One of the most indispensable gardening tools is a sharp pair of shears, useful for everything from trimming shrubbery to harvesting a crop. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, investing in a good pair of pruning or grass shears can make your landscaping tasks easier and more efficient.
Pruning shears are a useful way to trim plants and clip away damaged stems — experts share their favorites for gardening season. Bypass, anvil, and ratchet pruners are the most common types, each with their own unique features. Bypass pruners are great for precision cutting, while anvil pruners are better for cutting through thicker stems. Ratchet pruners have a mechanism that enables you to cut through thicker branches with more ease.
Looking for the best pruning shears? We've tested bypass, anvil, and ratchet pruners to find the best. Our top picks include the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner, the Corona ClassicCUT Forged Bypass Pruner, and the Fiskars PowerGear2 UltraBlade Softgrip Pruner.
If you're a seasoned gardener, I don't need to tell you that having a great set of pruning shears will uncover magical landscapes. With the right tools, you can create beautiful topiaries, sculpt hedges, and prune trees and bushes to perfection.
Grass shears are a handy landscaping tool for trimming areas that a lawn mower can't reach. For increased versatility, grass shears can be adjusted to different angles, making it easier to cut grass in tight spaces. Some grass shears even come with an extension handle, which allows you to trim grass without bending over.
While gardening shears are incredibly useful, they can also be dangerous if not handled properly. In 2018, a 24-year-old woman in North Hollywood was hospitalized after a homeless man stabbed her with garden shears, lodging them 1.5 inches into her skull. It's important to always keep your shears in a safe place and never leave them lying around.
Expert advice on how to clean pruning shears to keep them in good working order, plus top tips on sharpening them so they make clean cuts. To clean pruning shears, wipe them down with a cloth that's been dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also use a wire brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or sap. To sharpen pruning shears, use a sharpening stone or a file to remove any nicks or burrs on the blade.
A 24-year-old Los Angeles woman suffered a traumatic brain injury after a homeless man stabbed her in the head with a pair of gardening shears in 2018. The incident highlights the importance of keeping gardening tools, especially sharp ones like shears, in a safe place and out of reach of others.
In conclusion, gardening shears are an essential tool for any landscaper. With the right pair of pruning or grass shears, you can create beautiful landscapes and maintain your garden with ease. Just remember to handle your shears with care and keep them in a safe place when not in use.
