Overgrown hedges can make even a lovely garden look untidy, and trimming them by hand is slow, tiring, and often uneven. In Gardening, Shaping & Pruning selecting the best hedge shears is essential the right pair should handle thicker branches with ease while staying comfortable enough for longer jobs, so you don’t end up with sore arms or messy cuts.
That’s where our guide comes in. In this roundup, we’ll walk you through the best hedge shears in the UK, helping you find the right option for your garden and budget so you can shape, prune, and tidy with confidence.
Top Picks
Power-Lever Compound Fiskars Hedge Shears
Compound lever technology multiplies leverage so you get up to twice the cutting power of single-pivot shears. The design reduces hand strain and is ideal for heavier trimming tasks without moving to a powered tool.
Summary and intended applications
You should pick this Fiskars Power Lever model if you want the mechanical advantage of compound-lever technology to make cutting thicker hedging easier. It is a middle ground between simple manual shears and powered alternatives.
Technical advantages
Practical performance and usage notes
In practical terms, you will find that repetitive cutting tasks become less tiring and you can handle denser growth without switching tools. The serrated edge helps maintain grip on stems during the cut, improving safety and control. This model is particularly beneficial for users who undertake medium-to-heavy domestic pruning frequently.
Maintenance and limitations
BAHCO Professional Long-Handle Shears
A professional tool that delivers a clean, precise cut and excellent balance for prolonged use. Built to a higher specification, it suits serious gardeners and trade users who need reliable performance season after season.
Who should choose this tool
If you are a professional gardener or a homeowner seeking a commercial-level shear, this BAHCO P51H-SL model is engineered for heavier and more frequent use. It emphasises durability, cutting precision and serviceability.
Principal features and benefits
Practical considerations and user experience
You will notice the difference when using the shears for commercial workloads or extensive domestic hedges fewer passes, cleaner cuts and less fatigue when matched to the correct handle length. Many users report the tool becomes a long-term workshop staple with proper care.
Drawbacks and selection notes
2‑in‑1 Gardena EnergyCut Gearbox Shears
A two-stage gearbox gives you the option of fast, dynamic cuts or a high-gear setting for cutting thicker branches with less effort. It combines versatility with a solid build and serrated blades for grip.
Product purpose and core strength
You will value the EnergyCut if you need a single manual tool that adapts between light trimming and tougher cuts. The selectable gearbox allows you to optimise handle travel versus blade force depending on the job.
Feature breakdown and implications
Practical advice and use cases
This design is excellent if you maintain varied hedges where both fine shaping and occasional thicker shoots occur. The gearbox reduces reliance on a second tool (such as loppers) for borderline cuts but note that persistent heavy woody pruning still needs appropriate loppers or saws.
Maintenance and caveats
Geared Razorsharp Spear & Jackson Shears
The geared mechanism multiplies cutting force, making trimming thicker green growth noticeably easier. Blades are hardened carbon steel with PTFE coating for smoother operation and corrosion resistance.
Purpose and performance summary
You should consider this geared hedge shear when you need extra cutting power without electric assistance. The gear train reduces the force you must apply, which is helpful on thicker stems and for users with reduced hand strength.
Key technical details
Practical use and advantages
In practice, you will notice smoother cuts with less fatigue, particularly when tackling borderline branches that would otherwise require loppers. The geared action can make shaping longer hedges quicker and less strenuous. This model is often recommended for older users or those with occasional arthritis.
Maintenance and constraints
Solid Hardened Steel Fiskars Shears
A robust set of shears with hardened steel blades and comfortable soft-touch handles aimed at longevity. They perform reliably for routine hedge maintenance and produce a clean finish on green growth.
Overview and intended use
You will get a dependable, no-nonsense hedge shear designed for standard domestic trimming tasks. The construction emphasises robustness and consistent cutting performance rather than advanced gearing or telescopic reach.
Notable features and why they matter
Practical benefits and field use
These shears suit you if you want a tool that will last through many seasons with reasonable maintenance. They produce a neat finish on hedges and are forgiving for general trimming. A typical user strategy is to keep a light film of oil on the blades after use to prevent surface rust and to address any nicks with a file.
Limitations and care advice
Lightweight Telescopic Darlac Hedge Shears
Extremely light at roughly 1 kg with flip-lock telescopic handles, this tool reduces fatigue and lets you set the exact length for the task. It is well suited to domestic hedges and light woody growth.
Who this is for
You will appreciate this Darlac shear if you want a low fatigue, adjustable tool for shaping hedges and cutting light woody growth. It is particularly useful for users who need reach but prefer lighter equipment.
Principal features and benefits
Real-world performance and tips
Because the tool is so light, you can maintain a neater finish on topiary and extended trimming sessions without rapid arm fatigue. Users report excellent sharpness out of the box and easy storage when collapsed. Be mindful that the blade-to-handle angle may make long-reach cuts harder to control — adopt a stable stance and take shorter strokes when fully extended.
Maintenance and constraints
Darlac Lightweight Topiary and Grass Shears
Extra-long razor-sharp SK5 carbon steel blades and long handles deliver precision and reach for topiary and verge trimming. The light construction makes fine shaping less tiring and gives you accurate control.
Intended use and strengths
You will find this Darlac shear a strong choice for topiary, edging and fine hedge shaping thanks to its long blades and precise action. It is designed for control and reduced fatigue during detailed work.
Notable features and benefits
Practical usage notes and examples
For precise topiary you will appreciate the blade length that lets you execute smoother continuous strokes, resulting in a uniform finish. For edging lawns along borders the same long blades provide a neat result quickly. Users commonly comment on the immediate sharpness and ease of use out of the box.
Maintenance and limitations
Telescopic Razorsharp Hedge Shears
A lightweight telescopic design that gives you extra reach without compromising control. Blades hold a good edge and the PTFE coating reduces sticking on sap and wet cuttings.
Purpose and overall impression
You get a practical, budget-friendly telescopic hedge shear that extends reach for higher hedges and awkward angles. It is aimed at occasional to regular home users who need the flexibility of adjustable length without spending on cordless or powered models.
Key features and what they mean for you
Benefits in practice
You will find it straightforward to trim the tops of medium-height hedges and shape topiary without a ladder. The PTFE coating keeps the blades running smoothly when you cut damp foliage and reduces the frequency of cleaning during a job. User comments consistently praise the sharpness and the useful extendable reach.
Limitations and maintenance notes
NatureCut Precision Wooden Handle Clippers
Comfortable wooden handles and a 23 cm serrated blade give you good control for precision trimming. The small working angle suits finishing and shaping tasks where accuracy matters.
Purpose and intended user
You should consider this if you prioritise precision and comfort for finishing hedges and shaping shrubs. It is a manual, straightforward tool that excels at tidy, accurate cuts rather than brute force pruning.
Key features explained
Benefits and practical insights
The tool is particularly well suited to ornamental hedging and frequent light trimming where appearance is important. The wooden handles are less likely to cause blisters in extended sessions than thin metal grips, and the serrated blade helps with small-diameter branches.
Limits and upkeep
Frequently Asked Questions about Hedge Shears
What are hedge shears used for?
Hedge shears are hand tools designed for trimming and shaping hedges, shrubs, and bushes. They’re ideal for neat edges, light shaping, and tidying up growth that’s too thick for secateurs but not heavy enough for powered trimmers.
What’s the difference between hedge shears and a hedge trimmer?
Hedge shears are manual tools you operate by hand. They’re quieter, cheaper, and give you more control for detailed work. Hedge trimmers are powered (electric, battery, or petrol) and better for large hedges or long sessions, but they’re heavier and less precise
What blade length is best?
Most people find blades between 20 cm and 25 cm ideal. Shorter blades give better control for shaping. Longer blades cover more area quickly, which is useful for long, straight hedges.
Are wavy blades better than straight blades?
Wavy (or serrated) blades grip branches better and stop them slipping out, which makes cutting easier. Straight blades are fine for light trimming, but wavy blades are usually better for thicker or woody growth.
What should I look for in good hedge shears?
Key things to check are:
- Sharp, rust-resistant blades
- Comfortable, non-slip handles
- Shock absorbers or bumpers to reduce strain
- Good balance and weight so they’re easy to control
Are expensive hedge shears worth it?
More expensive models often use better steel, stay sharp longer, and feel more comfortable during longer jobs. If you only trim occasionally, a mid-range pair is usually enough. If you garden often, investing in quality can save effort and last longer.
How do I maintain hedge shears?
Wipe the blades clean after use, dry them, and apply a light oil to prevent rust. Sharpen them when they start to crush rather than cut. Tighten the central bolt if the blades feel loose.
Can hedge shears cut thick branches?
Hedge shears are best for small to medium growth. For thick or hard branches, use loppers or a pruning saw. Forcing hedge shears on thick wood can damage the blades.
Are lightweight hedge shears better?
Lightweight shears are easier on the arms and shoulders, especially for longer jobs. However, they should still feel strong and well balanced. Very light tools made from poor materials may not last.
What’s the best hedge shears for beginners?
Beginners should look for hedge shears that are:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to hold
- Fitted with wavy blades and shock absorbers
These features make trimming easier and reduce hand and arm fatigue.
Final Thoughts
If you need one top recommendation for heavy duty domestic or semi professional hedge work, choose the Power Lever Compound Fiskars Hedge Shears (expert rating 9.2). The compound lever mechanism nearly doubles cutting leverage compared with single pivot shears, significantly reducing hand strain on thicker shoots and repeated trimming. Strengths: amplified cutting power, lower physical effort, robust construction ideal for established hedges and jobs where you frequently tackle denser green growth and light woody shoots.
If your priority is professional-grade precision and long-term durability for prolonged or detail-sensitive work, pick the BAHCO Professional Long Handle Shears (expert rating 9.0). Strengths: exceptional balance and a clean, precise cut that preserves plant health, built to handle sustained seasonal use perfect for professional gardeners, trade users and keen amateurs who demand consistent finish quality.
Practical buying tip: choose the Fiskars Power Lever when you regularly struggle with hand fatigue or thicker stems, choose the BAHCO when finish quality and long service life under heavy use are your main concerns. If you also need extra reach for tall hedges, add a lightweight telescopic model (for example the Darlac telescopic option) rather than replacing your primary shears.
