Save A Sheep, Shear A Shrub With Fiskars Shears By dsnygrl on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
I do most of our gardening chores except for the mowing and the edging. One chore I actually enjoy is trimming the hedges because it gives me a chance to unleash my inner Edward Scissorhands. When we moved to our house the hedges already had a nice shape to them so all that is required is maintaining them when they have new growth.
Call me old fashioned but I have tried using electric hedge trimmers and I just don't like them. It is hard for me to hold the trigger and maintain control of the blade without cutting off too much at one time. I have butchered many poor unsuspecting hedge in my time. Then there was the little problem I had of cutting through several of the nice orange outdoor extension cords that we had. My hubby was not happy when did that at all. My choice for trimming hedges is a good pair of manual shears. For anyone who does not know what shears are, they are basically a big pair of scissors. When I use manual shears it is like giving the hedge a haircut and I have much more control over each cut I make. I also like the added benefit of the workout you get from using shears. The opening and closing of them is great for your arms and chest, at least that's what I tell myself when I am using them. I told my husband I needed a new pairs of shears when I took out our old ones and saw that they were all rusty and the wooden handle was cracking.
We went to Home Depot to check out what was new and exciting. I noticed that they had shears that were made by Fiskars. I am a crafter so I am very familiar with Fiskars products and have several sets of scissors from them. I knew this was a name that I trusted plus they were the best looking ones, I'm a girl, these things matter.
I am very pleased with the quality of these shears. They have extremely sharp blades and cut through the new growth with ease. The handles have a soft rubber coating and are molded so they fit well in even small hands like mine and are non slip. They blades have opened and closed with ease from the very first time I used them and did not have to be broken in or oiled. I have not used them on anything other than new growth so I am not sure if they would work as well if you were doing a major cut back on a shrub or shaping one for the first time but for my use, they are perfect.
About The Author:
Fiskars Powergear Hedge Shears Trimmer Purchased at: Home Depot Price: $30.00
YAY! Another manual trimmer person! here I was beginning to think I was the only one who enjoyed hand trimming shrubs. and I agree Dsnygrl, Fiskars makes a great product. and by the way... they prune dead wood just fine:)
Shears made by Fiskars! I am in. I am also a crafter and I love using their shears for scrapbooking so if I could get my Fiskar on while gardening...heaven!
I was wondering if it was the same company when I saw the manufactor :D awesome!
I agree, I like the manual kind as well. Much less hassle.
Very informative and detailed as always. These trimmers sound great. It is always great when you find tools that work and that are of good quality.
These sound terrific. I'm with you on the electric trimmers. It would be sad what my poor plants would have to go through if I used that. These are a little more my style. Great information on this product.
Electric hedge trimmers are waaay too scary for me too! When I do yardwork (under duress only!), I use these exact shears. They have held up very well for me. Now if only Spring would come so they'd be necessary again!
Oh my gosh! Who knew Fiskars made hedge trimmers! I'm with you on those electric trimmers...but then I like the old fashioned edgers too:0)
Do you trim the evergreens like they do at Disney? Those are pretty cool and I wonder if you could use this product to do that. I love to get out and use trimmers. I use the electric one though. Nothing like a well trimmed yard.
I'm with you... I like the feel of hand tools. Fiskars comes through again! They make great clippers too!