There are a lot of options for topiary trimming tools. Powered hedge trimmers, bladed brush cutters, and electric pole saws may seem ideal for quick and easy pruning, but quality manual clippers are the best tools for keeping your foliage healthy, and we’re going to introduce you to the best of the best.
Why manual? The rotating or oscillating blades on saws and power trimmers fray the ends of branches. These unsightly ends can also leave the plant vulnerable to disease. A good set of shears will ensure a crisp cut every time.
We’ve rounded up eight of the best manual hedge clippers on the market today. We’ve also included a helpful buyers guide at the bottom, detailing the features we looked.
How did we rank the best hedge clippers of 2023? We considered these features:
- Blade Material
- Blade Shape
- Blade Length
- Handle Length
- Weight
- Comfort
- Price
A quick note about shock-absorbing bumpers: Many clippers list anti-vibration bumpers as a standout feature. These small padded or pliable bumps underneath the blade are designed to reduce shock and vibration when closing the clippers with force. This feature isn’t mentioned in any of the reviews below because it’s common to all eight entries on the list. Bumpers are so standard that all two dozen of the clippers we researched had them.
Because prices fluctuate with sales and availability, we’ve provided a general idea of price. For this list:
- “Inexpensive” means less than $25
- “Moderate” is $25-$50
- “Expensive” is anything beyond.
Top 8 Hedge Clippers — Reviews
1. Fiskars Power Lever 8-inch Hedge Shears
Serrated blades, like the ones on the Fiskars Power Lever, give you the best grip and minimize slipping. This ensures an accurate cut every time but comes with a significant drawback. Serrated blades can’t be sharpened with a traditional whetstone, and must be sent out for professional sharpening.
The folks at Fiskars have managed to create a serrated edge that doesn’t require professional sharpening through their proprietary self-sharpening technology. The blade is cut so precisely that each use leaves it sharper than it was before. This gives you all the benefits of a stainless blade without sacrificing utility.
The handle’s angle creates an ergonomic “Power Lever,” multiplying your cutting force by up to 2 times without an expensive gear hinge. Though it’s not the lightest set of shears on this list, the durable stainless steel construction ensures a lifetime of use.
With an 8-inch blade and 12-inch handle, this is one of the smaller options on the list. It’s ideal for trimming low-to-ground topiary, such as boxwood or azalea.
Specifications
- Blade Type: Serrated
- Blade Length: 8 inches
- Handle Length: 12 inches
- Weight: 2.88 lbs.
- Blade Material: Coated Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Steel w/ non-slip grips
- Price Range: Inexpensive
Pros
- Self-sharpening serrated edge
- “Power Lever” angle multiplies cutting force
- Soft rubber grips
Cons
- Hard to reach tall branches
2. Tabor Tools B212A Telescopic Hedge Shears
If you have taller topiary plants, such as cypress or holly, you may need a longer set of shears to get a clean snip on the top branches. The Tabor Tools B212A clippers extend to almost double their starting length, giving you unfettered access to high places.
The wavy blade on these 9-inch shears grips branches and keeps them from clumping together when cutting many at once. The nonstick coating keeps sap and plant fibers from gumming up the blade. The slotted rubber grip handles are pliable and keep sweat from building up on your hands.
With its longer steel handles, it’s a heavier option and may be tough to work with for long periods.
Specifications
- Blade Type: Wavy
- Blade Length: 9 inches
- Handle Length: 16-24 inches
- Weight: 3.21 lbs.
- Blade Material: Coated high-carbon steel
- Handle Material: Steel with rubber grips
- Price Range: Moderate
Pros
- Telescopic handles for doubled reach
- Efficient long blade
- Anti-sweat comfortable grips
Cons
- Heavy
3. ARS HS-KR1000 Professional Hedge Shears
If you’re passionate about hedge trimming, and you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks, the ARS Professional Hedge Shears may be the right choice for you.
Its 7-inch straight blade is designed for maneuverability and precision, and the offset angle of the handles helps create perfectly flat cuts. The straight blade is easy to keep razor sharp, and the aluminum and fiberglass handle reduces its weight significantly without sacrificing durability.
These professional-grade Japanese clippers are some of the sharpest on the market. The blades are chrome plated to resist rust and are replaceable to greatly extend the lifespan of the tool.
Specifications
- Blade Type: Straight
- Blade Length: 7 inches
- Handle Length: 18 inches
- Weight: 1.85 lbs.
- Blade Material: Chrome-plated high-carbon steel
- Handle Material: Aluminum and fiberglass
- Price Range: Expensive
Pros
- Lightweight
- Maneuverable short blade
- Sharp and rust-resistant
- Offset angle for straight edges
Cons
- No padded grips
- Expensive
4. Corona HS 3950 Extendable Hedge Shears
Another telescopic entry on the list, the Corona HS 3950 is a straight-bladed shear designed for reaching taller branches. The high-carbon steel blade is honed to an incredibly sharp edge, and the pivot bolt is tooled for a smooth cut.
Compared with the TABOR clippers mentioned above, the Corona blade holds its weight. It’s less expensive and reaches 1.5 inches farther. However, it’s heavier, the blade is shorter, and the rubber grips aren’t as soft. If you prefer a straight blade to a wavy one, this might be your best choice for extendable shears.
Specifications
Blade Type: Straight
Blade Length: 8.5 inches
Handle Length: 15-26 inches
Weight: 3.6 lbs.
Blade Material: High-carbon steel
Handle Material: Steel with rubber grips
Price Range: Moderate
Pros
- Extendable handles for longer reach
- Durable all-steel construction
Cons
- Heavy
5. Okatsune Precision Hedge Shears
With hammer-forged blades and handles made of polished Japanese white oak, these clippers are as beautiful to look at as they are effective. At only 1.7 pounds, these are the lightest shears on the list.
Though the price tag may be a turnoff, the quality of these clippers is worth the premium. Made from the same Yasugi steel used in chef’s knives, they hold an edge longer than stainless clippers. A leather sheath is included to protect the blades from rust and corrosion.
These Okatsune shears don’t have soft grips. We recommend gloves when using any wood-handled tool to prevent blisters.
Specifications
- Blade Type: Straight
- Blade Length: 7 ⅝ inches
- Handle Length: 14 inches
- Weight: 1.7 lbs.
- Blade Material: Yasugi steel
- Handle Material: Wood
- Price Range: Expensive
Pros
- High-quality Yasugi steel
- Lightweight
- Precise and maneuverable
Cons
- Short reach
- Expensive
- No padded grips
6. OARA Garden Hedge Shears
These OARA wavy-blade clippers are a great all-purpose choice for keeping your foliage looking sharp. It has a similar reach to the Fiskars blade mentioned above while keeping its weight to less than 2 pounds. Its cutting blade is made from 65MN steel, which is often used for hunting knives and razors. It has a Teflon non-stick coating.
The anti-sweat grips are soft and comfortable. It has a force-multiplying ergonomic handle to make cutting through tough branches easier.
Specifications
- Blade Type: Wavy
- Blade Length: 7.5 inches
- Handle Length: 13 inches
- Weight: 1.95 lbs.
- Blade Material: Teflon-coated 65MN carbon steel
- Handle Material: Steel with rubber grips
- Price Range: Moderate
Pros
- Soft anti-sweat grips
- Lightweight
Cons
- Short blade
- Hard to reach tall branches
7. A.M. Leonard 9-inch Wavy Blade Hedge Shears
One of the priciest sets of clippers on the list, the A.M. Leonard brand is designed specifically with professional use in mind. The chrome-plated blades are rust-resistant and made from high-quality SK-5 carbon steel.
The 20-inch handle and 9-inch blade give it great reach, and the aluminum handles keep the weight to less than 3 pounds. Much like the ARS clippers mentioned above, it has an offset angle to create perfectly flat edges.
A.M. Leonard also makes a straight-bladed version of these clippers. Replacement blades can be interchanged between them for added versatility.
Specifications
- Blade Type: Wavy
- Blade Length: 9 inches
- Handle Length: 20 inches
- Weight: 2.7 lbs.
- Blade Material: SK-5 high-carbon steel
- Handle Material: Aluminum with composite grips
- Price Range: Expensive
Pros
- Rust-resistant, sharp blade
- Good reach for taller plants
- Offset angle for precision
Cons
- Hard composite handles
- Expensive
8. Colwelt Hedge Clippers 21”
Another lightweight choice, these shears deliver the efficiency of a 9-inch blade in a compact package. The soft handles are comfortable to use, and the carbon steel blade holds a sharp edge.
The short handles make it easy to maneuver but cut down on reach and cutting power. The blades have a non-stick coating but are prone to rust without proper cleaning and care.
Specifications
- Blade Type: Wavy
- Blade Length: 9 inches
- Handle Length: 10 inches
- Weight: 1.8 lbs.
- Blade Material: Coated carbon steel
- Handle Material: Metal with rubber grips
- Price Range: Inexpensive
Pros
- Soft handles
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Short
Buyers Guide to Hedge Clippers
Hedge shears are not all created equal. We reviewed over two dozen sets of clippers to bring you our top eight choices. This buying guide outlines the features we considered when comparing the large number of clippers on the market.
When looking for the right pair of clippers, consider several factors. You want a product that will be comfortable and effective. Durable materials may last longer, but they almost always add to the weight and price of a tool.
We found that the most important features to consider when buying hedge clippers are:
Blade Material and Shape
Steel blades come in a variety of shapes and materials, each with its pros and cons. This breakdown will explain the differences between them.
The most common blade materials are:
- Stainless Steel: Highly resistant to rust, stainless blades are a great choice for the casual gardener. They don’t require meticulous cleaning or oiling and can last a long time without rust or corrosion. They don’t hold an edge as well as carbon steel blades and must be sharpened more often.
- High-carbon steel: Designed with sharpness in mind, carbon steel blades are sharper and hold an edge longer than their stainless steel cousins. Most of the designs on this list use this material. It’s important to clean all your garden tools after use, but carbon steel blades may rust quickly if left dirty. For extra protection, blade oil is relatively inexpensive and goes a long way.
- Coated Blades: Some manufacturers, especially those using high-carbon steel, will coat or plate their blades with materials that increase the utility and lifespan of their tools. A non-stick coating, such as Teflon, will prevent sap and plant fibers from causing blades and hinges to become sticky. Some pricier models will chrome-plate their blades to prevent rust.
Blades also come in a few different shapes:
- Straight Blades: The easiest to sharpen and maintain, straight blades are versatile and give precise, clean cuts.
- Serrated Blades: The small teeth etched into these blades grip a plant before slicing, holding it firmly in place. They prevent the branches from slipping along the edge of the blade, resulting in a consistent and even cut. They can’t be sharpened with a standard blade sharpener, and most must be taken in for professional sharpening.
- Wavy Blades: A happy medium between the two, wavy blades have uniform edges that can be sharpened, but keep plants in place with slight curves along the length. They can be a little trickier to maintain than straight blades.
Weight and Comfort
Handling any tool over a prolonged period will tire out the strongest professional gardeners. Having a lightweight tool will allow you to use it for a longer time without stopping. Lightweight shears also will give more precise cuts when extended out from the body or trimming tall hedges.
While steel handles are often the most durable, they can significantly add to the weight of a tool. Aluminum is a little more expensive but saves you a lot of effort. Fiberglass is also a strong, lightweight component of many outdoor tools. Avoid plastic handles, as the repeated shock of clipping can cause them to break.
Many clippers increase their comfort and utility with a set of padded or non-slip grips. Usually made from soft rubber or a plastic composite, they absorb the shock of the tool while also helping prevent blisters and hand fatigue.
If your shears don’t have padded grips, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We recommend gloves when using any lawn care or gardening equipment, but especially when using hard metal or wooden handles.
Blade/Handle Length
The length of a blade will increase its cutting capacity. Fitting more branches along the length of a blade results in fewer overall cuts, saving you time and energy. However, precision shaping and maneuverability are easier with a shorter blade. A longer blade is best for creating flat surfaces and sharp edges, while a shorter blade is best for creating rounded edges and curves.
The length of the handle has a similar tradeoff. Shorter handles reduce the shears’ weight and allow for more precise maneuverability. Longer handles can reach higher and farther places, and deliver increased cutting power.
Price
The final, and maybe most important consideration is a tool’s price. High-quality, hand-forged Japanese steel blades don’t do much when they’re out of your budget. We create our rankings by weighing all the other attributes against the cost to help you get the most bang for your buck.
FAQ About Hedge Clippers
For low-to-ground shrubs and bushes, we recommend the compact and versatile Fiskars Power Lever 8-Inch Shears. For tall plants and hard-to-reach spaces, we loved the telescopic clippers from Tabor Tools.
If you’re willing to spend a bit of extra money, the ARS Professional Hedge Shears can’t be beaten for material quality and durability.
Battery-powered hedge trimmers, pole saws, and bladed brush cutters may seem like an easy alternative to manual labor. While they can deliver fairly precise results, toothed saw blades and oscillating trimmer blades can damage woody plants and lead to diseases like boxwood blight.
Power tools are great for saving time. On non-woody plants, like ornamental grasses, an electric trimmer is a great choice. Pole Saws are perfect for thick branches that can survive rough cuts. For more delicate plants and shrubs, nothing delivers a professional, manicured look like a sharp pair of hedge shears.
Good hedge shears generally cost between $20 and $40 dollars. For casual home use, you probably don’t need to spend more than $30.
Professional-grade shears can cost up to $100 or more. While they aren’t necessary for the average hobby gardener, homeowners with lots of shrubbery and topiary enthusiasts can greatly benefit from spending the extra cash.
When to Call a Lawn Care Pro
When you’re looking to keep your hedges trimmed, you may not be as skilled as Edward Scissorhands. Lawn Love pros can give your yard a professional manicure at affordable prices.
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
Main photo credit: schraubgut | Pixabay
