Shrub Shears

About Shrub Shears

Shrub shears are versatile cordless cutting tools designed to tackle precision garden maintenance tasks that are too fiddly for larger equipment. Resembling miniature hedge trimmers, these compact power tools excel at trimming small to medium-sized shrubs, bushes, and ornamental plants with accuracy and control. Most models feature interchangeable blade systems, allowing users to switch between shrub trimming blades and grass cutting blades, making them ideal for edging lawns around flower beds, pathways, and garden ornaments where conventional mowers simply cannot reach.

The category at Tooled-Up.com includes both entry-level rechargeable models and advanced professional-grade shrub shears from leading manufacturers including Bosch Home and Garden, Makita, Gardena, and Karcher. Modern shrub shears are predominantly cordless tools powered by integrated lithium-ion batteries, offering the freedom to work throughout the garden without trailing cables or the need for 240v power sources. Many premium models are compatible with extension handles, wheeled bases, and even spreading attachments for lawn seed or sprayer attachments for applying fertiliser and pesticides, transforming them into genuinely multi-functional garden maintenance systems.

These lightweight tools typically weigh less than a kilogram and feature ergonomic handles designed for single-handed operation, reducing fatigue during extended trimming sessions. The cutting widths generally range from 80mm for precision grass edging blades up to 200mm for shrub trimming applications, with tool-free blade changing mechanisms becoming increasingly standard across the range.

Jargon Buster

• Lithium-Ion Battery: Rechargeable battery technology that provides consistent power output, holds charge well during storage, and has no memory effect. Most modern shrub shears use integrated li-ion batteries with capacities typically between 1.5Ah and 4.0Ah.
• Cutting Width: The length of the cutting blade, measured in millimetres. Grass shear blades are typically 80-100mm wide, whilst shrub trimming blades range from 120-200mm for tackling thicker stems and larger cutting areas.
• Tool-Free Blade Change: A quick-release mechanism allowing users to swap between different blade types without requiring spanners or screwdrivers, saving time and improving convenience when switching between tasks.
• Stroke Rate: The number of cutting strokes per minute (SPM) the blade makes. Higher stroke rates generally result in cleaner, faster cuts. Quality shrub shears typically operate between 800-1400 SPM.
• Anti-Blocking System: An automatic blade reversal feature that prevents the motor from stalling when encountering thicker stems or debris, protecting both the battery and motor from damage.
• Multi-Click Edging Wheel: An adjustable guide wheel attachment that maintains consistent cutting height when edging lawns, with multiple height settings to suit different grass lengths and terrain conditions.

Who Uses Shrub Shears?

• Professional Gardeners and Landscapers: For precision maintenance work on ornamental gardens, municipal parks, and commercial landscapes where detail and finish quality matter
• Groundskeepers: Maintaining sports grounds, golf courses, and public spaces where lawn edges and decorative planting require regular attention
• Garden Maintenance Contractors: Mobile operators who need lightweight, cordless tools for quick touch-up work across multiple properties
• Keen Home Gardeners: DIY enthusiasts who take pride in their gardens and want professional-looking results around flower beds, patio edges, and ornamental features
• Allotment Holders: For trimming back herbs, maintaining neat plot edges, and keeping paths clear without access to mains electricity
• Care Home and Hotel Grounds Staff: Maintaining immaculate gardens where appearance and accessibility are important considerations
• National Trust and Heritage Property Teams: Caring for historic gardens where precision trimming around delicate plants and established features is essential

How to Choose the Right Shrub Shears

Battery Voltage and Runtime: Entry-level models typically use 3.6-7.2v integrated batteries suitable for light domestic use, whilst semi-professional tools operate at 10.8-12v. Professional cordless shrub shears run on 18-20v battery platforms shared with other power tools, offering extended runtime and the convenience of interchangeable batteries. Consider how long you'll work between charges – larger gardens may benefit from higher capacity batteries or models compatible with spare battery packs.

Blade Types and Availability: Check which blade configurations are available for your chosen model. At minimum, you'll want both grass edging blades (typically 80-100mm) and shrub trimming blades (120-200mm). Some systems from Bosch and Makita offer specialised blades for specific tasks. Verify that replacement blades are readily available from Tooled-Up and reasonably priced, as blades will need replacing as they become blunt or damaged.

Cutting Capacity: Look at the maximum branch diameter the shrub blade can handle – typically 8-14mm for domestic models. If you're maintaining mature shrubs with thicker, woody stems, choose models with higher cutting capacities and more powerful motors.

Weight and Ergonomics: Since you'll be holding these tools at various angles, often overhead or extended, weight matters significantly. Models under 500g are ideal for prolonged use. Test the grip angle and handle design – some feature rotating handles that maintain a comfortable wrist position regardless of cutting angle.

Extension Systems: If you have difficulty bending or need to trim taller shrubs, consider models compatible with telescopic extension handles. Wheeled edge guides are invaluable for maintaining consistent lawn edging heights and reducing wrist strain.

Brand Ecosystem: If you already own cordless garden tools, choosing shrub shears from the same manufacturer (such as Makita, Bosch, or Einhell) may allow battery sharing, reducing overall investment and simplifying charging requirements.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Grass Shear Blades: 80-100mm blades for lawn edging, available in various tooth configurations for different grass types
• Replacement Shrub Trimming Blades: 120-200mm blades for cutting thicker stems and maintaining bushes
• Telescopic Extension Handles: Extending your reach by 300-500mm to eliminate bending and access taller plants
• Multi-Click Edging Wheels: Adjustable guide wheels for maintaining consistent cutting heights along lawn edges
• Protective Blade Covers: Safety guards for safe storage and transportation, protecting both user and blade edge
• Spare Battery Packs: Additional batteries for extended runtime on larger properties
• Spreading Attachments: For distributing lawn seed, sand, or granular products across small areas
• Sprayer Attachments: Bottle-mounted applicators for liquid fertilisers or pesticides
• Wheeled Base Units: Trolley systems that convert handheld shears into push-along edging tools
• Blade Sharpening Tools: Diamond files or sharpening stones to maintain optimal cutting performance

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect against flying debris, and sturdy gardening gloves to protect hands from thorns, sharp stems, and the cutting blade. Close-toed footwear is essential, and long trousers will protect legs from scratches when working around thorny plants.

Before Each Use: Inspect the blade for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Ensure the blade is securely fitted and the safety lock functions correctly. Check that the battery is properly seated and contacts are clean. Never operate shrub shears with damaged or bent blades.

Safe Operating Practices: Always disconnect the battery before changing blades, cleaning, or performing maintenance. Keep hands and fingers well away from the cutting blade during operation. Be particularly careful when working near ground level where stones or hidden objects could cause kickback. Never use shrub shears on a ladder or unstable surface where loss of balance could occur.

Environmental Awareness: Check shrubs and hedges for nesting birds before trimming, particularly during spring and early summer. Be aware of cables, hoses, and garden lighting concealed within foliage. Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 3 metres away during operation.

Battery Safety: Only charge batteries using the manufacturer's supplied charger. Never attempt to open, modify, or repair battery packs. Store batteries in a cool, dry location away from metal objects that could cause short circuits. Dispose of expired batteries responsibly through appropriate recycling schemes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can shrub shears replace a full-size hedge trimmer?
For small hedges under 1 metre tall and light trimming work, shrub shears can certainly suffice, particularly models with 200mm blades. However, for established hedges, formal topiary, or hedgerows over 1.5 metres, a dedicated hedge trimmer with a 400-600mm blade will prove far more efficient. Shrub shears excel at detail work and precision trimming where their compact size and manoeuvrability are advantages rather than limitations.

How long does the battery typically last on a single charge?
Runtime varies considerably depending on battery capacity, workload, and blade type. Entry-level models with 1.5Ah integrated batteries typically provide 40-60 minutes of light grass edging. Mid-range tools with 2.0-2.5Ah batteries usually manage 60-90 minutes of mixed use. Professional 18v models using 4.0-5.0Ah battery packs can deliver 2-3 hours of operation when trimming grass, though this reduces when cutting thicker shrub stems which demand more power.

How often do the blades need sharpening or replacing?
With regular domestic use, blades should remain adequately sharp for an entire season (approximately 20-30 hours of cutting). Professional users working daily may need to sharpen or replace blades every 2-3 months. Signs that blades need attention include ragged cuts that leave torn stems rather than clean cuts, increased battery consumption, or the tool labouring when cutting material it previously handled easily. Many users find purchasing replacement blades more convenient than sharpening, with quality blades available from Tooled-Up typically costing £15-35.

Are shrub shears suitable for cutting wet grass and plants?
Whilst shrub shears will function when vegetation is damp, cutting quality and battery runtime both suffer. Wet grass tends to clump and stick to the blade, requiring frequent cleaning and increasing the risk of blade blockages. Where possible, trim during dry conditions in late morning after dew has evaporated. If you must work in wet conditions, clean and dry the blade thoroughly afterwards to prevent corrosion.

What's the difference between integrated and interchangeable battery systems?
Integrated battery models have permanently attached battery packs that charge whilst connected to the tool – you cannot remove the battery. These are typically lighter, more compact, and less expensive, but you cannot work whilst charging or carry a spare battery. Interchangeable battery systems allow you to swap depleted batteries for charged ones instantly, ideal for professional use or large gardens. They also offer the advantage of battery sharing across multiple tools from the same manufacturer's range.