Introduction

A few well-shaped shrubs make a garden look looked-after: a pair of balls either side of the front door, a neat low border along the path, a potted cone on the deck. Keeping them crisp does not take long, as long as you have the right tool and a bit of technique.

That tool, for most people, is a set of battery shrub shears.

Why battery shrub shears?

Shrub shears such as the STIHL HSA 26 are small, cordless hedge trimmers with interchangeable blades, designed for detail work.

  • Lightweight: easy to control with one hand for precise shapes
  • Quiet: fine for a Sunday morning in the garden
  • Two blades in one: a shrub blade for shaping, and a grass blade for tidying lawn edges
  • Always ready: no fuel, no cord, just clip in the battery

Compared with manual shears, they save your wrists and give a more even cut. Compared with a full-size hedge trimmer, they give you far more control on small shapes.

Timing

Late winter and early spring is a good time to tidy shape before new growth starts, followed by light trims through the growing season to keep the lines crisp. Avoid trimming in hot, dry spells or during frost, which can scorch freshly cut leaves.

Shaping techniques

Balls

  • Start at the top and work down and around in small, curved strokes
  • Step back often and look from different angles
  • Take off a little at a time. You can always cut more, but you cannot put it back

Cones and pyramids

  • Tie the top to a cane or use a simple frame as a guide
  • Work from the bottom up, keeping the sides straight
  • Finish the tip carefully with light touches

Low borders

  • Use a string line to keep the top level along the length of the border
  • Trim the sides slightly angled so the top is narrower than the base

Caring for your shears

  • Clean the blades after each use; sap builds up quickly on small leaves
  • Use a blade lubricant to keep them cutting smoothly
  • Check the blades are sharp, since blunt blades tear leaves and leave brown edges
  • Store the battery indoors, away from frost and heat

Safety

  • Wear gloves and eye protection
  • Keep your free hand well away from the blades
  • Remove the battery before cleaning the blades or changing them

Small shapes, taken little by little, with a sharp blade. That is all topiary really is.

Want to try a set of battery shrub shears? Pop in to STIHL SHOP Rotorua and the team will show you how they work, and which blade suits your garden.

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