10 Best Hedge Trimmers (Review) In 2021

Features To Look For In Hedge Trimmers

Power Source – When it comes to the power source of hedge trimmers you have the option of choosing a gas hedge trimmer or an electric hedge trimmer. The gas powered hedge trimmers tend to be a little bit stronger than electric hedge trimmers, but you will need to ensure you have enough fuel in your canister to get all your hedges trimmed. The best petrol hedge trimmer will not guzzle the fuel too quickly so you can get as much of your hedges trimmed from each filling of the reservoir. Electric powered hedge trimmers come in two types. The first type is powered by a direct electrical supply which means the trimmer is plugged into an electrical socket. With this type you may also need a long extension cable to reach all areas of your hedges. The other electricity powered rechargeable hedge trimmer. This usually features a lithium style battery that has a great operating time and you then recharge the battery by plugging the charger into an electrical socket.

Corded vs. Cordless – Corded hedge trimmers offer the convenience of a constant power supply which means you can get your hedges trimmed without interruptions. It can be a little inconvenient however, as you may need one or more extension cables to reach all the hedges in your yard. Cordless hedge trimmer are a lot easier to use as you don’t have any cables getting in your way, however, you face running out of fuel or battery power. It comes down to your personal preferences and the size of your hedges.

Type – As we’ve already discusses there are 3 main types of hedge trimmers. They include electric, cordless and gas powered hedge trimmers. The other things that distinguish one hedge trimmer from another are the types of blades. You have the option of a single blade or dual action blades. The one you choose should depend on the types of hedges you have, their size and how many hedges you need to keep trimmed in your yard.

Blade – When it comes to the blades of most hedge trimmers you have the option of single or dual action blades. Single bladed hedge trimmers are usually more suited to well-maintained hedges that only need a minimum of trimming and usually only cut in one direction. Dual blades are for serious hedge trimming work and for those hedges that may have been neglected for a while. They are also more suitable for thicker hedges that may need a little more work to get to a nice manicured look.

Weight – Most hedge or bush trimmers don’t weigh too much, however, if you’ve ever tried to trim hedges for over an hour or so, even the lightest ones start to feel like a burden. Check the weight of a hedge trimmer before you decide to purchase one. A lightweight hedge trimmer simply means you will be able to get more work done before your aching arms insist on taking a break.

Cut Length – The length you can cut with your hedge trimmer will depend on the length of the actual blade. The longer the blade, the more of your hedges you can trim in one go. Keep in mind though, that a longer blade also equates to more weight which may make the trimmer harder to operate for longer periods. Then too, if you don’t have a steady hand, the longer, heavier blade may make it more difficult to achieve that perfectly manicured look for your hedges.

Reach – If your hedges are high, you may not want to pull out a ladder every single time. That’s when a long reach hedge trimmer may be the way to go. Similarly, some hedges are wider than others and this means you will need a fair bit of reach to trim the tops evenly. Otherwise, you will need to trim one side first, before walking around and repeating the process on the other side.

Safety Features – Look at what your hedge trimmer can do. It can cut through branches almost effortlessly. Unfortunately, that also means it the blade of your hedge trimmer can do some serious damage to your fingers or any other body part it comes into contact with. When looking at the safety features, pay close attention to the hand guard. This basically keeps your hands and fingers from making any contact with the blades. Also look at getting a hedge trimmer with a blade guard. This may seem somewhat unnecessary, but the teeth on the blades can be sharp and you may unwittingly cut yourself on these teeth while you carry your trimmer around. If the blade is covered, you can be sure your hands are safe.

Types Of Hedge Trimmers

Double-sided Hedge Trimmers – These hedge trimmers feature blades on both sides. In essence, what the blade actually consists of is two blades alongside each other. During operation, both blades are moving in opposite directions of each other which make the sawing motion. Double-sided hedge trimmers work well at quickly and evenly cutting and shaping your hedges.

Single-sided Hedge Trimmers – A hedge trimmer with a single side or single blade feature one blade moving backwards and forwards with the teeth cutting through the hedges to give them the trimmed shapes you want.

Long Reach or Pole Hedge Trimmers – For hard to reach hedges you need a long hedge trimmer. Most of these types feature a pole or long handle that you can use to reach the tops of taller hedges or reach around to some hard to get parts of the head. Some of these poles are telescopic in nature so you can lengthen them and shorten them as needed.

Hedge Trimmer Maintenance Tips

Keep the cutting blades clean – After each use of your hedge trimmer, clear the blades of debris and sap. Failure to do so may cause the buildup of substances on the blades which could eventually cause the entire blade to seize up. This is not just bad for the blades, but the motor as well.

Keep the air filter clean – This is especially important if you have a gas or fuel powered hedge trimmer to keep a clean flow of air going through your motor, thus preventing it from overheating.

Keep the blades sharp – It goes without saying that after many uses, the blades of your hedge trimmer will start to lose their sharpness. This can lessen the effectiveness of your trimmer and put strain on the motor.

Tighten anything that comes loose – If you notice any of the screws or other components become loose, tighten them immediately. Anything loose can come off and that could be a disaster.

Lubricate the blades – After each use, clean the blades and the rest of the hedge trimmer as well. Once you’ve done that, lubricate the blades as well so they move smoothly and cut your hedges efficiently.

Hedge Trimmer FAQ

Q: How do you use a hedge trimmer?

A: When using your hedge trimmer, the first consideration is whether you are maintaining a well-established hedge, or shaping a new one. Maintaining nicely manicured and established hedges is obviously easier and simply involves guiding your hedge trimmer over the edges of your edge to achieve nice, neat lines and shapes again. If you are shaping a hedge for the first time, you may need to set up some string with the aid of a spirit level to ensure you trim the hedge in straight lines.

Q: What is the best time to trim a hedge?

A: The best time to trim a hedge will depend on the type of hedges you have. Most hedges can be trimmed several times during the summer when they start to lose their nice shape. However, if you have a flowering hedge, you should avoid trimming until it stops flowering Otherwise, you may do more harm than good and stunt the growth of your hedges. Deciduous hedges are best trimmed in the early spring before any real growth begins. You can also trim these ones just before the winter.

Q: How do you sharpen hedge trimmer blades?

A: Many hedge trimmers come with their own blade sharpening tool, but even if yours didn’t come with this tool you can still sharpen your hedge trimmer blades using a small flat file. Simply run the file gently, but quickly over each burr or tooth. Always sit your hedge trimmer on a flat surface, like a workbench to do this and make sure there is no chance the trimmer can accidentally be turned on. Sharpening the blades is generally best done after cleaning, and definitely when you notice your trimmer has lost some of its efficiency or if the trimmer starts to snag on branches while you’re trimming your hedges.

Q: How do you clean hedge trimmer blades?

A: When cleaning your hedge trimmer blades, always ensure you remove any bits and pieces of twigs and leaves first. Once the blade is clear, wipe it down with the appropriate lubricants. This process will also remove any traces of dirt, dust and debris. You will also remove any sap while you are applying a lubricant. Keep the rest of the trimmer clean too, as this will ensure keeping dirt and grime away from the blades as well.

The best hedge trimmers have been designed to make yard maintenance easier, make light work of trimming your hedges and keep them looking pristinely manicured. This will give your whole yard a beautiful appearance to all those who pass by your home, and you’ll get a nice degree of privacy as well. Get yourself a hedge trimmer from one of those we have featured and you’ll have the best looking hedges in your neighborhood.