Hedge clippers lawn maintenance. Hedge Trimmers: What To Know Before You Buy

Hedge Trimmers: What To Know Before You Buy

Srdjan Radevic / EyeEm/Getty Images

If you’re thinking about adding a hedge trimmer to your yard maintenance tool collection, this guide will help you choose.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

Whether you like your home landscape to look tidy or more like a park in Disney World, if you’ve got hedges and/or large shrubs, a hedge trimmer can be a wrist, hand and time saver. Choose a hedge trimmer with features that make sense for you and your yard and you’ll never regret the purchase.

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 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.

Battery-powered

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,” he 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

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; 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

Gas-powered hedge trimmers are best for homeowners or professionals who trim hedges regularly, Christofora says. They’re higher maintenance than the 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.

Hedge Trimmer Features

When shopping for a hedge trimmer, consider these features.

• 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 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.

All and links were current as of publication.

Veronica Graham is a freelance writer in Arlington, Mass. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post and SheKnows. She’s covered health, politics, high school football and everything in between. Graham enjoys learning about the world through a variety of lenses as a reporter.

Hedge Trimming Service

Hedge trimming is another way to say shrub pruning or bush trimming.

If your landscape plants are in need of maintenance, we would be happy to provide you with a no-obligation estimate to trim them back into shape and remove all of the clippings.

We Prune Several Types of Plants

Shrubs and hedges are not the only plants that require regular trimming to keep a maintained appearance. We also cut back seasonal plants and can prune small trees and low-hanging branches to a height of 10′.

We recommend having mulch installed before pruning plants if you are planning on mulching in the near future.

• All shrubs and bushes
• Perennials
• Ornamental grasses
• Small trees
• Low-hanging branches

Professional Shrub Care

We use professional-grade lawn equipment to prune shrubs and other plants.

Our pruning tools include gas-powered hedge trimmers, hand pruners, pruning shears, and pole saws to allow us to safely trim small trees and low-hanging branches on larger trees.

The right tools make all the difference!

Before and After Pictures of Our Pruning Service

Check out these before and after pictures showing just how big of a difference our pruning service can make!

If your shrubs are looking a little hairy, we’d be happy to swing by and give them a hair cut!

Affordable Bush Trimming

We work hard for our money to support our families just like you.

As with all of our services, we offer the best possible price we can when providing a pruning estimate. We will need to swing by to prepare an accurate quote for your pruning service.

Our pruning services start at 100. It includes pruning all of the plants in need and the removal and disposal of the debris created. We charge a disposal fee to account for the time and cost of properly disposing of all of the plant clippings.

Free Pruning Estimate

Contact us however you are most comfortable to request your free pruning estimate.

The 11 Very Best Garden Shears

By Erin Schwartz. a Strategist writer covering décor, gardening, and garment care. They previously worked as an editor at Garage magazine.

In this article

One of the most indispensable gardening tools is a sharp pair of shears, useful for everything from trimming shrubbery to harvesting a crop of tomatoes to removing the dead tops of flowers (known as “deadheading”). The right tool will make the difference between a miserable, blister-inducing day of garden chores and achieving a flow state as you snip branches — and with some maintenance, they can last for decades. A tool that consistently delivers sharp, clean cuts will make you a more efficient gardener, and it’s also healthier for your plants: “The cleaner the cut, the quicker a plant heals,” says Kurt Morrell, the vice-president of landscape operations at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). “The quicker a plant heals, the less susceptible it is to disease.”

What we’re looking for

The best style of blade will depend on how you’re planning to use your shears. According to Strategist contributor and veteran gardener Joseph Truini, you’ll get the cleanest cut from bypass blades, which cut past each other, versus anvil blades, which meet when you cut and tend to crush plant matter. The shape and size of the blades themselves also vary by use. Longer, heavier blades are better for covering a large area; thin, sharp-tipped blades are good for detail and for pruning more delicate plants.

You want a pair of shears that are comfortable enough to stand up to a long day of repetitive movements. We’re looking for easy-to-grip handles that won’t slip when wet or cause cramps or blisters. For one-handed shears, we’re also noting where a left-handed option is available; like scissors, one handed-shears usually default to right-handed. (Two-handed tools, such as hedge trimmers or loppers, work for both righties and lefties.)

A lock keeps a pair of spring-loaded shears shut when they’re not in use, so a reliable, easy-to-use style is important — a fiddly, unreliable lock can cause the blades to either accidentally seize up while you work or spring open inside your bag. Some common styles are latch, dial, and squeeze locks. While we’ve noted locking mechanisms that our experts particularly like, which you choose is largely a matter of personal preference — what matters most is reliable engineering.

Shears aren’t a tool you can treat preciously. They’ll get dirty and wet and thrown into a gardening bag; the blades will cut through tough, woody stems and get covered in sap. A good pair can last for decades, but they require maintenance. Beyond sharpening your blades, you may have to occasionally perform small repairs or replace components. We’re favoring shears made of durable materials that are also designed to make swapping out new parts relatively easy.

Best overall pruner

Blade: Bypass | Handles: Ergonomic rubber-coated | Locking mechanism: Dial | Maintenance: Replacement parts available

Far and away, the most popular pair of all-purpose shears among experts are the F2 bypass pruners manufactured by Swiss company Felco. “A good gardener or horticulturist anywhere in the world is most likely going to have a pair of Felcos,” says Morrell. Felco pruners are popular for their durability and the very long lifespan you can expect from them — Morrell still has his original pair from 1985 — and their versatility. He told us that the NYBG’s School of Professional Horticulture gives a pair of F2s to every new student. There are less expensive pruners on the market, but the years of use you can expect from Felco F2s makes the investment worthwhile. “They’re a staple of every gardener’s toolbox,” says Rachel Burlington, curator of the International Rose Test Garden. “I never leave home without mine.”

Another reason the Felco F2 is our top pick: The brand sells replacements for every part, neatly identified on a schematic on its website, from tiny screws to fresh blades. It sells a lefty version of the F2 and other styles, including the compact F6 (both of which are below). I tested both the F2 and F6 (I have small hands and found the F6 more comfortable to use) and, although the pruners are a heavier-duty tool than I typically need as an indoor gardener, I found myself reaching for them for everything from pruning dead monstera leaves to trimming flower stems to chopping off the fibrous tops of fennel bulbs. The blades cut smoothly through even the woodiest stems, and they’re small and precise enough to maneuver in a bushy basil plant to harvest just a few stems.

The 9 Best Hedge Trimmers for Perfectly Manicured Shrubs

The STIHL HSA 56 hedge trimmer provides professional results without the need to call in the experts.

Lindsey Scharold has over 5 years of professional writing experience, from copywriting and technical writing to journalism and cultural criticism. She earned her BA in Sociology in 2014. Since 2022, she has worked as a Research Assistant at Parsons School of Design and as an Editorial Intern at The New School for Social Research, where she earned her MA in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism. Lindsey is trained in ethics, research methods, statistics, cultural studies, and art history.

In This Article

Trimming your hedges is an essential part of maintaining a tidy-looking yard. Whether you’re growing boxwoods as a low foundation hedge or larger shrubs as a screen for backyard privacy, there are plenty of tools available that make hedge trimming much easier. Since there are so many hedge trimmers on the market, with gas-powered, corded electric, and cordless options, it can be tough knowing which ones to go for.

Gas hedge trimmers were once the go-to for professionals or anyone doing a lot of hedge trimming, says Harry Granville, founder of the Gardening Squad, a landscape design and garden maintenance company. Nowadays, cordless battery-powered trimmers can be just as effective and save you the hassle of heavy maintenance and dealing with fuel. Not to mention, they’re lighter than gas-powered options and start effortlessly in cold weather.

Other important aspects to consider when shopping for a hedge trimmer are the weight of the tool and the blade length.

Here are the best hedge trimmers.

Best Overall

STIHL HSA 56 18-Inch 36 V Battery Hedge Trimmer Kit

Our overall choice for the best hedge trimmer is the STIHL HSA 56 hedge trimmer kit. This powerful hedge trimmer can easily compete with a commercial-grade gas hedge trimmer and is used by professionals and homeowners alike for more heavy-duty hedge trimming. The blades on this hedge trimmer are double-sided and extremely sharp, effortlessly cutting through twigs, branches, and leaves in both directions, leaving hedges with a clean, professional look.

Over the last four years, battery-powered trimmers have excelled in that they have a greater battery life and offer just as much convenience and flexibility as a gas-powered tool without the need to refuel or inhale toxins, Granville says.

His personal hedge trimmer of choice when working on clients’ gardens is this STIHL model, which offers superior battery life compared to similar models, giving you the ability to cut up to 1,000 feet of hedges on a single charge. It also features a large cutting width of 1.66 inches that can get through even larger branches. Plus, it only weighs a little over 8 pounds—and that’s including the battery!

Though gloves are always necessary when handling these types of tools, this machine’s handles have a comfortable soft grip, making it easy to grasp and control. Plus, it has a blade tip protector that will keep it safe if you’re cutting near walls or the ground. There’s also a blade cover that clicks into place when you’ve finished using the trimmer to prevent accidents and a handy hanging slot for you to hang it up in the garage or tool shed.

You’ll likely find lots of uses for this hedge trimmer around your property. Make sure to regularly check the trimmer’s components for wear and tear, including the blade screws, which may need to be replaced after a season of heavy use. Luckily, it’s easy to find extra screws.

Price at time of publish: 260

Product Details: Power: Cordless battery-powered, 36V battery | Tool length: 45 inches | Blade length: 18 inches | Maximum cutting width: 1.66 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds

Best Budget

Greenworks 4-Amp 22-Inch Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer

• Its cutting diameter is only 5/8 of an inch, so it won’t be able to tackle heavy-duty trimming tasks.

For light-duty hedge trimming on smaller properties, a commercial-grade or high-end tool isn’t a necessity. The best hedge trimmers for budget-conscious shoppers is the Greenworks corded electric hedge trimmer. It can sufficiently take on all the trimming work required in a small- or medium-sized yard. This tool’s only real limitation, besides its small cutting diameter of 5/8 inch, is its cord. You’ll need to pair this hedge trimmer with a long extension cord to reach the far end of your yard.

Its front handle wraps all the way around the tool so you can hold onto it whichever way feels the most comfortable, and both front and back handles provide a good grip. Its super-light weight makes it feel a little like a toy, but don’t be fooled; this trimmer packs a punch and can cleanly slice through leafy shrubs and brambles.

At this price, there’s not much more you could ask for in a hedge trimmer. The fact that it’s so affordable and comes with a four-year warranty is rather remarkable, too.

Price at time of publish: 38

Product Details: Power: Corded electric, 4-amp motor | Tool length: 37.8 inches | Blade length: 22 inches | Maximum cutting width: 0.625 inches | Weight: 5.72 pounds

Best Gas

Echo 20-Inch 21.2 cc Gas 2-Stroke Hedge Trimmer

• It’s a professional-grade tool that is extremely powerful, has a long run time for tending to large properties, and is much lighter than other gas trimmers.

Though more and more people are opting for battery-powered options (especially urban gardening companies, Granville tells us), gas-powered tools are still very much the preferred option for many professional gardeners and landscapers, with many homeowners favoring them, too, for their reliability and power.

This Echo tool is our choice for the best hedge trimmer powered by gas for many reasons, not least of which is its low weight of 10 pounds (without the fuel). Gas tools are often much heavier than battery or electric models, but this unit is impressively light, making it a great pick for anyone with many hedges to tend to.

Its 21.2 cc, two-stroke engine is designed for commercial use and its 20-inch blade is double-sided and cuts both ways for faster trimming. This feature also makes the blade last longer since it’s not just one side taking the brunt of the work. This trimmer also features a tip guard and blade guards for added blade and user safety, too.

Since the bar is the same size as the blade, the tool is easier to manage, say, if you’re up on a ladder, but the good control is also aided by the two large ergonomic grip handles that are comfortable to hold.

This hedge trimmer also has improved filtration to minimize fumes and improve engine life, and you can replace the filter easily without having to use any tools. Just make sure you store it in a warm place if you want to start it up in the winter.

This machine has been designed to last a long time with proper care, but for extra peace of mind, the manufacturer offers a two-year warranty for anyone using it professionally. If you’re using it for your home, however, you get an impressive warranty of five years.

Price at time of publish: 325

Product Details: Power: Gas powered, 21.2 cc 2-stroke engine | Tool length: 41.9 inches | Blade length: 20 inches | Maximum cutting width: 1 inch | Weight: 10 pounds

Best Cordless

RYOBI 22-Inch 18V Cordless Hedge Trimmer

To keep shrubbery in small- to medium-sized yards immaculately pruned, this Ryobi 18V trimmer is a great choice. It has a run time of 35 minutes on its 1.5 Ah battery, which might be less than that of more professional-grade models, but it’ll provide enough trimming time for a weekly or monthly hedge maintenance session. It can even trim and clean up your rose and blackberry bushes as well as tall ornamental grass.

If, however, you’re undertaking a larger job, you could always purchase a second battery and swap it out when one dies to double the runtime. Another option is to get a stronger battery, which will also give you more working time; this hedge trimmer is compatible with Ryobi’s 2 Ah and 4 Ah batteries, too. In any event, this trimmer’s battery charges fairly quickly, so you could always take a break and enjoy an iced coffee while it gets ready to fire up again.

At 33 inches long, this hedge trimmer is relatively compact, and that, in addition to its low weight and two comfortable handles, makes it easy to control. Another impressive perk is its ‘HedgeSweep’ capability, which brushes the clippings off the hedge as you trim to save you having to do it manually when you’re done trimming.

Its protective blade cover fits tightly and securely into place but needs a little effort to take off—remember to wear protective gloves and pull it towards the tip of the blade.

Price at time of publish: 175

Product Details: Power: Cordless battery-powered, 18V lithium-ion 1.5 Ah battery | Tool length: 33 inches | Blade length: 22 inches | Maximum cutting width: 0.75 inch | Weight: 7.25 pounds

Best Corded Electric

Kobalt 4-Amp 26-Inch Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer

• It needs no refueling or recharging, is extremely lightweight, and has a very long blade to cut larger swaths of hedges at a time.
• This is a corded hedge trimmer, and cutting through the electrical cord is a possibility. You’ll want to be extremely careful when operating it. You’ll also need an outdoor extension cord.

For lighter-duty hedge trimming in a residential yard, a good corded electric hedge trimmer, like this Kobalt 4-amp model, will do nicely. It doesn’t need any charging or refueling and is ready to go by simply plugging it into an outlet—you’ll just need an extension cord. This hedge trimmer is also available at just a fraction of the cost of its gas- or battery-powered counterparts.

In addition to its unlimited power supply, one of the most impressive features of this electric hedge trimmer is its long and strong blade, which is made from durable carbon steel. While it won’t cut through thicker hedges or branches, its 26-inch length allows you to trim larger widths at a time—perfect for straightening out the tops of square-shaped hedges for that perfectly manicured look.

Its rear handle can rotate so you can adjust it for comfortable handling, whether you’re trimming the tops or the sides of your shrubs. Plus, at just 6.6 pounds, this model is extremely lightweight, too, meaning you won’t get any user fatigue even after using it for long periods of time. Not only is this tool economical, but it also comes with a five-year limited warranty and a blade cover.

Price at time of publish: 65

Product Details: Power: Corded electric, 4.5 amps | Tool length: 41.25 inches | Blade length: 26 inches | Maximum cutting width: 0.75 inch | Weight: 6.6 pounds

Best Manual

Tabor Tools B620A Hedge Shears

• You can adjust the tension of these shears to suit your strength and the type of plants you’re trimming.

Before the invention of gas- and electric-powered hedge trimmers, people kept their shrubs neat and manicured the good old-fashioned way with a pair of manual hedge shears like these ones from Tabor Tools. These handheld tools are still considered a great way to maintain pretty shrubs, especially the smaller types that are kept in planters, and are most often used in collaboration with a motorized trimmer.

These particular hedge shears have strong carbon steel wavy blades for more accuracy when trimming and they’re super sharp, too, for precise and healthy cuts.

The two handles are rubberized to provide maximum grip with your gardening gloves, and you can even adjust the tension via a knob to suit your strength and the type of plants you’re trimming. This knob also comes in handy after a while when the shears’ blades may become slightly misaligned, allowing you to fine-tune them back to par.

The high quality of these trimmers is evident just by looking at them, but they feel sturdy in the hand, too. In operation, they glide open and closed with each snip, making clean cuts that don’t pull at the plants. Though they’re excellent for leafy growth and smaller twigs, you won’t be able to get through branches with these trimmers.

To keep them in tip-top shape and rust-free, you can rub the blades down with a lubricating oil in between uses. There’s no safety latch to keep them closed so they’re best stored hanging up instead of in a tool bag.

Price at time of publish: 32

Product Details: Power: Manual | Tool length: 25 inches | Blade length: 8 inches | Maximum cutting width: 0.5 inches | Weight: 2.42 pounds

Best Lightweight

EGO POWER 56-Volt 24-Inch Dual Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer

• You can use this tool for up to 75 minutes without any fatigue thanks to its light weight and low vibration.
• Using the tool on branches over 1-inch in diameter (though it may be tempting because it certainly looks like it can handle it) can seriously harm the blade and the motor.

For a battery-powered model that can give you way more power and flexibility than a corded electric model, this dual cordless hedge trimmer from Ego Power easily beats the competition in the best lightweight category at just under 9 pounds with the battery. Aside from its low weight, it comes with a 56V 2.5 Ah battery that allows it to run for up to 75 minutes, depending on usage. It can also fully recharge in just 50 minutes.

This hedge trimmer has everything going for it and was very nearly our top choice for the best overall trimmer, losing out to the STIHL model only because of its superior cutting capacity of 1.66 inches. This Ego tool still has a pretty impressive cutting width and is able to cut branches up to 1 inch in diameter. You shouldn’t attempt to tackle brush thicker than this, however, because it could damage the blade and motor.

Although the STIHL model states that it’s almost 1 pound lighter than the Ego, this model somehow feels like it’s lighter. We’re putting this down to the Ego’s distribution of weight, low vibration that doesn’t strain the user, and comfortable grippy handles.

To ensure the best operation and to extend the life of the trimmer’s blade, the manufacturer recommends lubricating the blade with lightweight machine oil both before and after each use. The tool itself comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty and the battery and charger both have a three-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: 220

Product Details: Power: Cordless battery-powered, 56V 2.5 Ah battery | Tool length: 42.1 inches | Blade length: 24 inches | Maximum cutting width: 1 inch | Weight: 8.96 pounds

Best Small

Worx Power Share 20-Volt 8-Inch Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer

• This hedge trimmer is ideal for more detailed trimming work on leafy plants and bushes and provides more control.
• It can only cut branches and twigs up to 0.3 inches in diameter and can’t replace a full-size hedge trimmer for heavier trimming work.

If you don’t have many large bushes in your garden but still want the convenience and speed of a hedge trimmer for tidying up smaller shrubs, you’ll need a compact handheld trimmer like this one from Worx. What could otherwise take up to an hour to trim with regular hand-held pruning shears will only take minutes with this handy gardening tool.

Many gardeners have one of these little tools in addition to their full-size hedge trimmers because it’s effortless to use and provides a lot of control for more detailed work (if you’re wondering how people get those cute little bushes on their porches perfectly spherical, now you know). It only weighs 2 pounds, so you won’t feel any strain while trimming. Plus, it has a comfortable soft grip for added comfort.

Included with the trimmer, in addition to the battery and charger, is an 8-inch dual-action blade for shrubs and thin branches, a 4-inch shearing attachment (think oversized hair clippers) for trimming grass, and a blade sheath for protection. The battery is interchangeable with any other cordless Worx tools you may own, but it does take around five hours to fully charge.

If you want more of a reach with this tool, perhaps to access hanging shrubs, a pole extension is available that you can purchase separately.

Price at time of publish: 100

Product Details: Power: Cordless battery-powered, 20V 2 Ah battery | Tool length: 11 inches (without attachments) | Blade length: 8 inches | Maximum cutting width: 0.3 inches | Weight: 2 pounds

Best Pole

DeWALT DCPH820M1 Pole Hedge Trimmer

• This tool can morph into several positions to trim trees, bushes, and hedges of all sizes and shapes.
• Like most pole saws or trimmers, it can start to feel a little heavy when used for longer periods at shoulder height or above.

To save you from having to use a hedge trimmer on a ladder, which can be dangerous and should be done with the utmost care, this DeWALT pole hedge trimmer can reach trees and hedges that are up to 12 feet off the ground (and even higher if you happen to be over 6 feet tall). You can, of course, use a ladder for even further reach, but as Granville advises, be careful not to lean forward or overreach.

The blades on this tool are made from strong hardened steel that can cut quickly and cleanly and can even snip branches that are up to 1 inch in diameter. This battery-powered tool comes with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger and provides around an hour of run time, depending on usage. You’ll likely find that you need a break before it runs out of battery though since, at 13 pounds, this sturdy tool can feel quite heavy after time, especially when used overhead.

The best thing about this tool is that its head can rotate 180 degrees and be adjusted to seven different positions. Even though it’s not extendable, the adjustable positions allow users to tend to trees, shrubbery, and tall hedges with straight and sharp angles that need precision trimming. Set to a different angle, it works just as well rounding off hedges, too.

Price at time of publish: 242

Product Details: Power: Cordless battery-powered, 20V 4.0 Ah battery | Tool length: 7 feet | Blade length: 22 inches | Maximum cutting width: 1 inch | Weight: 13 pounds

The Bottom Line

Used and recommended by professionals, the STIHL HSA 56 18-Inch 36 V Battery Hedge Trimmer Kit is our top pick for the best hedge trimmer currently on the market. This cordless battery-powered machine provides professional-grade results, is easy to handle, and can trim up to 1,000 feet of hedges on one charge. It also has the widest trimming capacity of any similar hedge trimmer and can cut through branches with a diameter of up to 1.66 inches.

What to Know About Hedge Trimmers Before Shopping

Power Source

It’s important to note the difference between gas, electric, and battery-powered hedge trimmers before settling on the best tool for your needs.

Corded Electric

Corded electric hedge trimmers are typically the lightest and most affordable options available. When considering a corded hedge trimmer, you’ll want to factor in the size of your yard, and make sure that you can purchase a grounded extension cord long enough to reach the shrubs at the farthest end of your property.

There’s a risk of the cord getting tangled in outdoor furniture, hoses, and other obstacles and of accidentally cutting the cord while working. But with careful operation, corded electric hedge trimmers are safe when used as directed.

Gas Powered

Hedge trimmers that use gasoline tend to be a bit more expensive than other models but can offer a lot of convenience and power, which is why professionals use them.

Consumers that have larger yards or more trimming [to do] often find gas-powered units can allow maximum freedom, says Bill Marmaduke, product manager for Troy-Bilt. They can run longer without refueling or needing to recharge a battery.

These tools, however, do require more maintenance than other types of trimmers as well as extra care when adding fuel and oil. The balance between oil and fuel when you’re making a mix for a 2-stroke gas trimmer needs to be very precise, Granville says. You could end up ruining an expensive tool by putting in the wrong ratio of oil to fuel.

Cordless Battery Powered

Like gas trimmers, battery-powered options come with the benefit of being cordless, giving you maximum freedom, but they’re generally quieter and don’t emit any toxins. According to Marmaduke, cordless hedge trimmers are one of the most efficient tools in your yard to be powered by a battery.

He recommends looking for hedge trimmers ranging from a minimum of 20 volts all the way up to 80 volts. While more affordable trimmers may come with batteries that last only around 15 to 20 minutes, higher-end cordless trimmers can last over an hour, depending on usage. Plus, you always have the option of carrying around an extra battery pack to swap in when one dies.

Blade Length

The length of the blade you need (many are between 18 and 22 inches) depends on the size of your hedges and shrubs, and you’ll want to take note of the branch diameter that each hedge trimmer is designed to cut through. The most powerful hedge trimmers can only cut 1.5-inch limbs, Marmaduke says.

But don’t choose a hedge trimmer solely based on what you think it looks like it can handle. The spacing of the trimmer’s teeth is not indicative of the size of the branch that can be cut, so it’s important to not just buy a trimmer because it appears to have cutting teeth spaced the size of the branch you intend to cut, Marmaduke adds.

To choose the best hedge trimmer blade length for you, Granville advises buying one to suit your hedges’ height and thickness as well as your own personal size and reach. You have to choose a length that feels comfortable, especially when you’re working on top of a ladder as you don’t want to be leaning too far across to reach, he says.

A longer blade may seem like an all-around better option, but this isn’t always the case. The longer the blade, the more unwieldy the tool, Granville says. Hedge trimmers with long blades are used by professionals who have a lot of experience handling them, whereas anyone who hasn’t used a professional-grade trimmer before might find it a little harder to control.

Portability

While corded electric hedge trimmers offer unlimited power and a much lighter weight, they don’t provide as much flexibility because they’re tied to an extension cord. To carry your hedge trimmer around large yards without any limitations, gas-powered or cordless battery-powered trimmers are best. You could always carry a generator and extension cord around with you if you have a corded electric model, but that’s not as practical.

The weight of the tool will be another defining factor in how easy it is to carry around. Though all hedge trimmers differ by only a few pounds, this slight difference becomes clearly evident once you’re using the tool—especially if you’re holding it above shoulder height.

Your Questions, Answered

How do you sharpen hedge trimmers?

If your hedge trimmer is not cutting as cleanly as it once was and you notice that branches are starting to get jammed in the blade’s teeth, it’s probably time for a good blade sharpening. However, Granville advises leaving any hedge trimmer maintenance to the professionals at your local hardware store—and that includes sharpening the blade. Though it seems easy to do, the angle of a hedge trimmer’s blade makes it quite hard to sharpen yourself, and you could end up making it even blunter, he says.

If you do still want to give it a go, STIHL’s website provides a step-by-step guide on how to sharpen hedge trimmer blades, as well as a helpful video tutorial. Warning: It’s not quick or easy, and you’ll need a flat file, whetstone, soft cloth, a resin solvent, and safety gear, including safety glasses or a face shield to protect yourself from any flying metal bits.

Taking your tool to a garden machinery specialist every year or so to get thoroughly serviced, oiled, and sharpened is far easier and much safer than doing it yourself. These professionals will service your trimmer for you for very little money and keep the tool in its best condition, ultimately greatly extending its life, Granville explains.

If you only use your trimmer occasionally, it can go a lot longer between maintenance services.

Can hedge trimmers cut tree branches?

Every hedge trimmer comes with a manufacturer-recommended maximum cutting width clearly stated. This is usually between 0.5 and 1.5 inches in diameter. As a general rule, Granville advises cutting nothing wider than your little finger, as this could end up ruining the tool and void its warranty.

How do you clean hedge trimmers?

Cleaning hedge trimmers is straightforward. After each use, Granville recommends brushing off any stuck-on clippings and wiping the tool down with a cloth to remove any surface water. Then, give it a spritz of an antiseptic or sterilizing spray to prevent the spread of any plant diseases. Finally, squirt some lubricant of your choice on the blade to prevent it from rusting.

Who We Are

This article was written by Kat de Naoum. Kat has over 10 years of commerce writing experience and is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this best hedge trimmer article, Kat reviewed and tested multiple hedge trimmers and spoke to Harry Granville, founder of the Gardening Squad, a landscape design and garden maintenance company, and Bill Marmaduke, product manager for power-tool company Troy-Bilt. She also researched factors such as each product’s power, battery life and charge time, blade length, and value.

The right hedge trimmer can help maintain shrubbery, keeping the landscape looking sharp.

By Timothy Dale and Andréana Lefton | Updated Jun 30, 2023 10:30 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Hedges establish boundaries in landscaping, add privacy, and benefit curb appeal, but to look their best, they need some grooming. Hedge shears certainly get the job done, but some properties have substantial hedges that require a little more power than a manual tool. Power hedge trimmers are designed for this very purpose. The best power hedge trimmers make it much easier to shape and otherwise control growth and vegetation in the yard.

Read on to learn the key considerations to keep in mind when choosing these handy power tools—and check out the roundup of some of the top picks of the best power hedge trimmer models available. We researched top-rated power hedge trimmers in a variety of categories, focusing on customer satisfaction, product efficacy, and value. We examined the leading options on the market, comparing the features—and, equally important, customer reviews—to come up with our list of top picks.

• BEST OVERALL:BlackDecker 20V Max Cordless Hedge Trimmer
• RUNNER-UP:Ego Power Brushless Hedge Trimmer
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Greenworks 2.7 Amp Corded Hedge Trimmer
• UPGRADE PICK:DeWALT Lithium Ion 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer
• EASIEST TO USE:Worx Power Share 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
• BEST CORDLESS:Earthwise 20-Inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
• BEST GAS:Poulan Pro Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer
• BEST FOR SHRUBBERY:Worx 20V Attachment-Capable Hedge Trimmer
• BEST TELESCOPING:Sun Joe Electric Telescoping Pole Hedge Trimmer
• ALSO CONSIDER:Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit

How We Chose the Best Power Hedge Trimmers

We researched the best power hedge trimmers in a variety of categories and chose models with high customer satisfaction. The top picks include corded electric, cordless electric, and gas-powered tools to suit various preferences and job types. The list factors in cutting capacity, blade size, weight, battery life, and special features offered by the top brands.

The chosen hedge trimmers cut branches ranging from ⅜ inch to 1 inch in diameter and have blade sizes ranging from 18 to 24 inches. We prioritized relatively lightweight tools with runtimes over 40 minutes for cordless electric and gas tools. Some models come with a battery and a charger included to get the user started with landscaping right away. Additionally, the list prioritized models with features such as dual-action blades, comfortable grips, and anti-vibration systems.

Our Top Picks

This list narrows the field to some of the best hedge trimmers on the market. It includes impressive engines and laser-cut blades with wide-set teeth that can handle pruning, cutting and shaping thick vegetation.

BlackDecker 20V Max Cordless Hedge Trimmer

BlackDecker sets a gold standard for battery-powered outdoor tools with this hedge trimmer. The blade is 22 inches long and features dual action for increased efficiency and reduced vibration. The trimmer can cut through branches up to ¾ inch in diameter, making it an option for bushes, hedges, and shrubs around a home.

At 5.7 pounds, this battery-operated model is sturdy and reliable. It has a padded front handle and a front handle shield to help reduce muscle strain and protect the user’s hands from slipping. With a full charge, the 20-volt battery (not included) can trim up to 3,000 square feet.

Product Specs

• Despite being a lightweight tool, can cut branches up to ¾ inch thick
• Padded front handle feels comfortable to users during operation
• Impressive battery power can cover up to 3,000 square feet of trimming

Get the BlackDecker power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Acme Tools, or The Home Depot.

Ego Power Brushless Hedge Trimmer

If the growth around the home is more than a standard hedge trimmer can handle, this powerful product is a good option. It operates on a 56-volt battery (not included) and has a vast cut capacity, allowing it to cut through branches up to 1 inch thick. Despite the power of this trimmer, it weighs only 9 pounds and features a cushioned grip to help reduce muscle fatigue and strain caused by vibration.

The power hedge trimmer is made with an electric brake stop to immediately cease the momentum of the blade as soon as the trigger is released. Other safety features include a front hand shield and a safety switch that the user must hold down before the trigger will operate. The power hedge trimmer operates the 24-inch dual-action blades for up to 75 minutes on a full battery (not included) before it needs to be recharged.

Product Specs

• Powerful enough to cut through branches up to 1 inch thick
• Has a comfortable cushioned grip that is ideal for prolonged use
• Front-hand shield and safety switch help keep users safe
• Dual-action stainless steel blades are durable and sharp
• This is a cordless model, so no need to worry about power cords in the way

Get the Ego Power power hedge trimmer at Ace Hardware.

Greenworks 2.7 Amp Corded Hedge Trimmer

This Greenworks tool is a lightweight electric hedge trimmer that has a 2.7-amp engine and weighs just 5.1 pounds, saving users from having to struggle with operating and controlling a heavier trimmer. But this budget pick doesn’t skimp on top-of-the-line features.

Its 18-inch dual-action steel blades can cut through branches up to ⅜ inch thick, so it is a worthy option for light to moderate trimming. The trimmer is a corded model that relies on an extension cord for power, so users can work until they are finished instead of taking forced breaks to refuel or recharge a gas- or battery-powered tool.

Product Specs

• Affordable tool that is great for occasional yard-trimming projects
• Lighter weight than some, and easy to handle and maneuver
• Corded model, so no need to worry about battery life or fuel
• Can cut up to only ⅜-inch-thick branches on small trees or hedges
• May need an extension cord to reach larger yard areas

Get the Greenworks power hedge trimmer at Amazon or Greenworks.

DeWALT Lithium Ion 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer

From DeWALT, this cordless trimmer runs on a powerful 20-volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery that’s interchangeable with a handful of other battery-powered DeWALT landscaping tools. At full power, the battery lasts 20 to 40 minutes.

The dual-action, 22-inch blades move in two directions, slicing through branches up to ¾ inch thick, with less vibration and less noise than many traditional models.

Product Specs

• Reputable brand provides a solid tool choice that will last years
• Durable construction and dual action in a relatively lightweight trimmer
• Has an impressive battery life of up to 40 minutes

Get the DeWALT power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Acme Tools, or The Home Depot.

Worx Power Share 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

This compact, energy-efficient trimmer weighs little more than some laptops—about 5.5 pounds, allowing users to control the trimmer with ease. What it lacks in size it makes up for in power. The 20-volt lithium-ion battery gives the Worx tool a runtime of between 20 and 30 minutes.

The dual-action steel blades, protected by a rustproof aluminum cover, can slice through twigs and branches up to ¾ inch in diameter. This model also comes with a 20-volt battery, battery charger, and a blade sheath to keep the blade protected when the trimmer is not in use.

Product Specs

• Lightweight tool with a runtime 20 to 30 minutes
• Dual-action steel blades make short work of branches up to ¾ inch thick
• The trimmer comes with both a battery and a charger

Get the Worx Power Share power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Worx, or Target (tool only).

Earthwise 20-Inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

The Earthwise cordless hedge trimmer is a lightweight option at just 7.36 pounds that’s easy to handle and maneuver, with no cord. It operates on an included 20-volt battery that can run the power hedge trimmer for up to 30 minutes before needing to be recharged. The fast charger that comes with the trimmer charges the battery in about 30 minutes to an hour, allowing users to get back to work quickly.

Its 20-inch dual-action steel blades are suitable for cutting through branches up to ⅝ inch thick. This hedge trimmer also has a six-position adjustable cutting head and a built-in extension pole that can increase the range of the trimmer by up to 9.5 feet to trim the top, bottom, and any awkward angles on the hedge without a problem.

Product Specs

• 6-position adjustable cutting head can maneuver into better angles for specific tasks
• Built-in extension pole allows users reach tall hedges
• Very easy to assemble; great for light work

Get the Earthwise power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Northern Tool Equipment.

Poulan Pro Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer

This heavy-duty gas hedge trimmer has a wide 1-inch cutting capacity that’s suitable for maintaining well-established hedges, bushes, and small trees. It weighs 11.55 pounds, which is heavier than the standard electric- or battery-powered trimmer, but it’s on the light side for a gas trimmer. The extra weight is because of the powerful 23cc engine that drives the 22-inch dual-action blade for up to 1 hour on a full 13-ounce tank of gas.

The power hedge trimmer requires a 40:1 gas-to-oil mixture, and the safety switch needs to be held down for the trimmer to start. For better maneuverability and control, this trimmer has a rotating handle with a cushioned grip to help reduce vibration during operation.

Product Specs

• Dual-action blades cut branches up to 1 inch thick
• Lightweight for such a heavy-duty gas-powered trimmer
• Runs for up to 1 hour on a tank of fuel and is easy to refill when needed
• Rotating handle with a cushioned grip is comfortable to hold during operation

Get the Poulan power hedge trimmer at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.

Worx 20V Attachment-Capable Hedge Trimmer

Worx prioritizes versatility and range with this power hedge trimmer that comes equipped with a 10-position adjustable trimmer head and a telescopic pole. The rear handle of the hedge trimmer also adjusts so that users can have the best grip on the tool. When the pole is fully extended, the trimmer has a range of 12 feet, making it easy to reach the top of well-established shrubbery, bushes, and hedges.

At just under 8 pounds, this tool has an average weight for a cordless hedge trimmer. It operates on an included 20-volt battery that can power the 20-inch dual-action blades for up to 1 hour before needing to be recharged. But don’t worry; the charger is included and can fully charge the battery in just 1 hour.

Product Specs

• Telescoping pole provides users an extended reach for tall shrubs
• Comfortable handle for gripping on prolonged uses
• Adjustable trimmer head allows better handling of awkward angles

Get the Worx attachment-capable power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Worx, or Target.

Sun Joe Electric Telescoping Pole Hedge Trimmer

For trimming high-up and out-of-the-way branches, check out this telescoping hedge trimmer from Sun Joe. It has an extendable arm that can reach up to 13 feet, and the head of the trimmer pivots so that the user can adjust the angle for trimming under or above tall hedges and bushes. This pole hedge trimmer weighs about 9 pounds, so it might be heavy for some property owners, but it’s still a lightweight option for most gas trimmers.

The Sun Joe cuts with a dual-sided, 21-inch hardened-steel blade that’s able to prune branches up to ¾ inch thick. This electric trimmer has a powerful 4-amp motor, and it relies on an extension cord for power, so users might be limited to the range of the cord but don’t need to worry about running out of gas or battery power.

Product Specs

• Telescoping arm can reach a whopping 13 feet for tall hedges
• Dual-sided, hardened-steel blade is durable and sharp
• Pivoting head can cut difficult angled branches or reach under and above a shrub

Get the Sun Joe power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Best Buy.

Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit

This quiet cordless hedge trimmer operates on a small 18-volt lithium-ion battery that allows it to run for up to 90-plus minutes, depending on the power setting used. It has a low-battery warning system that stops the motor of the hedge trimmer and activates an indicator light when the battery needs to be charged. The included battery charger takes about 40 minutes to fully charge the battery, allowing the user to get back to work.

The power hedge trimmer delivers clean and lasting power to the 22-inch cutting blade that’s ideal for working in residential gardens where the shrubs, bushes, ferns, and hedges are small to average in size. It weighs only 7.4 pounds and has an anti-vibration design, including a padded front handle and five cushions within the motor housing to reduce muscle strain and fatigue.

Product Specs

• Runs up to at least 90 minutes on 1 battery for long days of yard work
• Low-battery warning system keeps users aware of the levels
• Anti-vibration design with a padded front handle adds to ergonomics

Get the Makita power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Acme Tools, or The Home Depot.

What to Consider When Choosing a Power Hedge Trimmer

Before deciding on the best power hedge trimmer for a yard, it’s important to consider the power source, engine, blade sizes, and whether it’s better to use an electric hedge trimmer or whether a gas model is a more appropriate option. Read on to find out more about these factors to find the best power hedge trimmers for maintaining the yard and creating a well-groomed privacy border.

Power Source

When searching for the best power hedge trimmer, there are two power options: gas and electric. The decision is usually based on how much power and portability are needed.

• Gas-powered hedge trimmers: These tough tools, which generally require both oil and gas to run properly, tend to work harder than their electric counterparts. The downside to more power is weight: Gas hedge trimmers may weigh more than 10 pounds, making it a challenge to reach up and around tall shrubbery.
• Electric hedge trimmers: Though they don’t provide quite as much oomph as gas-juiced models, electric trimmers are usually lighter, making them easier to wield at chest height or higher. Lower-priced corded models offer uninterrupted use but less mobility because they’re plugged into an outlet—a potential problem for larger yards if the gardener doesn’t have a lengthy extension cord. Cordless hedge trimmers use a battery to allow total freedom of movement, as long as the batteries are recharged or replaced regularly.

Engine Power

Engine power is the force produced by the engine to drive the hedge trimmer blades, allowing them to cut through leaves, twigs, and small branches. The way that engine power is measured depends on the type of power hedge trimmer.

• Electric hedge trimmers have an amperage (amps) measurement that indicates the amount of energy flowing through the electric engine. The higher the amperage, the more powerful the engine. Most electric hedge trimmers range from 2.5 to 4.5 amps.
• Battery-powered hedge trimmers typically have a voltage rating that’s associated with the power stored and produced by the battery. The average battery for a hedge trimmer is just 20 volts, but some can have up to 80 volts.
• Gas hedge trimmers use cubic centimeters (cc) to describe the power of the engine. This measurement refers to the amount of air and fuel that are displaced by the engine during operation. The higher the number of cc, the more powerful the engine. Typically, gas hedge trimmer engines range from 21cc to 25cc.

Blade Length

Blades can be either single- or double-sided, and they come in a wide range of sizes, from 13 inches to 40 inches in length. Choosing the right blade size is an important step that can make hedge-trimming jobs much easier.

• 18 inches or smaller is an appropriate blade size for small hedges, weeds, and shrubs that are common in residential gardens.
• 19- to 30-inch blades are ideal for the average user. They can take on large bushes, manage full-size hedges, and trim smaller tree branches.
• 30-inch and larger blades typically fall into the commercial and professional category. These blades are for regularly maintaining large established trees, hedges, bushes, shrubs, and other vegetation.

Left-handed individuals may find it easier to use a power hedge trimmer with a double-sided blade because the majority of single-sided blades are made for right-handed users.

Fuel Capacity

The fuel capacity refers to the amount of fuel that a gas-powered hedge trimmer can hold in the fuel tank. The capacity is typically used to determine how long the trimmer can operate on a single tank of gas. This is an important feature that can help determine the suitability of a gas-powered hedge trimmer. Naturally, larger yards will benefit from a trimmer with a higher fuel capacity so that they can operate long enough to complete the required yard maintenance.

The average gas-powered hedge trimmer has a tank capacity that ranges from 10 to 16 ounces. This fuel tank will usually require a mixture of gas and oil at a ratio of about 40:1 or 50:1, though users should always refer to the manufacturer’s directions for the proper fuel ratio. Trimmers operate for between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the weight of the machine, the size of the engine, and the material that’s being cut.

Cutting Capacity

Another factor to consider is the thickness of a branch that the trimmer can tackle, i.e., its cutting capacity. Most slice through branches up to ½ inch thick, though more-powerful models can usually handle up to an inch in diameter. Check the size of the gap between the blade’s teeth. This is referred to as a blade gap, and the greater the gap, the higher the cutting capacity.

A majority of residential trimmers have a gap that ranges from ⅜ to ¾ inch, which is suitable for leaves, twigs, and small branches. However, professional or commercial-grade trimmers can have a blade gap wider than 1 inch, allowing them to take on small trees and oversize hedges.

Battery Life

Batteries are one of the three main fuel sources for power hedge trimmers, with most models using a long-lasting lithium-ion battery that can range from 20 to 80 volts. The battery life of a hedge trimmer can differ depending on the weight of the trimmer, the age of the battery, and the amount of material the trimmer is cutting.

On average, a hedge trimmer battery can last between 30 minutes and 1 hour, and it will take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to fully charge. Keep in mind that some hedge trimmers don’t come with a battery or a battery charger, so users may need to purchase the battery separately. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to get two batteries so that one is always charging while the other is in use.

Weight and Ease of Use

Hedge trimmers can range in weight from lightweight battery-powered options that weigh only 5 pounds to heavy gas trimmers that can weigh more than 20 pounds. If this doesn’t seem heavy, then a gardener will want to consider holding this amount of weight with their arms extended to the front or sides for up to 2 hours to determine whether it’s comfortable.

However, there are a few features that can make it easier to hold and control hedge trimmers, including a padded front handle that gives users a better grip on the trimmer. Telescoping poles are another great feature that reduces muscle strain by allowing the trimmer to extend out to cut branches and leaves instead of trying to stretch or climb up and down a ladder repeatedly. Also, a tool that is well balanced from the front to the back usually offers better support and can reduce muscle fatigue.

Safety Features

When choosing a power hedge trimmer, safety should be the highest priority so that gardeners can trim the vegetation in the yard without having to worry about a hospital trip. With that in mind, manufacturers have installed several safety features to help make power hedge trimmers a safer option for managing the garden, including blade brakes, safety switches, padded front handles, and front handle shields.

• Blade brakes stop the blade as soon as the trigger is released. In an emergency, this stops the blade immediately instead of allowing it to gradually lose inertia and stop on its own.
• Safety switches prevent the accidental activation of the trimmer. The safety switch needs to be pressed down before the trigger can be used to turn on the trimmer.
• Padded front handles can help reduce muscle fatigue and strain caused by vibration and the weight of the trimmer.
• Front handle shields prevent the user’s hand from slipping off the handle into the blade.
• Blade sheaths can keep users protected from the blades, but they also serve to protect the blades from moisture, dust, and any other debris.

Tips for Using a Power Hedge Trimmer

Now that you’ve picked up your favorite hedge trimmer for your landscaping projects, it’s worth knowing a few important things about how to use it safely and efficiently. Take the following tips into consideration before picking up your new power tool for the first time.

• Keep it sharp—if it makes ragged edges, it’s blunt.
• Lubricate the blades before every use.
• Always hold the blade away from you.
• Take a break every now and then to prevent the motor from overheating.
• Place a tarp on the ground before starting for easy cleanup.

FAQs

Adding a power hedge trimmer to your yard maintenance arsenal can help keep vegetation under control. However, you may still have questions, such as whether a gas or electric cordless hedge trimmer is more powerful or what type of oil is best. Take a look below for the answers to these and several more frequently asked questions about hedge trimmers.

Q. What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter?

Hedge trimmers are lightweight tools made for trimming smaller branches, leaves, and vegetation. Hedge cutters are a more robust tool that cuts through much thicker branches and even the trunks of very small trees, shrubs, and hedges.

Q. Are gas hedge trimmers more powerful than electric or battery-powered ones?

Battery-powered hedge trimmers have a limited amount of power because they must convert energy from the lithium-ion battery to the electric motor. Corded electric hedge trimmers are more powerful because they have a direct connection to a power source. However, the most powerful type of hedge trimmer is gas because of the large combustion engine that burns gas at a controlled rate to drive the blades.

Q. What kind of oil do I need to use with a gas hedge trimmer?

It’s advised to use the oil that the manufacturer recommends. Typically this will be a 2-cycle blend such as the Briggs Stratton 2-Cycle Easy Mix Motor Oil that is a fuel stabilizer or the semi-synthetic Husqvarna HP Synth 2-Cycle Oil.

Why Trust Bob Vila

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.