Heggenschaar

Hedge shears, known in Dutch as heggenschaar, are hand tools used to trim and shape hedges and shrubs. They consist of two long blades mounted on a pivot with handles that provide leverage. The blades are usually straight and sharp; most common are bypass blades that glide past one another to make clean cuts, though some models use straight, fixed blades.

Two broad categories exist: manual hedge shears (short or long handles) and powered trimmers (electric or petrol) for larger or mature hedges. Manual models may have curved blades for following hedge contours; there are also anvil-type versions with one blade striking a flat surface. Long-handled shears allow cutting at ground level or from a standing position, aiding reach and control.

They are used for shaping and maintaining formal or decorative hedges, often in garden or landscape settings. For best results, cut dry wood in moderate weather and make a sequence of light, precise strokes rather than one heavy cut, and aim to follow the hedge’s natural form.

Maintenance includes keeping blades sharp, clean, and lubricated at the pivot; wipe away sap and debris after use; store dry to prevent rust. Safety considerations include cutting away from the body, wearing gloves, and keeping tools out of reach of children. For large growth or heavy pruning, powered tools may be more efficient.

The term heggenschaar reflects Dutch roots, with heg or heggen meaning hedge. Hedge shears have a long history of use in gardens, evolving from simple scissors-like implements to longer-handled designs that ease shaping and topiary work.