Hedges can look spectacular when they're all neat and tidy, but they do require a fair amount of maintenance to keep them looking schmick. And with the mixture of heights, odd angles, a heavy weight and very sharp blades, hedge trimming can be a potentially dangerous experience, so you'll need to make a note of safety features when you're shopping for one.
On this page:
- How much should I pay for a hedge trimmer?
- Features to look for in a hedge trimmer
- Types of hedge trimmer
- Maintenance
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How much should I pay for a hedge trimmer?
Electric and cordless hedge trimmers range from around $139 to $599 plus a battery pack which could add up to $200 for some models, but the battery may be interchangeable with other garden or power tools. Petrol models can also be found in this price range, but for a heavy-duty petrol model you should expect to pay a fair bit more. (Note: we no longe review petrol models.)
Features to look for in a hedge trimmer
Weight
The battery hedge trimmers we tested can weigh from 2.2–4.7kg. The balance of the trimmer is also important, so try one out in the store or borrow one from a friend to see how it feels.
Teeth gap
Will you need to cut through thick branches or do simple trimming of leaves? If there is significant cutting involved you'll need a more powerful model. Generally, models with larger tooth gaps (at least 2cm) are more suitable for heavy-duty hedging.
Blades
Can be laser-cut for increased accuracy and longevity.
Wrap-around front handle
A loop-shaped handle makes it easier to handle the tool when trimming horizontally, vertically or at an angle. Rear handles may also rotate for vertical or horizontal trimming.
Safety
A hand guard will help prevent debris being thrown back towards the user. A good safety feature to look for is a safety switch on both handles, so the trimmer won't start or run unless both handles are gripped. This keeps your hands out of harm's way.
Tip protector
This is located at the end of the cutting head, and prevents the blades from damage in case you accidentally hit a hard surface while trimming (like the wall or ground).
Length
The cutting length can vary from about 40–75cm. Most of the models we test are around 50cm which is good for most general jobs. Longer hedge trimmers with poles (which can be telescopic or fixed) are suitable for tall hedges and will give you extra reach.
Hedge trimmers have different cutting lengths. Most of the models we test are around 50cm long, like the ones in this picture.
Types of hedge trimmer
Battery power
Battery hedge trimmers are great for most households and many brands have batteries that are compatible with other power or garden tools. They're light, relatively quiet and you can always have a spare battery on hand if your power depletes. However, some models can feel underpowered when cutting thick branches, and a greater load will deplete the battery faster.
Generally, cordless battery-powered hedge trimmers operate on full power until the battery runs out, so you won't have to worry about it running at less than 100% as it slowly powers down to flat.
Electric
Electric (AC) hedge trimmers are light and handy, and there's the advantage of a constant power source (unless there's a power outage, of course). Make sure your extension cord reaches your power point and it meets the correct requirements for outdoor use (check the manual). If your hedge is more than 30m from your house, these are not suitable, as extension leads won't reach that far. Take care when unsnagging cords from ladders or foliage.
Petrol
Petrol hedge trimmers are usually fuelled by 2-stroke engines requiring a lubricant and petrol mix (although 4-stroke engines are also available). They're a good option for professionals and home owners with tough hedges to maintain, and tend to be more powerful than a battery-powered engine.
While good for thicker branches and large amounts of hedging (due to their longer runtime), they can be noisier, more polluting (with fumes near your face) and heavier than electric or battery types. CHOICE hasn't reviewed petrol hedge trimmers.
Maintenance
After each use, clean off debris from the blades with a dry brush and use a spray lubricant. Over time, the blades will become blunt and won't cut as effectively. Some brands may have blades that can be removed and sharpened either professionally (contact your local dealer) or at home. But very cheap models may not have serviceable parts.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
