Your Guide for How to Choose Hedge Trimmers
There are plenty of ways to trim a hedge, but depending on its state of growth, its size, or its species, there may be times when manual shears or secateurs simply will not ‘cut’ it.
This is when powered hedge trimmers can pick up the slack. With so many models and sizes and custom features, choosing the perfect model can become a dizzying experience.
This is why we have put together a complete buying guide which lays out the different types of hedge trimmers, what they do, your key considerations pre-purchase, and some other useful tips for choosing the right model.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Hedge Trimmer?
Handheld manual tools are brilliant for certain forms of small-scale garden maintenance, and some shears are even designed to handle much larger jobs. However, few tools can achieve the same area coverage and efficiency that hedge trimmers can.
Using oscillating serrated blades, hedge trimmers are able to catch and cut even the hardiest branches and leaves. The handle at the base allows for a complete and stable range of motion, as the user sweeps the long blades over the hedge until the ideal look is achieved.
One of the best things about hedge trimmers is that they cut cleanly. Incorrect cutting techniques can result in flayed branches or damaged leaf nodes which the hedge will struggle to recover from. This could cause a hedge to succumb to decay in its appearance and acquire harmful diseases. Hedge trimmers are powerful enough to prevent this far more effectively than other cutting tools.
For information on the correct way to use a hedge trimmer, see our step-by-step guide.
Choosing the Right Type of Hedge Trimmer
It may help to break down the vast world of hedge trimming machines into two categories: petrol and electric.
Petrol Hedge Trimmers
Hedge trimmers that run on petrol are powered by a specifically designed mix of petrol and oil, with the blend ratio determined by the power of the tool in question.
Petrol-fuelled hedge trimmers are generally heavier than other alternatives and much noisier. However, this is due to the fact they are longer lasting, and possess powerful engines capable of completing even the most overgrown cuts in a timely manner.
When shopping for petrol-powered hedge trimmers, be mindful of the displayed cubic capacity, which is a measurement that determines how much power the engine contains. The higher the cubic capacity, the more capable the tool is of trimming in difficult conditions. Though it is worth noting that the amount of maintenance a model will need in its lifetime directly correlates with the strength of its motor.
Electric Hedge Trimmers
Electric trimmers are only slightly less powerful than petrol trimmers, but they make up for this by being a much more environmentally friendly option, and still more powerful than standard manual tools.
They can be divided further into two categories:
Corded
Ready whenever you need it and perfect for everyday maintenance of your hedges. With a corded model, you will never have to worry about charging batteries or obtaining the right kind of petrol. Simply plug in your hedge trimmer and get cutting.
It is worth mentioning too that cords can be slightly restrictive, so are better suited to smaller gardens. If you have a larger space, then you can consider a cordless model.
Cordless
With no cord comes more freedom in mobility. They are just as powerful as their corded counterparts, and a brilliant eco-friendly alternative for garden maintenance.
Though the units will need to charge, they can last through multiple uses. See the runtime of your selected model for a more accurate estimation. You can determine an electric hedge trimmer’s power on the scale of its voltage.
Interchangeable batteries are also available for some models, which will help you to ‘reload’ your tool during a lengthy cutting session. How long your hedge trimmer will last is measured by its amp rating. Higher ratings indicate a larger battery capacity.
Features to Consider When Buying a Hedge Trimmer
Evaluate your garden and its hedges first. Look at details like the garden’s size, the amount of area that will need regular maintenance, the circumference and height of your hedges, dominant species and their individual needs, and environmental factors such as local climate.
From here, you can determine which features to look for in a hedge trimmer. With the right features prioritised, you can streamline the cutting process and save yourself unnecessary time wastage and exhaustion.
Blade Features
- Length: How long the blades of a trimmer are will dictate the maximum width of the hedge it can cut. Smaller hedges can be covered easily by blades ranging from 30 to 40 cm, whereas much larger, established hedges could benefit from blades over 50 cm in length.
- Sharpness: Certain types of blades, such as those that have been cut with lasers or ground with diamonds, are going to be much sharper right out of the box than standard blades. When it comes to hedge trimmers, the sharper the better.
- Spacing: The space between a hedge trimmer’s ‘teeth’ will vary from model to model. This is because certain models are designed to cut through specific kinds of hedges. For example, established hedges benefit from a wide gap between teeth.
Functional Features
- Extendability: Some hedge trimmers are made to reach higher places, which is handy when your hedges are tall and the use of a step ladder is not practical or safe. The poles are extendable and the blades can be tilted at a right angle to get even coverage when shaping the top of tall hedges.
- Handles: The handle type you choose will have a considerable effect on comfort. Ideally opt for handles that wrap around the base of the unit, as these allow for correct hand placement and better drive. They are also much easier and more intuitive to use over long periods.
- Sawing: Some hedge trimmers come with a specific sawing function which allows you to cut through tough branches with ease. If your hedges are particularly hardy, you may want to seek this feature as it will save you time and negate the need for you to cut these branches or areas by hand.
Safety Features
- Blade Protectors: Certain models come with protectors for their blades which function as a useful barrier against hard surfaces such as garden fences or walls, which can blunt blades and jamp the engine of your hedge trimmer when hit. Opting for a protector can help your hedge trimmer to last for years to come.
- Dedicated Switches: Safety switches can be found on most modern hedge trimmers. Some will even have up to three switches, all of which prevent your machine from accidentally starting when not in use and generally keep you safe when operating.
Do I Need to Maintain My Hedge Trimmers?
As with any tool, powered or otherwise, semi-regular maintenance is vital for ensuring the vitality and longevity of the product.
Above all, it is good to keep your hedge trimmer blades sharp, as this will greatly improve the overall performance of the machine and extend its life. You should also take care to properly lubricate the blades before and after use to avoid rusting or wear as the years go on.
Choose a Hedge Trimmer You Can Trust
We hope our guide has gone some way towards making clear which hedge trimmer is right for you. The next step is to confidently make your final decision. If you’re looking for a robust hedge trimmer that will stand the test of time, you have come to the right place.
Our range of over fifty different trimmers, each with its own unique benefits and features, are all made by industry-leading manufacturers, and favoured by professional landscapers and outdoor caretakers across the country.
Get started on transforming your outdoor space with a high-powered hedge trimmer from us.
