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Best Hedge Trimmer [2019]


BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 Hedge Trimmer

  • 40v Battery Is Compatible With Other BLACK+DECKER 40v Products
  • Dual-Action, 24-Inch Blade Reaches Far Enough For Most Jobs
  • Can Handle Branches Up To 3/4-Inch Thick

When it comes to value, power, and convenience, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option that the LHT2436 from BLACK+DECKER. Powered by a Lithium-ION battery, the 24-inch blade will chop through most hedges without buckling. It is extremely light and lasts a LONG time on a single charge.


WORX WG255.1 PowerShare Hedge Trimmer

  • Ultra-Light At 6.0 Pounds
  • Dual-Action Cutting Blades Helps Reduce Vibration
  • 20v Batteries Can Work With Other WORX Tools Interchangeably



Do you not want to break the bank, but still need to get the job done quickly, comfortably, and efficiently? Then the WORX WG255.1 PowerShare Hedge Trimmer is right up your alley. It is lightweight at only 6 pounds while the dual-action blades can handle most household projects just fine.


Makita XHU08T Hedge Trimmer

  • Ultra-Long, 30-Inch Cutting Blade
  • Five-Position, Rotating Handle For Different Blade Angles
  • Variable Speed Trigger + Three Speed Options For Enhanced Control



For those who need a commercial-grade hedge trimmer or don’t mind spending a little more, the XHU08T from Makita is perfect. It has a 30-inch blade that can reach in the farthest of places while still being able to chop through branches up to an inch in diameter.

How We Picked

Are you tired of dealing with unruly hedges that seem to have a never-ending supply of new growth? You spend a whole weekend cutting and trimming the hedges, only to see new growth that needs to be fixed a week later – how frustrating! If you use manual hedge trimmers, this can take forever. If you are tired of dealing with these unruly hedges, it’s time to take control of them for good with a powered hedge trimmer.

Powered hedge trimmers take those long weekends and turn them into a couple of minutes of trimming, plus they take the strain off of your body. And since you are able to focus on the job at hand, you tend to do a better job which ends up looking better too. If you can’t stand a few sprigs, powered hedge trimmers will make maintenance work a breeze.

Today, we are going to show you twelve hedge trimmers that will replace your current hedge trimmer (manual or powered). Each hedge trimmer on our list has been vetted using several ranking factors to help differentiate them from the pack. We look past the marketing jargon used to sell you on features. Instead, we want to help you find the best hedge trimmer for you. And if you have questions, we have a frequently asked questions section that should answer it for you; if not, less us know so we can help you and all of our future visitors too.

With all of that out of the way, are you ready to see the top twelve hedge trimmers on the market right now?

Makita XHU08T Hedge Trimmer

Makita XHU08T Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 12.01” x 52.4” x 10.04”
  • Item Weight: 21 Pounds
  • Power Source: Battery

With more than 100 years of experience, Makita has proven itself as a leader in the tool/power tool industry. Which is why we aren’t surprised that the XHU08T made our list. It is one of the most powerful battery-powered hedge trimmers on the market right now.

Makita XHU08T Hedge Trimmer

While the blades are comparable to their competitors, it’s the stroke-per-minute that makes this deadly for hedges. With a 4,400 SPM-rate, this will absolutely destroy anything in front of it. Plus, it can chew through branches up to a full inch in diameter! And if that doesn’t get you salivating, the ultra-long, 30-inch blades will.

Makita XHU08T Hedge Trimmer controls

Equipped with three different speed options and a variable speed trigger, you can make precise cuts with less effort than ever before. And, if you still need more options, the rotating rear handle makes it easy to adjust the blades/angle to one of five different positions in one fast motion.

Makita XHU08T Hedge Trimmer on a garden wall

Since the XHU08T is battery-powered, it is extremely quiet and has little vibration or shake, even when maxed. Makita included an anti-vibration system/technology that decouples the blades from the handle, reducing the overall shake quite a bit when compared to other hedge trimmers on the market (battery or gasoline-powered).

What We Like

We love that it has an ultra-long blade that can reach in places nothing else can touch. The 4,400 SPM-rate absolutely demolishes anything in front of it. It’s cordless and it holds its own against gasoline-powered hedge trimmers.

Overall

The Makita XHU08T is one of the most rugged, efficient battery-powered trimmers on the market. If you can handle all 21.0 pounds of this beast, then you’ll love how fast you can knock down a fence line of hedges. If you’ve got the strength and the wallet, this is the perfect option for all of your hedge trimming needs.


Makita XHU08T Hedge Trimmer

  • Ultra-Long, 30-Inch Cutting Blade
  • Five-Position, Rotating Handle For Different Blade Angles
  • Variable Speed Trigger + Three Speed Options For Enhanced Control

Poulan Pro PR2322 Hedge Trimmer

Poulan Pro PR2322 Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 44.8” x 9.0” x 8.2”
  • Item Weight: 11.1 Pounds
  • Power Source: Gasoline

Poulan is a well-respected brand that has the consistency and dependability that you need and want. While they aren’t the Crème de la Crème of brands, they have plenty of options that will work for the average weekend warrior or homeowner. If you don’t want to deal with power cords and batteries, you’re in luck. The gas-powered PR2322 from Poulan is more than ready to be your next hedge trimmer.

Poulan Pro PR2322 Hedge Trimmer

The PR2322 is ready to chop through your hedges, with the ability to cut through branches up to an inch thick. It is equipped with a rotating handle to make angular cutting easier while incorporating an anti-vibration system to reduce wear and tear on your body.

Poulan Pro PR2322 Hedge Trimmer close-up

This is perfect for anyone looking to get away from long battery charging times and cord length restrictions. The 23cc, two-cycle engine is more than powerful enough to chew through the worst of hedges while giving you the freedom to go as far as you need for as long as you have power/fuel.

What We Like

If you crave power, the 23cc engine has it! Not to mention, this is one of the easiest to start hedge trimmers on the market. The anti-vibration system is a blessing as this is gasoline-powered, which means it will have more shake than a battery/electric-powered hedge trimmer.

Overall

The PR2322 from Poulan is nowhere near the heaviest on our list, but it proves to be durable and rugged with the ability to obliterate anything in its way. Covered by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, why haven’t you bought this already?

Sale


Poulan Pro PR2322 Hedge Trimmer

  • Powerful 23cc, Two-Cycle Engine
  • Rotating Handle + Comfort Grip With Anti-Vibration Technology
  • Dual-Action, Stainless Steel Blades That Can Cut Up To One Inch In Diameter

BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 Hedge Trimmer

BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 39.2” x 7.3” x 7.5”
  • Item Weight: 6.9 Pounds
  • Power Source: Battery

BLACK+DECKER is another brand that has proven to be a juggernaut in the power tool industry. With over 100 years of innovation behind them, it’s no surprise that they have a tool (or two) on our list.

BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 Hedge Trimmer

The LHT2436 is great for homeowners and weekend warriors who don’t want to spend a lot but still get plenty of performance. It’s powered by a 40V battery that pumps out enough power to keep a Toyota Prius running (probably not).

BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 in the garden

Recharging this beast of a battery only takes an hour and it lasts through most basic hedge trimming jobs on a single charge. The blades are 24 inches, so you can handle most projects just fine. And, they can cut through branches up to 3/4-inch in diameter.

BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 used for trimming a hedge

For those worried about fatigue, the dual-action blades help to offset the shake associated with other hedge trimmers. As an added bonus, the full wrap around the handle adds an extra layer of anti-vibration/fatigue to an already awesome hedge trimmer.

What We Like

While it is not the most powerful trimmer on our list, it can easily chew through most trimming projects on a single charge. The powerful 40v battery is also compatible with other 40v products from BLACK+DECKER (for the brand loyalists).

Overall

The LHT2436 from BLACK+DECKER is lightweight, powerful, and backed by a two-year warranty. The price is easy to stomach, it performs well for most projects, and it won’t leave you hanging with a weak battery.


BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 Hedge Trimmer

  • 40v Battery Is Compatible With Other BLACK+DECKER 40v Products
  • Dual-Action, 24-Inch Blade Reaches Far Enough For Most Jobs
  • Can Handle Branches Up To 3/4-Inch Thick

EGO HT2400 Hedge Trimmer

EGO HT2400 Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 41.4” x 8.9” x 7.5”
  • Item Weight: 6.2 Pounds
  • Power Source: Battery

Want the muscle of a gas-powered hedge trimmer, but tired of dealing with the extra weight, noise, gasoline fumes, and hassle of mixing and spilling gasoline or oil? Then look no further than the EGO HT2400 with 56v of tree-crunching power.

EGO HT2400 Hedge Trimmer

The 24-inch, hardened-steel, dual-action blades and extended reach provide a smooth, powerful cut that hums along at 3,000 SPM. If you hit a thick branch or two, you’ll be fine as this can handle branches as thick as 3/4-inch in diameter. Powered by a 56v, Lithium-Ion battery, you’ll have more than enough “umphh” to barrel through any project and you should get around an hour of runtime on a single charge.

EGO HT2400 Hedge Trimmer in the garden

As for safety features, the HT2400 comes with a blade guard to protect it during storage and/or transport. Additionally, there is a dead-stop safety that instantly stops it from running once you take your hand off the trigger. In fact, you have to use two hands to operate the HT2400, ensuring that you are much safer than with other competing products.

What We Like

Who doesn’t like a three-year/five-year warranty? Of course, the 56v battery doesn’t hurt either. With one of the strongest battery packs on the market right now, this hedge trimmer will deliver time and time again.

Overall

The HT2400 from EGO is built to compete with the gasoline-powered “big brothers”. While it may not have the same noise factor or fume smell of a gasoline-powered hedge trimmer, it will perform like one. If you want power and performance without the negatives of a gasoline hedge trimmer, this should be your next purchase.


EGO HT2400 Hedge Trimmer

  • 3,000 SPM Rate
  • Ability To Cut Up To 3/4-Inch Branches
  • Extra Safety Features To Ensure You Don’t Accidentally End Up Injured

WORX WG255.1 PowerShare Hedge Trimmer

WORX WG255.1 PowerShare Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 35.1” x 7.5” x 8”
  • Item Weight: 6 Pounds
  • Power Source: Battery

WORX has moved from the “as seen on TV” stepchild into the mainstream in a hurry. What used to be a gimmick is now a reputable and trustworthy brand. Almost every list we have that involves power tools of any kind has a WORX product on it.

WORX WG255.1 PowerShare Hedge Trimmer

The WORX WG255.1 is a lightweight, battery-powered hedge trimmer that is not only quiet but easy on the wallet. If you already use WORX tools, you’ll love the ability to use your old batteries with the WG255.1.

WORX WG255.1 PowerShare used for trimming a hedge

This is geared towards the homeowner who wants a good hedge trimmer with plenty of features without the heavy price tag associated with other trimmers on the market.

WORX WG255.1 PowerShare in the garden

The WG255.1 is designed to make yard work fast, easy, and comfortable. Its ergonomic design cuts down on user fatigue and makes cutting from almost any angle a breeze. Equipped with dual-action, hardened-steel blade, vibration is almost non-existent.

What We Like

The lightweight design makes it easy to handle for long periods of time. The battery pack is interchangeable with other WORX products, and it handles most trimming jobs in stride.

Overall

The WORX WG255.1 hedge trimmer is quiet, lightweight – even lighter than the BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 – and is moderately priced. If you’ve ever used a WORX product, then you already know how consistent and reliable these products are. If you’ve never used a WORX product, it’s time for you to get to know the brand a little more!


WORX WG255.1 PowerShare Hedge Trimmer

  • Ultra-Light At 6.0 Pounds
  • Dual-Action Cutting Blades Helps Reduce Vibration
  • 20v Batteries Can Work With Other WORX Tools Interchangeably

Black+Decker HH2455 Hedge Trimmer

Black+Decker HH2455 Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 45.1” x 7.3” x 6.2”
  • Item Weight: 6.5 Pounds
  • Power Source: Electric

Next, we are going to talk about a brand that already landed on our list once. Why? Because they have more products that are worth a look. The HH2455 from BLACK+DECKER is another option that you might want to consider.

Black+Decker HH2455 Hedge Trimmer

Looking for a hedge trimmer with some power? Don’t want to deal with gasoline and batteries? The HH2455 is equipped with a 24-inch blade that can cut through 3/4-inch limbs without getting bound up. The motor is in-line, giving it an extreme amount of balance, control, and cutting precision. Since the blade is 24 inches, it can handle taller and wider hedges than some of the other competing trimmers on the market right now.

Black+Decker HH2455 used on a hedge

For safety, they have a lock-on switch for continual running and a lock-off switch to prevent accidental starts. It also has a built-in cord retention system to keep the cord nice and tight, away from accidental cuts.

Black+Decker HH2455 Hedge Trimmer in the garden

Plus, it has a full wrap-around handle to help with any vibrations and user fatigue. If that’s not enough, it even comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

What We Like

The lock-on switch is an absolute lifesaver when you don’t want to hold the power switch the whole time. The lock-off switch is great for transportation, helping to avoid any lasting marks and jokes for eternity.

Overall

The HH2455 from BLACK+DECKER is affordable, lightweight, and ideal for users with large hedge trimming jobs who don’t have a big budget. Even though it is limited by cord length, you’ll find that it is worth the extra hassle of lugging around a cord, especially if you don’t need it every weekend.


Black+Decker HH2455 Hedge Trimmer

  • 24-Inch, Precision-Ground, Dual-Action Blades
  • Can Cut Branches Up To 3/4-Inch In Diameter
  • Lock-On + Lock-Off Switches

BLACK+DECKER TR117 Hedge Trimmer

BLACK+DECKER TR117 Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 30.3” x 7.3” x 7”
  • Item Weight: 4.3 Pounds
  • Power Source: Electric

Next up, the BLACK+DECKER TR117 is a 3.2-amp hedge trimmer with a snubbed 17-inch blade. The TR117 is feather-light at only 4.3 pounds, but it is still rugged and hefty enough to cut through a 5/8-inch branch.

BLACK+DECKER TR117 Hedge Trimmer

Just like the BLACK+DECKER LHT2436, the dual-action blades of the TR117 are pre-hardened and rust-resistant, which means less vibration than single action blades (up to 40%). To make the purchase easier, B+D even added the lock-off switch safety to prevent accidental starts and cord retention to keep everything where it should be.

BLACK+DECKER TR117 used on a small hedge

Finally, it’s protected by the B+D two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

What We Like

One of the lightest hedge trimmers on our list, it’s also one of the lightest on our wallets. Even so, it still can handle as much as some of the more expensive units on our list. Don’t need batteries and gas, then the TR117 is perfect for you.

Overall

The TR117 from BLACK+DECKER is affordable, easy to control, and lightweight – yet still powerful enough to take on even the unruliest hedges. Added features include a lock-off switch, which prevents accidental starting, and a cord retention feature which ensures your extension cord stays right where it belongs!


BLACK+DECKER TR117 Hedge Trimmer

  • Powerful 3.2-Amp Motor
  • Lightweight And Compact Design
  • 17-Inch, Dual-Action Blade Reduces Vibration

Greenworks 24-Inch 40V Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Greenworks 24-Inch 40V Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 39.5” x 7.5” x 9.5”
  • Item Weight: 8.26 Pounds
  • Power Source: Battery

Greenworks has a gas-comparable hedge trimmer with their 40v, battery-powered option. No more mess, no more fumes – just make sure you have a charged battery and you are good to go.

Greenworks 24-Inch 40V used by woman in the garden

If you already use Greenworks power tools, your older batteries will work with this hedge trimmer and vice versa. The 24-inch, dual-action blade can chew through branches up to 3/4-inch in diameter.

Greenworks 24-Inch 40V used for cutting plant

The rear handle can adjust up to 180 degrees giving you the ability to adjust your blade cut/angle to almost any position imaginable. Being electric, it does not have a lot of noise or vibration, making it easy to do large jobs without much user fatigue.

What We Like

The electric start makes this so much easier to work with. No more pulling cords, no more wearing out from a bad starter; just turn it on and go! For what you get, the price tag is more than reasonable.

Overall

Greenworks’s hedge trimmer delivers gas-comparable performance, smooth operation, less noise, and the maneuverability to get the job done. Plus, you can use your battery with up to 25 other Greenworks power tools.


Greenworks 24-Inch 40V Cordless Hedge Trimmer

  • G-MAX 40v Lithium-Ion Battery That Is Compatible With 25 Other Greenworks Products
  • 24-Inch, Dual-Action, Steel Blade Cuts Down On Vibration And User Fatigue
  • 180-Degree, Innovative Rear Handle For Extreme Angle Adjustment

Makita XHU02Z Hedge Trimmer

Makita XHU02Z Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 9.1” x 40.2” x 9.2”
  • Item Weight: 9 Pounds
  • Power Source: Battery

Next up, the XHU02Z from Makita is ready for work. It’s an LXT 18v Lithium-Ion cordless hedge trimmer that comes with plenty of bells and whistles but cuts the price down dramatically when compared to the XHU08T.

Makita XHU02Z Hedge Trimmer on the ground next to a hedge

Equipped with an anti-vibration structure and a cushioned motor housing, the XHU02Z has very little vibration (or what makes it to the end-user). The smart battery warning system ensures you don’t accidentally run out of battery.

Makita XHU02Z in action

If you are running low on juice, an indicator light will light up letting you know you are getting close to finishing up (even if you aren’t finished). With all the anti-vibration and padding, this is one of the quietest hedge trimmers on our list with a noise rating of only 87 dBAs.

What We Like

If you are interested in a quiet hedge trimmer, this is the one. With a noise rating barely higher than a loud conversation, you’ll love it (and so will your neighbors). Plus, the quick blade change features make it easy to deal with impromptu changes without much downtime.

Overall

Built for user-comfort, the XHU02Z is quiet, lightweight, and has very little vibration. The included low-battery warning system makes this worth its weight in gold (or money).


Makita XHU02Z Hedge Trimmer

  • Equipped With Star Protection Computer Controls To Protect Against Overloading, Over-

    Discharging, And Over-Heating
  • 22-Inch, Dual-Action, Double-Sided Shear Blade Provides Precision Cutting
  • Low Noise Level At Only 87 dBAs

WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear and Hedge Trimmer

WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear and Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 13” x 5.1” x 4.3”
  • Item Weight: 2.2 Pounds
  • Power Source: Battery

The WORKPRO 2-in-1 is a cordless shear and hedge trimmer that is lightweight, portable, and convenient. At just two pounds, this grass shear and hedge trimmer has the ability to be used one-handed.

WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear and Hedge Trimmer

The easy-to-use and comfortable handheld grip means you can maintain your lawn and hedges without user fatigue. The innovative blade change technology makes it easy to change blades without having to disassemble the trimmer.

WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless small trimmer

The two-in-one design makes the switch from grass cutting to hedge trimming quick and easy (4.72’’ long shrub shear & 3.54’’ wide grass shear). Running at 1,100 RPMs, this trimmer is able to cut down tree limbs, branches, shrubs, and bushes with almost no effort. The battery is a rechargeable, 7.2v Lithium-Ion battery that should last a long time. Run time is around 40 minutes on a single charge and recharging should take around three hours.

What We Like

The ability to switch between shearing and trimming is a pleasant surprise. Generally, 2-in-1’s don’t have the dependability that we would prefer, but this is not your normal 2-in-1.

Overall

If you want a lightweight trimmer that can get in a lot of tight spaces, the WORKPRO 2-in-1 is ready to work (pun intended). It’s priced affordably while giving you power that can compete with higher-priced units.


WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear and Hedge Trimmer

  • Child Safety Lock And Security Key For Double Protection
  • Lightweight At Only 2 Pounds
  • 7.2v Lithium-Ion Battery

Greenworks 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer

Greenworks 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 33.7” x 6.5” x 7.3”
  • Item Weight: 5.06 Pounds
  • Power Source: Electric

If you’re a budget-conscious DIYer with a small yard, you’re going to love GreenWorks’s 18-inch electric hedge trimmer. At the push of a button, the powerful 2.7-amp motor enables you to get any small job done efficiently.

Greenworks 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer

With its lightweight and compact design, you can easily cut through 3/8-inch branches while still being able to handle precision cuts for sculpting bushes and shrubs.

Greenworks 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer in action

The power cord retainer ensures that you never disconnect so you can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Dual-action steel blades easily cut through foliage. Plus, this hedge trimmer is environmentally-friendly with a ZERO carbon footprint. No more gas, no more oil, no more tune-ups – it’s as easy as it gets. And, it’s covered by a four-year warranty which doubles the industry average!

What We Like

We love the fact that this is so budget-friendly. Secondly, the fact that the warranty is double the industry standard – even better! While it isn’t designed to handle jobs for a LONG time, it will handle most jobs just fine. Just be prepared to give it some rest every couple of hours.

Overall

This is a great, budget-friendly option that is lightweight, compact, and covered by a warranty that is hard to touch.


Greenworks 18-Inch Hedge Trimmer

  • 2.7 Amp Electric Motor
  • 18-Inch, Dual-Action Steel Blades
  • Cord Lock To Prevent Accidental Unplugging

BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 Hedge Trimmer

BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 Hedge Trimmer

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 4.5” x 31” x 7.3”
  • Item Weight: 4.6 Pounds
  • Power Source: Electric

Finishing up our list is another BLACK+DECKER product. B+D products ended up on list four out of twelve times – that’s insane. But they are affordable, dependable, and covered by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 Hedge Trimmer

The BEHT150 is equipped with 17-inch, dual-action, hardened-steel blades which help to reduce vibration. It’s powered by a 3.2-amp motor that can handle branches up to 5/8-inch thick. It is a compact design that doesn’t weigh much helping to reduce overall fatigue.

BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 in the garden

Plus, they manage to sneak in cord retention to avoid accidental unplugging.

What We Like

Those looking for a no-frills, compact hedge trimmer with a surprising amount of power will be pleased with the BEHT150. The ability to cut 5/8-inch thick branches is surprising considering the price.

Overall

The BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 is lightweight, durable, easy to use, great for small and medium jobs and is backed by B+D’s limited two-year warranty.


BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 Hedge Trimmer

  • 17-Inch, Dual-Action, Hardened-Steel Blade For Reduced Vibration
  • 3.2 Amp Motor Capable Of Cutting Through 5/8-Inch Branches
  • Lightweight, Compact Design Is Easy To Use And Hold

Buyer’s Guide For Finding The Best Hedge Trimmers

Knowing what to look for in a hedge trimmer can help you avoid buyer’s remorse later down the road. Every company pays marketers to make you want their product(s). As such, they use a ton of marketing jargon to convince you that their product is better than another. We cut through all of that and get right to what matters to help you make the best purchasing decision for you.

Power Source

The first factor that you need to consider when looking at a has trimmer is the power source. There are three main categories that you can choose from:

  1. Gasoline/Fuel
  2. Battery Powered/Cordless
  3. Electric/Corded

Each power source has certain benefits that are hard to replicate from the other power sources; there is some crossover at times. In just a moment, we are going to dig in each power source.

Gasoline/Fuel

This is one of the most common choices when it comes to hedge trimmers. Gasoline hedge trimmers are the most powerful options on our list. They aren’t limited by voltage and battery life, but rather the size of the engine powering it (and the gearbox). Gasoline hedge trimmers can be used anywhere they can fit, without being limited by a power cord (electric). Since these are extremely powerful, they can generate a lot of shake (which can be hard on someone who isn’t strong); to combat this, they generally incorporate some type of anti-shake/dampening system.

For those who have large yards or intend to use this for commercial use, a gasoline-powered hedge trimmer is the best option as they tend to last the longest. One caveat to be aware of, these do require oil + gas to work properly as they are generally driven by a two-cycle engine.

Battery Powered/Cordless

This is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices among homeowners as these still have a fair amount of power while not requiring oil and gas for use; all you need is a charged battery and some time.

Electric, whether corded or cordless, are much quieter than their gasoline-powered counterparts. If you don’t like noise, or your neighbors don’t, then this is a great compromise. Since these aren’t driven by a push-pull, two-cycle engine, they don’t have the same level of shake, so they don’t require any special anti-shake/dampening systems, though they still have soft-rubber handles to absorb some of the shake.

Electric/Corded

While these are still a good choice, they aren’t the most popular. The primary reason being that they are limited in reach by the length of the power cord that is attached. They are extremely quiet, strong, but they can only go as far as the cord will allow; this is why cordless is such a popular option.

Electric hedge trimmers do not require gas or oil, making it easier to use and maintain. These are generally the lightest option of the three power sources. If you have weight limitations, these are most likely the best option for you. These are not designed for the commercial or high-use application.

Size / Weight

The next factor(s) that you need to consider is the size and the weight of the hedge trimmer. If you are small, you do not need the heaviest and longest hedge trimmer on the market. While it may be able to cut down a small forest, you won’t have enough control to do what you want, and you could be putting yourself at risk for injury.

Now, if you are big and burly and toss logs for a living, the size and weight will not matter. For you, you will want POWER and plenty of it. Even so, you will still want to make sure you find one that isn’t overweight. The range of weight is massive – from 6.0 pounds to 21.0+ pounds; for most, the middle ground is good.

Cutting Capacity

While it is nice to be able to chop through limbs like they are plastic straws, this is hard on your hedge trimmer and you too. There are some hedge trimmers that can plow through large branches as large as one inch in diameter. While that is impressive, it is not as functional as a hedge trimmer that can cut branches that are between 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch. For most non-commercial applications, anything that can cut above 3/4-inch limbs is just costly (and heavy).

Brand

We are not brand loyalists, but we understand that some brands just outperform others. With that being said, we will not overlook a non-name brand just because it doesn’t have the same level of reputation. Again, we are looking for the BEST deals for you, not just the ones with the best marketing department.

Where larger name brands can differentiate themselves is with their warranties. Since you know they’ve been around for some time, you can trust that they will be here if the warranty is needed. Newer brands cannot always guarantee that they will last as long as their warranty. A perfect example of this is the WORX brand. This used to be an “as soon as TV” brand. As far as anyone was concerned, they were gimmicks; except they weren’t. They’ve proven that being the underdog isn’t a limiting factor.

So, we recommend using the brand as a measuring stick. Understand that a long-lasting brand can back their products a little longer than other non-name brands. However, there will be some underdogs that offer more for a lot less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions asked about hedge trimmers. We’ve tried to answer them all, but we might have missed yours. If so, let us know so that we can help you and all of our future visitors too.

Q: What does a hedge trimmer do?

A: Hedge trimmers are designed to prune or cut hedges and bushes. Powered hedge trimmers are designed to make the process easier and they don’t require nearly as much manual force, relying on motors to do the hard work.

Q: What is the best power source for my application?

A: This depends on what you are doing. If you are using this commercially or in high-use applications, then you will want to work with a gasoline-powered hedge trimmer. If you have a lot of hedges, but only intend to do work on the weekends, an electric and/or cordless hedge trimmer should be more than sufficient.

Q: Are hedge trimmers dangerous?

A: Anything with a sharp blade/cutting system is considered dangerous. When used properly, the risk of bodily injury is very low. Of course, you should take all precautions to avoid being injured while using a hedge trimmer including protective eyewear, fitted clothing, and other accessories designed to keep you safe.

Q: Are hedge trimmers and hedge cutters different?

A: No, these two terms are used interchangeably. While some people honestly believe they are different, they are not.

Conclusion

For those of you who still trim the hedges by hand, it is time to stop. All you are doing is spending way too much time trying to get everything “just perfect” when you could be inside sipping on some lemonade or iced tea. Motorized hedge trimmers can take hours of work and turn it into a few minutes, plus your body won’t hate you the next day (or two).

Today, we’ve shown you several hedge trimmer options that should make the decision to switch from a manual trimmer to a powered trimmer easy. We understand that habits can be hard to break, but it is time to break tradition and push the “bravado” out of the way. These hedge trimmers are perfect for keeping your hedges looking great all year long.

To help you understand our ranking process, we included a section that highlighted the features and functions that we considered important and/or critical. Plus, we even tried to answer any questions you might have about hedge trimmer; if we didn’t answer your question, let us know so that we can answer you and all of our future visitors too.

Our goal was to help you find a hedge trimmer that met all of your needs and stayed within your budget. If you didn’t find the trimmer of your dreams, you still have the guide to help you narrow down your search results.

Product Boxes: Last updated on 2021-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API