Garden shears, also known as hand pruners, are a specific kind of scissors specifically intended for use in the garden. They are extremely strong enough to prune even the strongest branches of shrubs and trees, some up to 2 meters in length. They have a very useful feature that allows them to be held at an angle so that their blades don’t snag the surface they are used on. However, this makes it difficult to give a straight, clean cut with these shears and may also cause damage to delicate and decorative flowerbeds.
In general, though, they are not without benefits. The shear’s strength is especially useful for shearing ornamental grasses or other plants that don’t easily break down into smaller pieces. Repeated use of pruning shears promotes a healthy root system, providing the soil with essential nutrients. Repeated use also keeps a sharp edge ready for cutting into hard-to-reach places. And, over time, it can result in the formation of a fine layer of grit along the blade’s edge which can benefit the health of your lawn.
However, the most obvious advantage of a good pair of garden shears is that they can cut through almost any substance without harming themselves. This may sound like a strange statement, but it is true. After all, nothing beats a sharp blade cutting through wood, concrete, or metal while remaining virtually unharmed. As a result, many gardeners enjoy using a pair of scissors to cut branches and twigs in order to beautify their landscaping. With the right pair of shears, a person can easily cut branches and other types of unwanted tree growth without worrying about hurting himself or herself.
Like most important gardening tools, a pair of shears can be categorized according to the way in which they are used. There are three types of shears that can be found in garden supply stores, categorized according to how they function. For instance, there are tipped blades, spiked shears, and fixed blades. Each specific type has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
Tipped blades and spiked shears are probably the two most commonly seen types of garden shears. Tipped blades, as their name suggests, feature an extra sharp point on the end of the blade that can be aimed at objects that protrude beyond the point of the shear itself. Spiked hedge shears are a little more traditional, featuring plastic or metal hooks on the end of the blade that hook onto the wooden handles of a hedge trimmer, allowing the user to cut through even the thickest of bushes.
Fixed blades are probably the easiest type of garden shears to maintain. These types are simply a pair of long metal wires that run across the top of the handle. They come in a variety of sizes and can be used for a variety of purposes. The first, and most obvious, use for a fixed blade is to penetrate the bark of a tree and pull out the sap. The secondary use for these implements is to cut back the thick stems of plants to aid in pruning. Some fixed garden shears may also come with plastic or rubber handles and allow users to attach spines to the blade, extending the overall cutting length.
