If you're thinking about adding a hedge trimmer to your yard maintenance tool collection, this guide will help you choose.
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Whether you’re going for maximum curb appeal or are trying to recreate your very own Disney World park, hedges and large shrubs are a great way to add manicured style to your home landscape. But in order to properly define a space and lend a sense of sleek structure to garden spaces, hedges need regular maintenance.
Luckily, there’s a simple tool that can make things easier: hedge trimmers. A hedge trimmer can not only do a neater job than manual hedge clippers, which is important when you’re trying to get that pristine look, but they can also save you precious time working in the yard and your wrists from aches and pains.
Wondering where to get started when it comes to investing in the right tool to keep your hedges looking sharp? From corded, cordless, and gas-powered models, here we break down how to choose a hedge trimmer with features that make sense for you and your yard, plus give advice on how often to sharpen your hedge trimmer’s new blades.
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What Is a Hedge Trimmer?
A hedge trimmer is a machine that cuts and prunes hedges and shrubs. The blade ranges from five to 26 inches long, ideal for cutting through branches up to 1/2- to 3/4-in. thick. Anything thicker requires a different pruning tool, says Vince Christofora, owner of Woodstock Hardware, a full-service hardware store in Woodstock, New York.
Types of Hedge Trimmers
Hedge trimmers are grouped by their power source into three main categories: battery, electric- and gas-powered. Here’s a closer look at each one:
Battery-powered hedge trimmers
Battery-powered tools have had a major impact on the market, Christofora says, especially compared to gas-powered tools. “Now the battery ones are just as powerful and provide the same amount of flexibility,” Christofora says. Battery-powered hedge trimmers can run for up to two hours when fully charged. They weigh about eight to nine pounds, require little to no maintenance and cost between $150 and $400.
Electric-powered hedge trimmers
Electric hedge trimmers need an extension cord and an outlet, but can run for as long as you need them. If your hedges are about 100 to 200 feet from your home and you’ll only use it a few times a year, Christofora says an electric hedge trimmer can be the most inexpensive choice; the average cost is $30 to $200.
Electric trimmers are less than ideal, he says, if the hedges are more than 200 feet away because the trimmer will start to lose power. You’ll also need a long extension cord that could cost up to $100.
Gas-powered hedge trimmers
Gas-powered hedge trimmers are best for homeowners or professionals who trim hedges regularly, Christofora says. They’re higher maintenance than battery-powered and electric trimmers because the engine runs on a mixture of gas and oil. And the engine may need occasional repair, especially after spending a cold winter in the garage. Gas-powered hedge trimmers can cost from $150 to $600.
Key Hedge Trimmer Features to Consider
When shopping for a hedge trimmer, these are the top features to take into account to be sure you make the right purchase:
- Weight: Battery-operated and electric hedge trimmers are easier to use than gas-powered trimmers because they weigh half as much. An electric hedge trimmer can weigh as little as five pounds with a blade as short as five inches!
- Vibration and noise: Gas-powered hedge trimmers vibrate and are noisier than electric hedge trimmers, making them less comfortable to use. All hedge trimmers will make some noise so Christofora recommends buying hearing protection (headphones or ear plugs), along with vision protection and work gloves for safety. Note: A hedge trimmer can be as loud as 103 decibels (dB); anything louder than 80 dB can cause hearing damage or loss.
- Single- or double-action blades: Hedge trimmers blades are single-action (one moving blade and one static blade) or double-action (two blades moving in opposite directions). Christofora says double-action hedge trimmers are helpful if you’re shaping your hedges, or if you’ll be using your hedge trimmer for extended periods because they vibrate less than single-action hedge trimmers.
- Blade teeth: The teeth can be spaced 1/2- to 1-1/2-inches apart. If the blade teeth are close together, they might not be able to handle more unruly hedges. So don’t buy a hedge trimmer with narrower teeth if you’re cutting through 1/2- to 3/4- inch hedge growth.
- Safety: Look for auxiliary handles, blade guards, and lock buttons. The lock button ensures that the tool won’t turn on unless a second button is pressed.
How to Choose a Hedge Trimmer
When choosing a hedge trimmer, Chris Ramos of Blain’s Farm & Fleet advises DIYers to first consider the power source. “Gas trimmers offer the most power and mobility for large jobs but are heavier, louder, and require a fuel mix,” Ramos says. “Electric trimmers — both corded and cordless — are lighter and easier to use for smaller tasks, though they come with limitations like cord length or battery life.”
When deciding between the three types of hedge trimmers, Christofora recommends answering these questions:
- How much do you plan to use the trimmer?
- How far from the home do you plan to trim?
- Are you familiar with small engine repair?
- Do you already own any battery-powered tools? What brand are they?
There’s always a low-key option for the gardener with a small amount of trimming: a people-powered pair of hand trimmers.
FAQ
Can I use a hedge trimmer on wet hedges?
No. It’s best to avoid trimming hedges during wet or rainy conditions because wet weather can increase general difficulty in handling your hedge trimmer, which results in a higher risk of accidents or uneven trimming, as well as potential electrical hazards and damage to the tools.
How often should I sharpen the blades?
Like with all garden tools, plan to sharpen your hedge trimmer blades once a season, or as often as you need to keep them in top working order. If you notice your blades getting dull or cuts that look uneven or ragged, it’s time to sharpen your blades.
Expert
- Vince Christofora is the owner of Woodstock Hardware in Woodstock, New York. For over two decades, Vince has served as a general contractor for residential and commercial projects with expertise in demolition, foundations, framing, insulating, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, finish carpentry, painting, and landscaping.
- Chris Ramos is a gardening expert and the public relations and events coordinator for Blain’s Farm & Fleet, a family-owned retail store specializing in discounted home, landscaping, outdoor lifestyle products, and more.
