How to Choose a Hedge Trimmer

Knowing which hedge trimmer is best for your yard is crucial in your buying decision. A choice that can affect the efficiency and ease of your trimming tasks. There are several things to consider while choosing a hedge trimmer, like your yard area and the type of hedges that needs working on. 

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down all the necessary factors to check before purchasing the right trimmer for the job.

How to Choose the Best Hedge Trimmer?

Choosing the right trimmer will impact the effectiveness and ease of your gardening tasks. Therefore before making a purchase, you must consider factors like power source, blade length, weight, cutting capacity, features, and price of the tool. By considering these variables, you can choose a suitable trimmer and improve the efficiency of your trimming tasks.

Before you look for a trimmer, the first thing to do is to assess your garden area and the type, height, and size of vegetation you’ll be using it on. These factors will play a significant role in determining your trimmer’s size and power level. 

If your plants are mature with thicker stems like conifer or holly, you’ll need a tool with features like an anti-blocking or a sawing system. This will provide uninterrupted trimming and help you address an odd thick branch. 

A large yard and bigger hedges will require a bigger and more powerful trimmer. While you’ll need a shorter tool for maneuvering between tighter spaces if the shrubs are closer to the fence. 

If you are wondering how to pick the right hedge trimmer type, it depends on your familiarity and ease of use. Choosing between a cordless, electric, and fuel-powered trimmer is vital for finding a tool that you are comfortable with.

Related: How to Trim Holly Bushes With Hedge Trimmer

How to Choose an Electric Hedge Trimmer?

An electric trimmer is a good choice for small gardens as you don’t have to worry about buying fuel or charging a battery. It is also quieter, lightweight, and easier to start than a fuel-powered trimmer but better suited for smaller spaces because the cord can be restricting. 

If you have a thick hedge to trim, choose an electric trimmer with high wattage for more power. You’ll also want more cord length to prune without restrictions. So buy an extension lead to give you more room for maneuvering. Also, get an RCD lead along with the trimmer, as it’s a safety must and will switch off the tool in case of a fault.

Related: Can You Use Electric Hedge Trimmer In The Rain

How to Select a Fuel-Powered Trimmer?

Fuel-powered trimmers are ideal for trimming mature, unruly, and thicker shrubs. They are also heavier, noisier, and more powerful than their electric counterparts. If you have a large yard area, a petrol trimmer will make your trimming job much easier and faster.

Look for the cubic capacity measurement of the engine. If you want a trimmer for more arduous work, make sure to get a tool with a higher cubic capacity. However, if you are just starting, petrol trimmers are not for beginners.

How to Pick a Cordless Hedge Trimmer?

Cordless hedge trimmers are the most user-friendly tools because they operate with a battery and do not need fuel or a cord. That’s why you can use them in all kinds of settings and garden spaces. 

Moreover, they are lightweight and easier to maintain, and you can use them for as long as the battery charge lasts. While choosing a cordless trimmer, you must look for battery power and run time. The higher the voltage and the amp rating, the more powerful the battery will be and the longer it will last.

Features to Consider While Choosing a Trimmer

When buying a trimmer, there are some features to consider. Here’s how to pick a hedge trimmer that is suitable for the size and the type of hedges you want to prune:

Blade Length

Trimmers come with a variety of blade lengths. So, if you are starting, I recommend picking a shorter blade between 30 to 40cm, which is sufficient for pruning a smaller hedge. However, if you have mature shrubs to trim, opt for a model with a longer blade of 50cm or above. A longer blade is also a good choice for trimming plants you can’t access from all sides.

Blade Gap

The gap between the blade teeth is also essential in determining how effective the trimmer will be in pruning different types of branches. The wider the space between the edges, the more effective they will be against thicker stems. 

Generally, a 15mm to 20mm gap is enough, but if you regularly cut mature shrubs, look for a 30mm or more expansive space between the blade teeth.

Sharpness

A sharp blade will provide a more precise trim and generate less vibration while pruning a hedge. Choose a trimmer with laser-cut or diamond-ground features that indicate acute sharpness.

Tip Protector

While trimmer blades are designed to be durable and cut a vast array of vegetation, accidental scuffs with the walls or fences can easily damage them. Therefore, opt for a tool with a protector over the blade tip.

Safety Switches

Safety is of utmost concern regarding a powerful tool like a trimmer. So look for safety features, especially on an electric trimmer, like dual or triple switches, to prevent the device from engaging accidentally. 

Also, look for blade teeth extensions to keep the tool away from your body while trimming. Remember to follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer while using the trimmer.

Type of Handle

Look for a trimmer with a wraparound or rotatable handle that moves at different angles. The handle should be able to provide you with a comfortable grip while not deterring from an efficient trim. Some tools also come with a front handle shield that prevents you from moving the hand too close to the blade.

Other Factors to Consider

Once you’ve considered the features of a trimmer to buy, you must also take into account some variables that will affect your decision. Here they are:

Cost

The main thing with the cost of a trimmer is that you’ll have to pay a premium to acquire the most convenient and powerful tool. An electric trimmer is the most affordable option costing as little as $30. If you pick a cordless model, the minimum price can rise to $60 because of the convenience of trimming the hedges in a wider space.

A powerful battery, a longer blade, and increased charging time will also add to the tool’s costs. Fuel-powered trimmers are costlier, starting at $250 and going over $500. However, as a homeowner, you can opt for a more affordable model.

Weight

A trimmer’s weight has a considerable impact on its comfort of use. Heavier models tend to be more powerful yet challenging to hold aloft and control. If you are unfamiliar, pick a lighter model that suits your comfort level.

Maintenance

Although all trimmers require maintenance, they can vary depending on their models. Especially a fuel-powered trimmer will require more maintenance. 

You’ll need to refuel it with the right combination of oil and petrol, periodically change the spark plug, and run a stabilizer through the engine often. So make sure you are ready for this high level of maintenance before getting a petrol trimmer.

Noise Level

A noisy trimmer can be irritating not only for you but for your neighbors as well. As mentioned above, electric models tend to be quieter, but if you are set on getting a petrol trimmer, check customer reviews stating its noise level. You can also contact the manufacturer to know if they can give you an idea of its decibel level.

Related: How to Use a Hedge Trimmer in Simple and Easy Ways

FAQs

How do I choose a hedge trimmer?

You can choose a trimmer by considering various factors such as its type, power source, safety features, cost, weight, blade length, gap, and sharpness.

What is the best blade length for a hedge trimmer?

For smaller shrubs, a blade length between 30cm and 40cm is sufficient. But if you often cut thick hedges, look for a 50cm or above blade length.

How many volts should a good hedge trimmer have?

How many volts a battery-operated trimmer must have depends on your requirements. Most cordless models have 20 to 60 volts of battery power. Higher volts mean a more powerful tool.

Which is better single or double-sided hedge trimmer?

Trimmers with double-sided blades are by far the best kind, as they can prune a vast majority of vegetation with precision. Double sides also ensure that you can trim the hedges in any shape you want, both in domestic and formal settings.

Are corded or cordless hedge trimmers better?

Whether you want a cordless or corded model depends on your budget, yard space, and hedge type. 

A corded model will be easy to use in smaller gardens as they require access to power. Whereas, if you have a large yard, an electric trimmer will restrict your movement. That’s where a cordless tool will be better to use.

What size hedge trimmer should I buy?

It depends on your hedge size. For smaller shrubs, a trimmer with a 16-inch blade is enough. On the other hand, an 18-inch model is best for average to large-sized hedges, and a tool with a 20-inch blade is ideal for trimming thicker and more mature vegetation.

Final Thoughts

Most probably, after reading the above guide, you now know how to choose a hedge trimmer. The suitable model can make tending your garden easier. However, you must select a tool with a power source and safety features that suit your trimming requirements and budget needs.

Spend some time looking for various options like the trimmer type, blade length, teeth gap, sharpness, weight, cost, noise, and maintenance levels. Also, consider your garden area, hedge type, and familiarity with the tool of choice.