Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
12/20/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-2710, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Tips on Choosing the Right Garden Shears
By Linda Naeve
Extension Coordinator
Reiman Gardens
According to a recent survey, gardening continues to be American’s
favorite outdoor leisure activity, so it is very likely that someone on
your holiday gift list is a gardener. This week’s Reiman’s Pick
– bypass hand shears – is a great gift idea for the serious
or not-so-serious gardener.
Selecting pruning shears may not sound like a difficult task. However,
once you start looking you will find there are many styles and brands
of pruning shears available in a wide price range. Unfortunately, not
all of them do the job efficiently and effectively, and you usually get
what you pay for.
There are two main classes of pruning shears: bypass and anvil. Bypass
shears work like scissors, except only one of the blades is sharp. The
other is a blunt-edged, curved “hook” that cradles the stem,
preventing it from sliding. The anvil type of shears has a sharp upper
blade that comes down on a flat piece. Anvil shears work like a knife
on a cutting board. Both types are widely available.
Although there are excellent brands of each type, I prefer and recommend
bypass shears for many reasons. Bypass shears tend to be “kinder”
to the plant. They can get into tighter places for pruning than anvil
types. For example, a bypass shears can cut a branch flush with the branch
collar. The branch collar is the bulge on the stem where it attaches to
the trunk or a larger branch. The best pruning cut is just outside the
branch collar so the wound will heal faster and cleaner. The hook on the
bypass shears digs in under the branch, but that part of the branch is
removed when the cut is made. The blade makes a sharp, clean cut that
will heal quickly.
Anvil shears, placed in the same position, may crush part of the branch
collar under the stem. This damage will slow healing and may increase
the risk of disease infection in the wound. To avoid damaging the collar,
the cut has to be made a small distance out on the stem, leaving a small
stub that will eventually die. Also, unless the blade is very sharp and
the shears are of good quality, anvil shears tend to crush the bark on
both sides of the branch.
Bypass hand shears are also better for cutting through soft stems of
annual and perennial flowers. They will also slice through a fresh, soft
woody branch a 1/2-inch in diameter or less. Don’t use it for larger
branches because the shears can be damaged if too much force and twisting
are used. Good quality, powerful, anvil-type hand shears can cut through
larger branches without much effort.
When purchasing hand shears, look for quality and comfort. Hold it in
your hand as if you were pruning. The shears should open and close smoothly,
without resistance. You should be able to see the blade slide against
the hook to the end of the hook tip when you close it. If the blade makes
poor contact with the hook or there is a gap, the shears will tear the
stem instead of cutting it.
Select a pair of shears that will fit the hand of the user. Some manufacturers,
such as Felco® and Fiskars®, have models that are designed for
smaller hands. The comfort of the handles is important. Many shears are
designed “ergonomically” so they are easier and more comfortable
to use. Some models have rotating handles that minimize hand fatigue and
reduce the incidence of blisters. If you’re shopping for a left-handed
gardener, few companies make left-handed shears so check carefully. Felco®
has two models of hand shears that are designed for left-handed users.
Select shears that can easily be taken apart to clean and sharpen. Check
to make sure replacement parts are available; manufacturers of many high
quality shears sell replacement parts. Finally, make sure the shears has
a sturdy catch or lock to close it when not in use.
If you still haven’t decided what to get the gardener on your list,
bypass shears are a useful gift. Other gardening items, including garden
gloves, soaps, lotions and trowels can be found at Reiman Gardens Gift
Shop. Another idea is a membership to Reiman Gardens or another public
garden or arboretum in your area for a gift they can enjoy year-round.
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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 332K. Caption: Bypass shears. |
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