The UK Best Garden Shears of 2020

This time we’ve decided to make a list of the best garden shears for 2020. The warm months are finally here and we are all ready to show off our beautiful gardens. However, before the long barbecue nights in the garden and before all the compliments for your green masterpiece, there’s a lot of work to be done.

Taking care of your garden may be a hard task sometimes, but it is really rewarding when you see the fruit of your labour. In this article, we’ll focus mainly on maintaining the hedges in your garden. In order to look good, they do need special care. Hedge trimmers work great, but if you really want clean cuts and nice shapes, you’d better do some fine-tuning. How?

Well, it’s a rather good idea to use hedge shears for that purpose. Since it’s a manual tool, you’d have more control, and you’d be able to be quite precise while using them. It sounds easier than it actually is, I know.

First you have to choose the right tool for your garden, for sure. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but if you do not choose an appropriate tool, the results may not be quite what you’d expected. So we’d like to give you some information about hedge shears, talk about the different types there are and see which would be the best hedge shears for you. Then, after you’ve established your needs, we’ll show you 10 of the best hedge shears for 2020.

So let’s get started.

What Are Hedge Shears?

Hedge shears are a manual tool, that basically looks like a pair of giant scissors. Well, they are much more efficient and can cut through a lot more than a piece of paper. Hedge shears (or garden shears) cut branches with a width of around 2 cm of diameter. Of course, there are some shears that can handle a lot more than that. The shears consist of two long blades, usually between 20 to 35 cm and long handles.

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You could choose shears with fixed or telescopic handles, depending on your needs. The garden shears are a great tool to use for pruning your hedges or maintaining specific form or dimensions. Since the hedge shears are generally light and easy to operate with, they are perfect for fine-tuning and final touches that give a little bit extra to your creation.

How To Choose The Best Garden Shears For You?

Like everything in life, choosing the best hedge shears also needs a bit of your time and consideration. There are a lot of different hedge shears you can choose from. For instance, if you work up close, it’s best if you opt for a shorter blade and a short handle. This means that the tool would be smaller and it would be easier to work with. If you have to work on an awkwardly positioned hedge, or a taller one, it would be best if you consider buying a tool with a longer blade (30cm would be a good choice) and a longer handle, or a telescopic one.

Have in mind that a longer blade and handle could save you from backache because you won’t have to bend down or reach higher as much. Longer blades and handles, however, weigh more, so chances are that you’d probably tire faster and would need more breaks while working. Of course, there are newer options with fibreglass and aluminium, which are lighter than the traditional models, but still, they are heavier than the short ones.  All in all, it is important to choose the right tool for the job that you have to get done.

If still not sure about shears, you may read our cordless hedge trimmer reviews or view electric hedge cutters offerings.

Types of Garden Shears

Once you’ve decided on longer or shorter blades and handles, it’s time to choose the right type of shears. All the garden shears divide into three main categories according to their blades –  straight-blade shears, wavy-blade shears and blade-and-edge shears. Now I will elaborate on how these categories differ and what to consider when you choose a tool from each one.

Straight-blade shears are the most commonly used shears and come in a variety of sizes and materials. The main advantage of these shears is that the blades are touching only at the cutting point, which reduces friction, sticking and it’s easier to operate because it saves effort.

The wavy-blade shears are very useful for cutting open- structured plants as pines or vines because they grip the plant and prevent it from sliding along the blade while you cut. This results in a nice finish with no clumping.

With the blade-and hedge shears, the upper blade is sharp-edged, while the lower is flat. The broad front face supports the leaves or soft branches, while the top one makes clean cuts. It’s a bit like a knife and a cutting board. It’s best to use this type of shears on soft-leafed plants for best results.

Features to Keep in Mind

So now we’re familiar with the three main categories of hedge shears, but when you choose the best hedge shears for you, it’s best if you are familiar with a few other features as well.

For instance, if you need to cut larger twigs or hardwood, it’s best if you choose a model with serrations near the bottom of the blades. This would be a great perk since these serrations will hold the branch in place, plus it would help you to cut it easily. Another thing to look for is a hardened carbon-steel blade. These blades are stronger, will last longer and will give you precise cuts with minimum effort, so have that in mind when you are searching for garden shears.

The adjustable pivot-bolt assembly some of the models have provides more control of the blade tension, so your cuts would be clean and effortless.  Last, but definitely not least, a hedge shear with a rubber buffer would be a great investment as well. It absorbs the shock and reduces stress on your elbows and wrists. Due to that you could work longer and would not have to endure the achy arms when you’ve finished your work.

Now that we’ve covered the usage, the main categories and the best perks of the best hedge shears, it is time to dive in our list of 10 best garden shears for 2020 we’ve set up for you.

Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Hedge Shears

 

We are starting off with a representative of a well-known and successful brand. Spear & Jackson were founded in 1760 and have come a long way ever since. Their name has been associated with steel since the beginning of their journey and that hasn’t changed nowadays. They create and distribute metrology equipment, woodworking tools, magnetic equipment and more, but their main priority has been garden tools since the beginning. With divisions across England, France, China and Australia, Spear & Jackson have established their name and position on the international market and are known for their reliability as a brand. Knowing this it is no surprise that the Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Hedge Shears is in our list of the best garden shears for 2020.

With C50 Carbon steel blades, they are light and sharp, ensuring clean cuts and great results with minimum efforts. They are extremely durable, due to the fact that the blades are hardened and tempered, meaning you won’t have to worry about buying new shears for a long time.

Rust is one of the most common reasons for throwing away a tool of this kind. This one has chrome-plated blades, which makes them rust-resistant. The upper layer protects the steel from the outside conditions, which gives it more life.

Spear & Jackson Razorsharp – Hidden Gem

Another great perk of these hedge shears is that they are notched. This means that you’d have no problem cutting thicker stems if necessary. The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Hedge Shears are equipped with shock absorber as well, so you could work longer without the need for breaks. To add to that, they also have lightweight aluminium handles, which means it would be a bit easier to work even on awkwardly positioned stems without tiring easily.

Last but not least, let’s not forget that Spear & Jackson have won the “Grow your own great British growing” award in 2018, for their durability and quality which speaks volumes.

Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Geared Hedge Shears

 

Next in our list is yet another representative of the Spear & Jackson hedge shears. Of course, this is no surprise, having in mind their history of building durable tools of steel. This international brand had already established their place on the market and still continues to make quality tools which most gardeners recommend.

Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Geared Hedge Shears are geared with a mechanism for easier cutting. This means that you’d make less effort and get the job faster due to needing less time for rest. The fact that the cuts are easier to make with these shears does not take from the quality of the job. You’ll surely have clean cuts and perfectly shaped hedges if you choose this tool. Let’s talk about the blades so you see what I mean. They are made of hardened carbon steel which is quite durable and will ensure long-lasting sharpness. You would surely need to cut years worth of hedges before the blades give in.

Dealing With The Rust

Rust is a big issue with blades as we all know. Personally, I had to get rid of a number of great tools due to rust. In order to resolve that issue, Spear & Jackson PTFE coated the upper blade, making it rust-resistant and improving the smoothness of the cut at the same time. When it comes to the handles, Spear & Jackson took them into consideration as well. They are comfortable to work with non-slip grips, making the gardeners’ life a bit easier. What is more, the handles are aluminium, which makes them not only durable but really light as well.

All in all, the Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Geared Hedge Shears are a great choice for cutting and shaping hedges and shrubs. They will serve you for a long time, and undoubtedly working with them would be comfortable and productive.

Fiskars PowerGear II Hedge Shears

 

Our next pick is a Fiskаrs tool. Fiskars is a very recognizable brand, known for its durable and well-made tools. The company started out in 1649 in a small Finnish town. It is one of the oldest companies in the world. Their trademark is the orange-handled tools related to the home, outdoor activities, interior decoration and table setting. Fiskars PowerGear II Hedge Shears are one of the best hedge shears for 2020 and there are a lot of reasons why this tool made our list.

Suitable for trimming and pruning bushes and small shrubs, these shears are durable, easy to work with and would definitely last a long time. One of the great things about them is that they are suitable for left and right-handed users. As a left-handed person myself, I know how hard it is to find a tool that is comfortable to use (especially scissors, ahh the struggle). This tool has two identical handles, which means it has no “right or wrong” way to hold. This means that you can operate it with both hands if you want.

Fiskars PowerGear II Reach And Weight

The Fiskars PowerGear II Hedge Shears have light lever arms, which are made of special plastic which is stable and durable. The total length of the hedge shears is 57 cm with a weight of only 627g. These measures make the tool quite easy to handle. What is more, these hedge shears require less force on your part, since they have a patented gear mechanism with 3 times higher cutting performance. So you put less effort but do more work. The high-quality steel blades are easy to sharpen and hard to wear out. They have a non-stick coating as well thanks to which you’ll have smoother and cleaner cuts, even if you use only the tips of the blades.

All in all, Fiskars is a brand that has never compromised with the quality of their tools, so you’d definitely make the right choice with them.

Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Telescopic Hedge Shears

 

With this pick, we are slowly transitioning in another category – the telescopic hedge shears. Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Telescopic Hedge Shears are the best selling garden shears with telescopic handles on the market at the moment. This comes as no surprise since Spear & Jackson have proven their reliability as a brand and gave us access to a number of quality tools to use in our gardens. But what makes this model so loved by users?

Let’s start with the carbon steel blades. They are strong and will definitely stay sharp for a long time. The upper blade of this tool has a PTFE coating, which makes for smooth and effortless cutting. Let’s not forget that the coating makes it rust-resistant as well. If you love having a well-kept garden and neatly shaped hedges, this tool would make a huge difference and will make your life a lot easier.

The Telescopic Handles of Spear & Jackson Razorsharp

If you have high or wide hedges that need some maintaining, the Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Telescopic Hedge Shears have got you covered. This tool’s telescopic handles extend from 34 cm to 50cm, which would help you avoid climbing on a chair or on a ladder, which, to be honest, could be quite hazardous sometimes.

Tools with telescopic handles tend to be heavier due to the long handles. However, Spear & Jackson have created the handles of these shears from lightweight aluminium. In total, these shears weigh 1.3 kg which is not much and would not be hard to work with. The soft grips on the handles add to your comfort while working. The adjustable blade tension nut is just another great perk that makes this tool a must-have. The tool also has an easy to use twist & lock telescopic mechanism so you can adjust the length of the handles easily according to your needs.

These shears are a great tool to have in the house, especially if you have a lot of high hedges. Oh, and did we mention that they come with a 10-year guarantee?

Davaon Pro Garden Hedge Shears

 

Davaon is a family company that is run by keen gardeners. Do I need to say more? They wanted to create something that just works. Their goal is to create well-made gardening tools that reduce fatigue, need less effort on your part and last for many years. Their tools are for gardeners made by gardeners.

Davaon Pro Garden Hedge Shears is in our list of the best garden shears for 2020 for many reasons.

First of all, the efficient compound cutting action reduces the effort made for each cut by amplifying the force by at least 40%. So you’ll finish the job with no achy hands afterwards. These hedge shears are perfect for shrubs, hedges and different kind of green plants. The blades of this tool are made from hardened SK5 carbon steel which makes them strong and durable. The upper blade is wavy in order to keep the plant or branch you’re cutting in place. This means that there would be no clumps, only clean cuts. The lower blade is strong and non-stick coated, thanks to which there would be less friction and smoother cutting. Both of the blades are durable and will surely serve you for a long time.

Davaon Pro Aluminium Handles

The handles are made from aluminium, which makes it lighter, but stronger at the same time. Due to the fact that this tool is lightweight, you could work longer hours without fatigue. These hedge shears are rust-resistant and come with soft grips for more comfort while working. These shears come with a 5-year warranty as well which is a great perk as well.

If you need a reliable tool, created with your needs in mind, you should cast a second glance at Davaon Pro Garden Hedge Shears and definitely consider making them your next addition to your set of gardening tools.

GARDENA Comfort Hedge Clippers

 

Gardena is the first choice of millions of home and garden owners worldwide. When it comes to garden care- Gardena is the name to look for. The company began its journey in 1961 in Germany. GARDENA has developed from a small trading company for garden tools into a worldwide recognized manufacturer of intelligent products and systems for garden care within a few decades. In 2007 the company joined the Husqvarna Group and did not stop there. They continue growing and impressing with great tools.

The Gardena Comfort Hedge clippers are a great representative of the quality the company strives for. You can do all kinds of precise work using this tool. The telescopic handles of this tool allow extension by 20 cm. This is quite convenient and eliminates the need for uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous ladders. The aluminium handles are very durable, but light as well. This makes the shears quite comfortable and easy to handle.

GARDENA Comfort – Lightweight And Easy To Work

The tool weighs less than a kilo which makes it easy to work with. With a tool this light, you can work longer with no arm fatigue and frequent need for breaks. This means that these hedge shears save you not only effort but time as well. The ergonomically shaped handles with shock absorption contribute to the user’s comfort. This tool has an integrated branch cutter, which comes in handy when you have to cut thicker branches. You won’t need to switch tools and stop mid-work. The blades are 25cm long and have a non-stick coating which makes your work easier. Both blades are waved, which makes for precise cutting. The waves keep the branches in place, so they won’t slide along the blade while cutting.

This tool is strong and durable. To back this statement, Gardena provides a 25-year warranty for it. These shears definitely deserve their place among the best garden shears for 2020.

Shrub Shears Okatsune 217

 

The Okatsune started out in 1941 and has been the undisputed number one brand in Japan for a long while now. They engage in manufacturing pruning, cutting and harvesting shears, hedge shears, Bonsai scissors, and Ikebana scissors for traditional Japanese floral arrangements. Their garden shears are famous for their durability all over the world. The trademark of this brand is the red and white coloured handles of their tools. These colours symbolize happiness in Japan, plus they stand out really well.

Shrub shears Okatsune 217 are one of the best hedge shears for 2020 due to the quality and uniqueness of the tool and the tradition behind its creation.

High Class Steel For Blades

The blades are made of Izumo Yasugi steel. This kind of steel is traditionally used for creating Samurai swords in Japan. The Izumo steel is forged from charcoal and iron sand by the best blacksmiths of Japan using very old technology. This process only takes place in the Izumo region, only using Izumo iron sand. Okatsune has managed to produce very hard shears, unmatched by other brands, through an innovative tempering process. This tempering lets the blades stay sharp for a long time and make clean cuts without much effort. Not only are this tool’s blades hard, but they have special flexibility to them so that the cutting blade always aligns with the counter blade, even after intensive usage.

The Japanese oak handles are strong and light at the same time. What is more, the Japanese oak absorbs vibrations, which would make your work much easier. The tool weighs only 800g, which is quite impressive. These shears would go easy on your hands, so you’d need less time to rest, meaning that you’d get the job done faster.

If you want quality, strive for perfection and tradition, mixed in one effective and easy-to-use tool, I think you’ve just found it.

Spear & Jackson 6758GS Razorsharp

 

Spear & Jackson’s tools appear quite often in our list of the best hedge shears of 2020, which speaks volumes, A lot of people trust this brand are happy with the quality tools it stands for.

The Spear & Jackson 6758GS Razorsharp is a little bit different from the other models we talked about in this article. It’s stronger and it can handle thicker branches with ease. The anvil cutting action these secateurs have is great for if you have thicker, dead or woody stems to cut. You can cut effortlessly stems up to 15 mm in diameter which is quite impressive for this kind of hand tool. It also has geared action which helps you make the cuts with less effort.

Protecting Blades & Dealing with Rust

Let’s talk about rust. You leave your tools in the shed for the winter and pretty often you get an unpleasant surprise next spring. If the blades are rusty, you can’t use the tool and should head to the market for new shears. Spear & Jackson have resolved this issue by PTFE coating the blades, which protects them from the impact of the environment. So if you choose these shears, you won’t need to change them for a long time. The SK5 steel blades make for lasting sharpness and clean cuts. If you want to impress with nicely shaped hedges this year, I think this tool is the right choice for you. Not only is this tool sharp and rust-resistant, but it’s also lightweight and easy to work with. The aluminium handles of these shears make them light, but not less strong.

For its 240 g of weight, these hedge shears would definitely surprise you with their durability and strength. So if you are looking for a light tool which is easy to use and would get the job done effortlessly, check this one out.

Fiskars 1001555 Podadora piñones Bypass L72

 

The orange and black handles make their place in our list of The best hedge shears for 2020 for the second time.

Fiskars is a brand you’ve definitely are familiar with. They are quite famous and are loved and preferred by many gardeners. Due to the quality materials they use and the lightweight and comfortable tools they offer,  Fiskars is one of the best brands for gardening tools.

Fiskars 1001555 Podadora piñones Bypass L72 is a great representative of the brand. They show perfectly how light and comfortable tool could be strong and durable as well.

Fiskars 1001555 Blade

These shears have a stainless steel blade. This makes it sharp and durable and you’d surely use it for a long time. The blade is easy to sharpen and easy to replace, which is a great perk. Instead of looking for a new tool, you have the option to replace just the blade if needed. The smooth and clean cuts this blade makes are due to the non-stick coating it has. It doesn’t let leaves or shrubs sticking to it, so you can continue working without a stop for cleaning it. The unique patented mechanism these shears have makes cutting much easier with less effort. Due to that mechanism, you’d have 3 times higher cutting performance.

Another great thing about this tool is that it is suitable for right and left-handed users. Both of the handles are the same, meaning there is no “correct” way of holding it. Fiskars used fibreglass-reinforced plastic for making the handles, adding to their durability, without making them heavier.

Fiskars simply never disappoint. If you are looking for comfort, simplicity and a job well done, you should definitely cast a second glance at these hedge shears.

Spear & Jackson W213 Razorsharp Telescopic Ratchet Anvil Lopper

 

I would call these shears the final boss of our list. With them, you can work on high and wide hedges with no ladder or chairs. These shears can cut basically any branch. If you love “green fences” that usually have thicker branches and are more difficult to handle, this tool is for you.

You can cut any branch with up to 45mm width, which is quite impressive for a hand tool. They have ratchet action for powerful and progressive cutting. The C50 carbon steel blades are hardened and tempered. This improves their durability and makes them last longer and handle more work. They are PTFE coated, which we already know is something common in the Spear & Jackson hedge shears. This coating makes the blades rust-resistant and it prolongs their life.

Spear & Jackson W213 Handles

Let’s talk about the handles now. As the name of this tool suggests, they are telescopic and extend from 46cm to 72 cm. This gives you the freedom to work on high and wide hedges with no unnecessary struggles. The long handles are aluminium, which makes them lighter and easier to work with. To add to the user comfort, Spear & Jackson made the handles non-slip, which makes your grip on them better and your overall working process easier. Having in mind the long handles and the strong blade, this tool does not weigh much. The 1.58 Kilograms of this tool makes it easy to move around with and work with less hand fatigue.

If you love European beeches, cedars or any other bushes with wider branches, this tool would be your best friend.

Well, this was our list of the best garden shears for 2020. We hope we have helped you establish your needs and find the best tool for you. We wish you happy gardening!