If you are a fervent gardener or landscaper your favorite tool might well be the hedge shears. After all, hedge shears provide the pleasing symmetry, balance and beauty to most of the shrubbery, some grasses and even the small trees he tends.
By investing in quality tools, you reduce fatigue, and enjoy a longer tool life. When selecting the type of hedge shears you want, consider how much you'll use them, where you'll use them, of course, how much you can spend on them.
Your main decision will be whether to buy power or hand shears. Power tools offer speed; hand models provide more accuracy. Topiary specialists often argue that hand tools are the only type of hedgers you should use on any plant. They contend that hand models provide sharper cuts that are better for the plants. With improved accuracy you trim only what is necessary, there for preserving the plant’s health.
As a bonus, manual shears offer a quieter performance.
If your work is up close, opt for a shorter blade (about 6 inches) and a short handle. For high-and-wide jobs, you'll likely prefer a longer blade (maybe 12 inches) and a longer (or extendable) handle. Remember-a longer blade and handle can prevent backaches because you don't have to stoop down as much.
Longer blades and handles, however, will add weight that may tire you out sooner. Therefore consider the newer fiberglass and aluminum models, which offer superior strength and balance-and are lighter than the traditional wood versions.
Choose your blade type; there are three types of blades available.
Here are a few more features to look for when choosing a tool:
After each use, clean your hand shears with an oily rag to wipe off sap and debris. A bit of oil between the blades and near the bolt will keep scissors action smooth. Most landscape crews use different hedge shears for different jobs. And we all know the right tool for the job makes everything easier and saves "green" in the long run. So buy the right tool for the job. Factor in the ease and efficiency of use instead of settling for the cheapest.
Choose a balanced, powerful and dependable tool which will soon become YOUR BEST FRIEND IN THE GARDEN
Use a soft wood timber, such as pine, to make your kindling, as the resinous character makes it much easier for lighting fires. Kindling runs out relatively quickly, so it’s always best to prepare a large bucketful all at once rather than make only enough for a single fire