Best garden shears to buy in 2022

A good pair of garden shears can make garden tasks quick and easy to tackle. They’re essential for the proper care of hedges, shrubs, and lawns, helping to keep them in tip-top condition. Unlike secateurs, which are designed for pruning single branches, garden shears can tackle several branches or blades of grass at once. There are a couple of different types –

Edging shears – these specialised lawn tools are long-handled shears with an angled blade, for trimming the edges of lawns next to paving, decking and flowerbeds. Lawn shears are also available and are similar to edging shears, but have a flat, horizontal blade for trimming awkward areas of grass, such as tufts around trees or next to fences and walls.

Hedge shears – Like big garden scissors, these are ideal for pruning and shaping hedges and trees, or cutting down garden waste for compost. They’re available with standard or telescopic handles that extend, for safely reaching the tops of tall trees, shrubs, and bushes without using ladders.

For more help with pruning, take a look at our expert reviews of the best secateurs, the best loppers and the best hedge trimmers. And for help clearing up see our tests of the best wheelbarrows, the best shredders and the best wood-splitting axes.

Hedge shears buyers’ guide – video

Follow our tips to find the best hedge shears for your garden

Edging shears buyers’ guide – video

Follow our tips to find the best edging shears for your garden

Best garden shears at a glance: