Hedge Trimmers Buying Guide

Corded Vs Cordless

Powerful, lightweight and easy to use, corded hedge trimmers are a great choice if you like to keep on top of your hedges. Because you don’t have to worry about charging batteries, you can just plug in and power on whenever you like. Don’t forget to check the length of the cord before you buy, as you may need an extension cable to make sure you can reach every last hedge.

If cords aren’t your thing, then look out for cordless models. They’re ideal for large gardens as they’re lightweight, easy to use and you can move around more freely. We’d recommend getting an additional battery so when one runs out you can swap it out with no fuss.

How powerful are hedge trimmers?

The power of corded hedge trimmers is measured in watts (w) usually ranging from 400w to 900w, and as you can imagine, the higher the wattage, the more powerful it will be. If you’re opting for a cordless model, then the batteries they use for power are measured in volts (v) usually varying between 18v to 36v. Again, the higher the volts the more power you will have.

How important is tooth opening?

Whether you’re trimming small hedges or maintaining the Amazon rainforest, you’ll need to make sure to get a model with a suitable tooth opening. This is the space between the cutting teeth, and generally the wider the opening the thicker the hedges you can trim. For small and neat hedges, you’ll do just fine with a blade gap between 15-20mm. But if you’ll be tackling something more overgrown, we’d recommend going for 30mm or wider.

Is blade length important?

The blade length you need will depend on the size of hedges you will be tending to. A blade between 300-400mm will do the job for small hedges, while a longer blade at 500m or above will be more suitable for large hedges. It’s also worth noting that a longer blade is ideal if you can only access your hedge from one side, as you’ll have a larger reach.

Other features to look out for

Finally, there are a host of useful features that you’ll want to consider when picking up a new trimmer. Models with a wraparound handle are always a great choice, because they’re comfortable to hold at various angles and will help you cut more efficiently. The dual safety switch is a great safety feature that stops the machine from turning on accidentally, which will prevent any nasty injuries. And look out for pole trimmers, they’re perfect for tall hedges as the extendable pole will let you reach up high, so nothing is left undone.