If you’re like me, you’ll have mixed feelings about gardening. While it’s great to get out in the fresh air and keep the garden tidy, it shouldn’t be too much of a chore and it shouldn’t take up all our time.
Hedge trimming is one job that I used to dread; it took forever using hand shears, and I’d pay for it the next day. I stubbornly prided myself on doing things ‘naturally’. Until I came to my senses and looked for some help.
After all, I thought, it’s the 21st century! Surely there are tools that make the job easier?
Thankfully, there’s a huge selection of power tools that take most of the effort out of gardening, leaving you with more time to enjoy your green space (when the weather allows!).
Spoiled For Choice
In fact, the range of available tools is so large that choosing the right one can be a problem. This also applies to hedge trimmers, with an overwhelming variety of models and brands to choose from. To steer you in the right direction, I’ve researched some of the best hedge trimmers on the market.
I’ve also thrown in some helpful advice and tips about choosing and using hedge trimmers and separated the models according to their power source to keep things simple. Each section will examine the pros and cons honestly and help you decide which is the best one for you.
Corded Electric Hedge Trimmers
I’m starting with these as many gardeners are familiar with these models. They are still widely available, although technology is rapidly evolving and there’s a good chance they’ll be overtaken by their cordless counterparts in the very near future.
But for now, for occasional use in small or medium gardens, a corded electric hedge trimmer is a common-sense option.
Before I go into the positives and negatives of corded electric hedge trimmers, let’s look at a few of the best brands along with a pick of their best hedge trimmers currently available.
Hyundai
This South Korean company makes many things other than cars, including hedge trimmers! And, so far, it’s looking good.
They have an excellent range of corded hedge trimmers that you can pick up for between £50 and £100, which is great news for anyone trying to save money.
You can choose between a 550watt or 680watt motor, allowing you some extra power if you need it.
Let’s look at the more powerful of the two:
Hyundai HYHT680E
- Blade length – 61cm (24 inches)
- Weight 4.14kg (9lbs)
- Cable length 10m
- Motor 680w
- Cutting width 2.4cm (1 inch)
- Adjustable handle that rotates through 90º each way
- 3-year warranty
These specs are pretty impressive! For a machine with such a long blade, it really is a lightweight hedge trimmer that’s easy to use.
The 10 m cable is great for small to medium-sized gardens and the rotating handle helps to avoid those awkward poses, easing the strain on your wrists.
It’s hard to find a better example for the money.
Bosch
Everyone knows Bosch makes excellent power tools, but what about their corded hedge trimmers? The Bosch AHS range is an excellent place to begin, so let’s look at one model in particular.
Bosch Hedgecutter AHS 50-16
I picked this one as it stood out from the crowd while giving a good idea of what Bosch has to offer. Take a look at these features and you’ll see why:
Special Features
- Motor 450w
- Weight 2.7kg (5.9lbs)
- Blade length 50cm (19.6 inches)
- Cutting width 1.6cm (0.6 inches)
- 2-year warranty
- Power cable extension
The smaller motor means it doesn’t make a lot of noise but still generates more than enough power, and it weighs less than 3 kg! The blade is plenty long enough and the additional power cable is helpful to reach those hedges at the end of a long, narrow garden.
This tool is the ideal lightweight hedge trimmer for general tidying and shaping of hedges and shrubs. Don’t expect it to cut through thick branches – you’ll need something with a much bigger cutting width.
These machines sell for around £65 which makes it an absolute bargain. If you need extra power, the Bosch AHS range goes up to 600w but still only weighs 3.7kg!
The only issue I have is that it is called a hedge cutter, when it really qualifies as a hedge trimmer in my book. You can find out more about the differences further along.
Flymo
You might have used a Flymo lawn mower, like millions of Brits over the past five decades or so, but did you know they also made hedge trimmers?
I explored their Easicut range to see if they were up to scratch, and was pleasantly surprised.
As before, I’ll focus on one example from the range:
Flymo 9671028-01 Easicut 460
The first thing I noticed was the handle, which isn’t your typical ‘wrap-around’ grip. Instead, it has a central bar with a crosspiece that you have to hold, which has a safety release switch built-in for safer use.
This may be a sticking point for some people, as it takes some getting used to. However, after a few minutes, you soon adjust and I found it pretty comfortable. In addition, it felt very well-balanced, so I didn’t feel any extra strain on my arms and back when stretching.
Now let’s see what else it has to offer:
Special Features
- Motor 450w
- Blade length 45cm (17.7 inches)
- Cutting width 1.9cm (0.74 inches)
- Weight 3.7kg (8lbs)
This is one of Flymo’s best sellers, and if you shop around you can get one for as little as £32! However, even the full price of £65 should be within reach for most people.
Again, it’s a great hedge trimmer for light garden work, but nothing too intense. It weighs a whole kilogram more than the Bosch model above but still isn’t too heavy.
The Pros And Cons Of Corded Hedge Trimmers
I’ve given you a few examples to consider, but here are some general points about electric trimmers to keep in mind that might guide you in making a decision:
Pros
- They are easy to operate – You plug them in and off you go! There’s no messing about with batteries or mixing fuel. You won’t have to worry about pulling cords or cold starts.
- They are usually lighter in weight – as there’s no liquid fuel or battery adding weight to the unit, they tend to be less heavy than the other models.
- They are typically cheaper – on the whole, they don’t cost as much as the others because the mechanism is simpler and there are fewer complex components.
- They aren’t as noisy as petrol hedge trimmers – some (especially petrol models) can be so loud that ear defenders are recommended. However, they aren’t necessary with most corded hedge trimmers.
Cons
- Limited portability – you are restricted by the length of the power cable and may have to use an extension cord.
- Increased risk of injury – you have to be aware of the cable at all times; many common garden accidents involve tripping over or cutting through electric cables.
Cordless Hedge Trimmers
For sheer convenience, it’s hard to beat a battery-powered cordless hedge trimmer. The technology has improved vastly in recent times, meaning you get a more powerful hedge trimmer that doesn’t weigh a ton or need charging every five minutes!
These are my personal favourite, but that’s because they suit my circumstances and requirements. Let’s look at a few of the best cordless hedge trimmers to see if there are any that are suitable for you.
Makita
Well-known for their robust and durable power tools, Makita is really aimed at professionals, so you know that their hedge trimmer range should be a pretty safe bet.
Out of the few (very impressive) examples on offer, the following model caught my eye:
Makita Duh523z Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The first thing I noticed is that Makita has made the blade user-replaceable, which is a nice touch. This means that if you do need to change the blade for any reason, you can easily remove and replace it (with a compatible one, of course) very easily! You don’t need to dismantle half the machine to do the job.
Going The Extra Mile
Aside from this, you can tell that Makita has put a lot of thought into the design and function of this tool. The blade is nickel-plated to increase the cutting efficiency and reduce staining. There’s also a handy warning light to let you know when the battery is running low.
In addition, they’ve thoughtfully fitted a five cushions anti-vibration system inside to drastically reduce the amount of vibration you feel as you use it. Coupled with the soft-grip handle, it makes for a very comfortable hedge trimmer experience!
What’s So Good About The Duh523z? Let’s find out:
Special Features
- Battery 18v lithium-ion
- Weight 4.8kg (10.5lbs)
- Blade length 52cm (20.5 inches)
- Cutting width 1.5cm (0.59 inches)
Okay, it weighs more than the cordless hedge trimmers, but it’s still not excessively heavy. The 3.0Ah battery lasts well before needing to be charged, and although it might seem deceptively slow-cutting, it does power through the work steadily, even on thicker hedges.
As you might expect, the cost is a little higher than the corded electric hedge trimmer examples, but at £150 (including battery, these are around £70 when bought separately) it’s still reasonable for the quality you get.
Ryobi
This is another familiar name to DIY enthusiasts and tradespeople everywhere. As with Makita, you expect a certain degree of professionalism, and that shines through immediately when you look at their range of hedge trimmers.
One in particular that I was keen to try is designed especially for tall hedges:
Ryobi ONE+ 18V OPT1845 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
This is definitely a contender for the best cordless hedge trimmer I’ve used this year. It’s an extendable hedge trimmer, with a shaft that can reach up to almost three metres! The blade can be angled easily to cut the very top of hedges without having to use steps or a ladder.
What Else Does It Have To Offer?
Special Features
- Motor 18w
- Blade length 45cm (17.7 inches)
- Cutting width 2.8cm (1.1 inches)
- Weight 3.6kg (7.9 lbs)
It’s surprisingly light for a long-reach hedge trimmer, and the shoulder strap (included) does help to take the strain.
One fact that some buyers might see as a negative is that this model is usually sold without a battery and charger. However, if you’re a Ryobi fan and already have some of the ONE+ range of power tools, you’ll already have these. It also makes sense to buy a second battery so you can always have one charging.
This wonderful machine made short work of the tall hedges, easily matching the speed and cutting efficiency of competing brands. And with an average price of £125, you can’t go wrong.
Greenworks
Maybe not as familiar, but definitely worth considering, the Greenworks was launched in 2007 and has been making waves in the world of power tools ever since.
And from what I learned, their hedge trimmer range is worthy of being ranked with the others mentioned above.
Here’s one example:
Greenworks Cordless Hedge Trimmer 40V G40HT
The first thing you notice is how light this hedge trimmer is. The second thing is the low vibrations, due to the dual-action blade (both blades move against each other). This is great for domestic gardens in urban areas if you don’t want to upset your neighbours!
The other notable feature is the length of the cutting blade, as we’ll see next:
Special Features
- Blade length 61 cm (24 inches)
- Weight 3.6kg (8lbs)
- 40v lithium-ion battery
- Cutting width 2.8cm (1.1 inches)
This is potentially the longest blade length available for general use! Most long-bladed tools are reserved for professional machines, but this one is firmly aimed at us ‘normal’ gardeners.
The long blade makes easy work of long, straight hedges. Instead of making several passes over the hedge, you can remove all you need in one sweep! That’s assuming your hedges aren’t wider than 24 inches.
You also get a handle that swivels 90º to lets you cut at angles without holding the machine awkwardly.
This model retails at around £95 without the battery and charger. However, as with some other brands, you can use the same battery in other tools.
Hyundai
Although I mentioned their cordless model above, Hyundai’s range of cordless tools is well worth a look.
As an example, let’s look at the following model:
Hyundai HYHT40LI Cordless Trimmer
The team at Hyundai really thought this through! There are so many brilliant features on this model that it’s difficult to know where to start:
Special Features
- 40v lithium-ion battery
- Blade length 52cm (20 inches)
- Brushless motor
- Adjustable handle that can be rotated 90º either way
- Wall guard and blade tip protector (prevents damage when working close to fences and walls)
- Weight 4kg
- Runs extremely quietly!
- Cutting width 2.3cm (0.9 inches)
- Laser-cut hardened steel blade
- 3-year Hyundai warranty
In addition to all this, it’s comfortable to hold and operate, and it cuts like a dream. This cordless trimmer has the same cutting power as a small petrol hedge trimmer and is definitely worth the money. At the moment, you can pick one up for around £150, although the original price was somewhere around £180 to £190. Either way, it’s worth investing in as the battery and charger are included.
The HYHT40LI is a handy tool that can cope with most general hedge trimming and garden jobs (shrubs, bushes, etc.) and is great for precision trimming if you like neat hedges or indulge in topiary.
Hawksmoor
For those who are watching the pennies (and who isn’t these days?), you might want to consider budget cordless hedge trimmers. The trouble is, as they say, you get what you pay for.
Even so, there are some reliable budget brands around that won’t put too much of a dent in your bank balance, and one of these is called Hawksmoor.
No-Frills Design
At first glance, you might be put off by the no-frills appearance, as they seem basic when compared with the more familiar brands. However, that would be a mistake as they compare favourably.
The Hawksmoor 18v cordless hedge trimmer, for example, has very good reviews across the board.
Special Features
- Blade length 51cm (20 inches)
- Dual safety cut-off switch
- Cutting width 1.6cm (0.62 inches)
- Ergonomically designed handles with inset rubber grip for extra comfort
- Weight 2.2kg (4.8lbs)
The weight is remarkable, at just 2.2kg! If you’re after a lightweight tool, you won’t find many hedge trimmers lighter than this.
It also comes with a 2-year warranty and retails for around £50 to £60, including the battery and charger. The battery is compatible with all Hawksmoor products, with the added bonus of also fitting Bauker power tools.
Pros And Cons Of Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Okay, I admit that I’m biased – I like battery-powered hedge trimmers!
Even so, it’s not just that they suit my circumstances. Here are some reasons why they make sense:
Pros
- There’s no pollution and fumes from petrol engines
- You don’t have to mess around mixing fuel (as you do with two-stroke engines)
- They are not as noisy as petrol hedge trimmers
- They are easy to use
- They are (generally) lightweight
- There’s no power cord to trip over or cut through!
- They are portable and you are not restricted by a power cord or extension cable
- They start easily – there’s no pull-cord to struggle with
Are there any negatives? The only ones I can see are these:
Cons
- Some models are sold without the battery and charger. Always check what you are getting for the price!
- Once the battery has run out you’ll need to charge it again before use. It may be wise to buy two batteries, but these aren’t cheap.
- Batteries have a limited life and will need replacing at some stage. However, most top-brand batteries can be recharged around 1,000 times.
- Although they are pretty powerful, they don’t always match up to the petrol hedge trimmer. However, as battery technology improves, this will definitely change.
Petrol Hedge Trimmers
It’s easy to assume that petrol hedge trimmers are reserved for tougher jobs or professionals tackling large hedges on a regular basis. Although there is some truth in this, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a powerful hedge trimmer that will handle whatever you throw at it (within reason!).
The Right Tool For The Right Job
However, these tools also have their limits. If you want to tackle thick branches pay attention to the teeth spacing (sometimes referred to as cutting width or cutting capacity). The larger the gap, the thicker the branches it can handle, and these machines are often referred to as hedge cutters. If you anticipate sawing through anything thicker than a couple of inches on a regular basis, you’d be better off investing in a chainsaw.
What Can The Hedge trimmer Handle?
People often wonder, what thickness can a hedge trimmer cut through? The manufacturers usually include a maximum cutting width in the specifications, and it’s best to stick to this to this. The average hedge trimmer will cut through branches up to an inch in diameter. Frequently hacking through thicker branches will dull or damage the blades.
Now let’s explore some petrol hedge trimmer brands!
McCulloch
With a reputation for making tough tools, you can bank on a McCulloch’s hedge trimmer to be sturdy. They have a no-nonsense appearance that will appeal to those who just want to get the job done.
I chose the following model, for reasons that will become clear:
McCulloch HT 5622
This machine was built with practicality in mind, so it won’t win any prizes for its looks. However, that really doesn’t matter as it’s a great hedge trimmer to use. For a petrol hedge trimmer, it is surprisingly quiet and doesn’t shake you to pieces as it has anti-vibration handles!
And that’s not all:
Special Features
- 22.7cc engine
- Blade length 56cm (22 inches)
- Weight 5.2kg (11.4lbs)
- Cutting width 2.2cm (0.78inches)
- Tool-less air filter
- Adjustable rear handle
- Soft-start system (reduced resistance of up to 40%)
Although it isn’t the biggest engine it’s just the job for medium-sized hedges and copes well with branches almost an inch thick.
This model currently sells for around £190. All in all, an excellent tool!
Stihl
Famed for their excellent chainsaws, Stihl also makes petrol-powered trimmers that deserve a look – if you have some extra cash to spare.
I picked out the following tool as one to consider:
Stihl HS45 24-Inch Hedge Trimmer
Again, it’s a highly practical machine, with all of the essential features easily accessible, like the air filter and fuel pump.
Let’s see what else you get for your money:
Special Features
- Blade length 60cm (23.6 inches)
- Cutting width 3cm (1 inch)
- 27.2cc engine
- Weight 5kg
- Electronic ignition
- Anti-vibration system
This comes at a price, though, as you should expect to pay around £320 for this model.
Parker Brand
If the price of the Stihl was slightly over your budget, then take a look at our next contender.
This family-run business may not be as familiar as others, but they deserve a place on my best hedge trimmer list!
Here’s one of their offerings:
Parker Brand 24cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer
It has a similar look to the Stihl model and matches it in almost every other way. The only obvious difference is in its weight:
Special Features
- Weight 7.6kg (16.7lbs)
- 26cc engine
- Blade length 60cm (24 inches)
- Easy-start system
- 180-degree rotating handle
- 2-year warranty
You get all this for a lower price than the Stihl or the McCulloch, as this model is currently priced at around £100, which is pretty reasonable for a machine with these specs!
How Do You Pick A Good Hedge Trimmer?
It’s all very well telling you the best hedge trimmers, but what exactly makes a hedge trimmer good?
Well, there are certain specifications that you can compare that might set one apart from the others. But once you’ve done this, there’s another vital question to ask: does the machine suit your needs? Ideally, you should choose the best hedge trimmer to match your physical ability as well as the tasks it will be used for.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better!
For example, don’t simply opt for a super-sized petrol-powered hedge trimmer if your garden is tiny and you’re petite, in your senior years and suffer from back issues! This is basic common sense.
Personally speaking, I find some petrol hedge trimmers too much; they are basically too powerful for what I want and they soon become tiresome (literally!) to hold. Yes, it’s essential to take breaks (see the section on how to safely use a hedge trimmer) but you should be able to hold the machine comfortably for a good 15 to 20 minutes.
When you’ve taken this into consideration, check out these issues to see which model is a good match for you.
Power Source
Which suits you best, corded electric hedge trimmers, cordless hedge trimmers, or petrol hedge trimmers? As we’ve seen, each type has its good and bad points.
Blade Length
You don’t need a very long blade if your hedges are only 15 to 20 cm thick. Remember that the longer the hedge trimmer blades, the heavier the machine will be and therefore harder to control.
As a general rule, somewhere between 45 and 55cm is ideal, but if you have high hedges you might consider a longer one. For very high hedges you might need long-reach hedge trimmers or a telescopic pole hedge trimmer.
Teeth Spacing
The gaps between the teeth on the cutting blade will determine the maximum cutting width. Wider spacing allows you to tackle thick branches, though only if the motor or engine is up to it! Check that a machine with widely spaced teeth has enough power to do the job. In general, petrol hedge trimmers are more powerful and designed for professional gardeners or contractors who tackle large hedges and thicker branches regularly.
Typically, a hedge trimmer with a wider maximum cutting width will have a bigger motor/engine and qualifies as a hedge cutter.
Handle Type
Admittedly, most brands try to make their hedge trimmers comfortable to hold. However, some do this better than others. It comes down to personal preference in the end, although most people get on better with wraparound handles.
Look for models with soft moulded rubber on the grip as you’ll be grateful for this after holding the machine for fifteen minutes straight!
Weight
As with all power tools, you should be generally fit, healthy and not under the influence while operating a hedge trimmer. It’s also wise to know your limits and not push your luck.
Petrol hedge trimmers tend to be the heaviest, from between 4 to 7kg (8.8 to 15.4lbs). A pole hedge trimmer might be even more, at around 9kg (19.8lbs).
If you want something lightweight for general garden work, then I wholeheartedly recommend a lightweight cordless hedge trimmer or, alternatively, a corded electric hedge trimmer.
Is It Extendable?
A long-reach hedge trimmer is a great idea if you have tall hedges as you don’t need to work on a ladder or platform. Bear in mind that a pole hedge trimmer can be heavy!
Is There A Warranty?
You can gauge a brand’s confidence in their own products by the warranty they offer. This should be at least two years, though some brands offer a 3-year warranty.
Hedge Cutter Or Hedge Trimmer?
We won’t dive into this too deeply, but it’s worth mentioning here as you may want to know if there’s a difference between the two.
Although some brands use both terms to describe their garden tools, it really depends on the cutting width and the amount of power it kicks out. Generally speaking, hedge trimmers have a smaller motor and a smaller cutting width (the teeth on the blade are set closer together).
So, if you anticipate tackling large hedges in a big garden, or more mature hedges with thicker stems, or even attempting to cut low-hanging branches that are encroaching on your hedge tops, then a hedge cutter (or a pruning saw) would be a better option. Otherwise, a basic hedge trimmer is fine.
Best Hedge Trimmers: Summing Up
We’ve covered a lot of ground, so here’s a recap of what I believe to be the best hedge trimmers around at the moment:
Best Corded Hedge Trimmer
If you’re after a corded electric hedge trimmer, the Flymo is hard to beat on price. However, I’d recommend the Hyundai overall.
Best Battery Hedge Trimmer
Selecting a single as best cordless hedge trimmer is more difficult, as any of these models qualify! However, the Hyundai stands out above the rest, with the Greenworks hedge trimmer running a very close second.
Best Light Hedge Trimmer
At 2.2kg the Hawksmoor 18v cordless hedge trimmer wins hands down. For anyone who needs a lightweight hedge trimmer, this is a winner.
Best Extendable Hedge Trimmer
Admittedly, we only looked at one of these, but it’s a good example of what to expect from long reach hedge trimmers. The Ryobi was an excellent tool to use despite its weight.
Best Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Although Stihl are recognised as the leading brand (especially for chainsaws) I’m pushing McCulloch as the best petrol hedge trimmer brand, purely in terms of value for money.
The relatively unknown company Parker Brand deserves second place here because of their very reasonable price.
In all honestly, any of the brands shown here are worth investing in. I’ve selected what I feel are the best ones based on several factors and tried to be impartial.
I hope I’ve given you an insight into each brand so you can choose the best hedge trimmer to suit your needs and help you fall in love with gardening once again.