be priced higher, but these inclusions contribute to the tool’s smooth working.
6. Additional Features
There are a ton more features that make a hedge shear more efficient and easy to use. One of those is the shock-absorption pads and additional cushioning on the handles. Shock-absorption pads are pretty popular, not to mention needed, since it prevents your knuckles clashing as you trim the hedge.
Moreover, these pads also lessen the vibration and impact of continuous trimming. This, in turn, reduces the chances of arm and shoulder fatigue. In this regard, even extra cushioning on the tool will help make the grip more comfortable and will allow you to enjoy an otherwise strenuous activity.
7. Cost
Obviously, pricing plays a massive role. Just because something is expensive does not mean it will work as well as you think. It is crucial to find the sweet spot where a hedge shear is affordable and efficient. This is why most of the ones I have reviewed are not too expensive yet provide plenty of value.
FAQ’s
Hedge shears, much like most other tools, need to be maintained to ensure it lasts for a long time. The best way to do that would be to constantly clean it post-cutting and store it in a clean place. You can also oil it once every two weeks to make sure the cutting is smooth.
Since you will be cutting thick shrubs and branches, there is a chance splinters might hit your eyes or hands. The best way to prevent that from happening is wearing safety gloves and glasses while trimming the hedges.
Verdict
On that note, I come to the end of my review on the best hedge shears available in the market. I hope this has been an informative read for anyone venturing into the world of hedge manicuring and trimming.
I know I just wrote down a ton for you to read, so allow me to narrow it down even further to two of my favorites. The first one has to be the Okatsune Precision Hedge Shear. As attractive as it is because of its Japanese oak wood, it is just as efficient and light to hold.Â
The second is the GARTOL Hedge Shears because of the handy adjustable knob and high carbon steel blade.Â
For now, I shall now take your leave but will be back soon with many more reviews and guides. See you next time!