10 Best Hedge Trimmers

Whether you are looking to overhaul your lawn or simply maintain the natural greeny, a reliable hedge trimmer is a device you’ll want in your yard maintenance arsenal. Hedge trimmers help remove dead and stunted growth from shrubs, hedges, and small trees. What’s more, they tidy up and shape outdoor plants to give them a more formal, maintained look.

If you’re sick of coping with overgrown bushes, a hedge trimmer may be your key to landscaping success. With that said, no two hedge trimmers are built the same. We’ve brought you 10 of our favorite hedge trimmers alongside a helpful buying guide. Check it out and set yourself on the track toward enviable hedges.

DeWalt DCHT820B 20-Volt Max Hedge Trimmer – Editor’s Choice

The DeWalt 20-volt Max Hedge Trimmer is a power-packed tool with an impressive cutting capacity. While it is sold as a bare tool, you can easily purchase one of DeWalt’s lithium-ion battery for fume-free power that pairs well with over 100 other DeWalt tools.

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With the DeWalt, there’s no need to change the spark plugs, air filter, or carburetor. Plus, you won’t have to fuss around with a pull-string starter or potentially hazardous extension cord. The DeWalt turns on with the click of a trigger and is virtually cord-free.

While the DeWalt hedge trimmer is far more efficient than traditional gas-powered shrub cutters, it certainly doesn’t lack any their cutting capabilities. The DeWalt’s 22-inch cutting bar features two layers of razor-sharp 3/4-inch teeth. What’s more, the trimmer is backed by an extensive 3-year warranty, a 1-year service offer, and an extended return policy. Together, these guarantees make up one of the most customer-centric service offers we’ve seen to date.

BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 40-Volt High-Performance Cordless Hedge Trimmer – Best Reach

If you’re looking for a cordless hedge trimmer that can handle your high hedges, the oversized Black+Decker LHT2436 is worth a look. This incredible trimming tool is powered by a longlasting lithium-ion battery. What’s more, it has an extensive 24-inch double-sided blade.

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The saw also has an ergonomic loop handle in the front as well as a trigger-style handle in the back. As such, the trimmer is easy to balance for extended periods of time.

The Black+Decker can easily chew up the small branches and twigs that make up most living yard elements. It also has a long-lasting, fast-charging battery. If you’re planning on investing in more than one outdoor power tool, you’ll be happy to know that the Black+Decker battery can be used with any other 36- or 40-volt Black+Decker Max power tool. Since the Black+Decker hedge trimmer is capable of producing up to 6,000 square feet of trimmed hedges per charge, it’s an ideal device for medium and large yards.

BLACK+DECKER LHT321FF 20V MAX Lithium Powercommand Powercut Hedge Trimmer – Most Efficient Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Yet another impressive Black+Decker hedge trimmer, the 20-volt Powercommand features dual 22-inch blades. It also has an ergonomic rubber-coated grip that dramatically reduces the amount of vibration a user can feel. This saw is part of Black+Decker’s 20-volt Max tool system.

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In fact, its battery can be used with a wide range of other Black+Decker 20-volt Max outdoor power tools.

One of the PowerCommand’s coolest features is its Powercut function. This push-button turbo mode enables users to cruise through tough jams in a matter of seconds. On top of that, the PowerCommand has a proprietary easy feed function that helps stubborn branches coast over the cutting bar. All the while, a hand guard keeps your fingers out of the way of danger.

BLACK+DECKER BEHT100 Hedge Trimmer – Most Compact Black+Decker Hedge Trimmer

The BEHT100’s ultra-compact 16-inch blade makes it a perfect choice for homeowners with small yards. Of course, its compact design doesn’t infringe upon the BEHT100’s power. After all, the trimmer has an impressive 3-amp motor that can provide up to 3,800 cutting strokes per minute.

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With a 5/8-inch cutting capacity, the BEHT100 is well-suited for typical suburban yard maintenance.

We also love that the BEHT100 is super lightweight and easy to hold. In fact, it has a padded overhead handle as well as a frontside grip. While the BEHT100 is a typical corded power tool, its cord retention system makes it safer and easier to use. Overall, we found this tool to be incredibly well-balanced and easy to use.

BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 20-Volt Hedge Trimmer, 22″ – Most Budget-Friendly Hedge Trimmer

The 20-volt LHT2220 is a great value. The 22-inch cutting surface features razor-sharp teeth that can cut through everything from sparse shrubs to small limbs. The best part is that it produces 40-percent fewer vibrations than previous Black+Decker hedge trimmers. With a generous 2-year warranty, the LHT2220 is an all-around safe buy.

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We love how simple it was to angle the LHT2220 around curvy bushes and trees. At just under 6 pounds, we found that it was easy to balance at and above chest height. Not to mention, the addition of a handguard and push-button starter made us feel safer and more in control. Overall, the LHT2220 performed well for a reasonable price.

Greenworks HT40B00 24-Inch 40V Cordless Hedge Trimmer – Best 40-Volt Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Greenworks is one of our all-time favorite cordless tool manufacturers. Their 40-volt cordless hedge trimmer can quickly prune and shape most bushes and hedges. This powerful pruning tool boasts a 24-inch blade with an impressive 2/3-inch cutting potential. The pruner’s rotating handle enables comfortable multi-angled cutting.

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It also features a steel blade that reduces vibrations and, therefore, cuts down on user fatigue.

After several hours of researching hedge trimmers, we found few that could cut through bushes and hedges with more precision and speed than the Greenworks 40-volt trimmer. It even has an overly generous 4-year warranty to help put buyers’ minds at ease. What’s more, starting the Greenworks trimmer is super easy thanks to its electric push-button starter. Since it pushes out a whopping 3,000 cutting strokes per minute, the Greenworks trimmer is best suited for yards as big as 1/2 of an acre. With 50-percent less noise, unmatched maneuverability, and gas-equivalent power, the Greenworks trimmer is an exceptionally well-built power tool.

Sun Joe HJ604C-SJB 7.2-Volt Cordless two-in-one Grass Shear/Hedge Trimmer – Best Handheld Grass Shears

If you’re on the lookout for an ultra-compact yard tool, the Sun-Joe two-in-one hedge trimmer grass shear combo is an easy-to-convert all-purpose yard maintenance tool. Don’t let its small stature deter you, the 7-volt HJ604C-SJB is capable of manning a 4-inch shearing blade as well as a toothy 6-inch hedge trimmer.

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In truth, it’s all you need for the vast majority of your outdoor grooming tasks.

At just about 2 1/2 pounds, the HJ604C-SJB is one of the few tools that didn’t strain us after an extended period of use. Not to mention, the trimmer’s impressive lithium-ion battery ensured that it provided an extensive uninterrupted runtime. While we felt that the tool was best reserved for small spaces, the HJ604C-SJB had enough power to bust through some pretty thick hedge overgrowth.

EGO Power+ 24-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer – Best Ego Power+ Trimmer

Yet another impressive yard maintenance tool, the Ego Power+ Trimmer has a 24-inch double-sided blade with a cutting depth of nearly 3/4-inches. It is extremely durable and features a weather-resistant exterior. Not to mention, it has an electronic brake for improved safety and user control.

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What’s more, it has a padded loop handle for safer and more efficient angled cuts.

The Ego Power+ Trimmer can be purchased as a bare tool or as part of an all-inclusive packaged deal. With that said, you’ll need a 56-volt lithium-ion battery to get the Ego going. Fortunately, the Ego Power+ battery is interchangeable with a wide range of other Ego Power+ tools. With its impressive 1-hour runtime, the Ego Power+ battery is even suitable for large multi-tool projects.

Makita XHU02Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer – Best Maikta Hedge Trimmer

Makita may be best known for their power drills and table saws, but the company’s impressive outdoor tool line is a force to be reckoned with. The 22-inch cutting blade of the XHU02Z digs deep into hedges. Meanwhile, its onboard battery life indicator lets users know when it’s time to reboot.

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The trimmer’s padded overhead handle and pistol grip make curvy angled cuts easier than ever. What’s more, the power tool’s incredibly low noise output makes it tolerable for extended use.

There’s a lot to love about this Makita tool, but its 40-minute charge time is probably our favorite feature. While you are going to pay a little extra for this landscaping mainstay, it’s worth every penny. The Makita hedge trimmer combines impressive power with high-quality safety features and well thought out ergonomics.

Greenworks 22272 24-Inch 40V Cordless Hedge Trimmer – Most Maneuvrable Hedge Trimmer

The Greenworks 24-inch hedge trimmer is backed by a powerful 40-volt battery. We love that this trimmer’s power system can be used interchangeably with other Greenworks tools. Not only that, but the G-Max has a cleverly designed rotating rear handle. In fact, it enables users to easily trim at different angles.

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The Greenworks trimmer also has a powerful rotating blade that can prune bushes at a depth of 3/4 inch. As such, it’s the perfect tool for handling thick bushes and overgrown hedges. In fact, we were able to convert our overgrown hedges into smooth, well-shaped accents over the course of a single charge.

Buyer’s Guide

Are you confused about what to look for in a high-quality hedge trimmer? Read along to find out about essential hedge trimmer elements and buying considerations.

Power

There are three types of outdoor power tools on the market. They are electric-, gas-, and battery-powered devices. While electric models are extremely low-maintenance and offer unlimited runtimes, cords can be a major hindrance and safety issue. On the other hand, gas models are easy to use and offer extended runtimes. Yet, they can be loud, fickle, and smelly. With all that said, battery-powered hedge trimmers are probably our favorite variety. Still, battery runtimes and cutting capacities vary greatly between different models.

If you’re going to go the cordless route, we recommend that you invest in a hedge trimmer that utilizes a high-quality lithium-ion battery. These power cells are often engineered so that they can be used interchangeably with a brand’s entire cordless power tool line. What’s more, lithium-ion batteries have the potential to charge quickly and last for an extended period of time.

Cutting Capacity

A hedge trimmer’s cutting capacity depends on the length of its blade and depth of its teeth. Most hedge trimmers have 20 to 26-inch blades. Blades that are this long can typically cut as deep as 3/4 inch. Meanwhile, small blades are ideal for smaller detail work.

Keep in mind that a trimmer’s cutting capacity is also limited by its power output. Most modern power tools utilize 20 to 40 volts of power. Their voltage is directly related to the number of vibrations they put out per minute. As such, larger voltage automatically translates to smoother, more jam-free cuts.

Ergonomics

Hedge trimming requires you to lean in and around greenery. This sort of maneuvering can feel awkward and cumbersome. Many manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to improve the ease and comfort of their hedge trimmers by incorporating ergonomic and/or rotating handles. These features often work best when incorporated into cordless models.

Factors to Consider When Buying Hedge Trimmers

When it comes to buying hedge trimmers, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right tool for your needs. Some of these factors include the weight, blade length, power source, and cutting capacity. In this table, we compare various indicators to help you make an informed decision.

This table compares various indicators that are important to consider when buying a hedge trimmer. By comparing these factors, you can determine which tool will best meet your needs and help you achieve the desired results when trimming your hedges. Factors such as weight, blade length, power source, and cutting capacity can all have a significant impact on the effectiveness and ease of use of your hedge trimmer. Additionally, factors such as noise level, vibration, and maintenance requirements can also be important considerations when choosing a hedge trimmer.

Hedge Trimmers FAQ

Are Stihl hedge trimmers any good?

Stihl is a very popular brand among gardeners, especially the professional ones. This manufacturer offers a wide range of different tools including petrol, corded-electric, and cordless hedge trimmers.

There are pricey and budget-friendly lineups for home and professional use. But despite the price tag (usually it varies from $100 to $200), all Stihl products are durable and can be used for heavy-duty use.

The Stihl hedge trimmers and pole saws are perfect for cutting flowers, bushes, tall trees and even dense foliage. Make sure to check the technical specifications before buying any new Stihl product.

What is the most powerful cordless hedge trimmer?

Contemporary cordless hedge trimmers operate on Lithium-ion batteries. It means they cannot be called as the most powerful trimmers in the U.S. market. But to answer this question a lot of factors have to be considered. The first thing is to check the technical specs and features – usually, this information is posted on a manufacturer’s website.

There are petrol and battery-based cordless hedge trimmers. Petrol tools are more powerful but they are not cost-effective because fuel is expensive. Battery-powered instruments are more lightweight, less powerful on the terms of performance. But they are budget-friendly and cost-effective.

You should expect enough power from most battery-based models to get through the most trivial jobs. Most instruments offer a ¾-inch capacity. Though, you may find the more powerful cordless hedge trimmers – up to 1-inch capacity. The battery voltage also matters – 80-82V batteries are the most powerful ones.

Check the following cordless hedge trimmers with decent performance rates:

• DeWalt DCHT860X1 – 40V battery;
• Greenworks HT-240-T – 40V;
• EGO HT2400 – 56V;
• Echo CHT-58V – 58V;
• Greenworks GH 260 – 82V;
• Snapper SXDHT82 – 82V

Which is the best lightweight hedge trimmer?

Cordless hedge trimmers are lightweight and portable. That is the main reason why the manufacturers make them in the first place. It is a challenge to choose the best lightweight hedge trimmer. Check the specifications and compare the weight of each model before making a final decision.

Here is the list of lightweight battery-based hedge trimmers that might get you interested:

• Scotts Outdoor Power Tools HT10020S (4.8 pounds);
• WORX WG261 (7 pounds);
• WORKPRO 7.2V (2.9 pounds);
• BLACK & DECKER BEHT200 (4.5 pounds);
• Snow Joe HJ604C (2.5 pounds);

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

Hedge trimmer and hedge cutters are used when you need to cut the bushes and hedges in your garden. It seems that these tools do the same job and there is not much difference between them. But they are two different tools for a reason.

1) Hedge cutter

Cutters are picked for heavy tasks. When the hedge or bushes have grown a lot, you should take a cutting tool. Especially, if the branches are thick. But using these hedge cutters requires more strength and stamina. It is a great tool for cutting the hedges in the large territory.

2) Hedge trimmer

As the name suggests, this tool is used for trimming. Surely, there is a difference between cutting and trimming. Hedge trimmers are better for lightweight jobs. It can cut the twigs and foliage, thin branches and a small amount of bush. These instruments are not that powerful but sometimes you need a portable trimmer instead of a bulkier cutter.

When it comes to trimming the tall or overgrown bushes, both instruments can do the job. It is important to consider such factors as price, weight, and power. More importantly, the instrument you are going to buy has to save your time and effort. Experts suggest buying cordless trimmers with an extension rod for tall trees if you have a small-to-medium garden. For larger areas, consider choosing a corded hedge cutter.

Which is the best long reach hedge trimmer?

When the hedges grow to a certain point, you won’t be able to prune then with a normal manual hedge trimmer. You will need to buy an adjustable extension rod or pole saw. There are also telescopic hedge trimmers. Most of them are cordless and operate on batteries/petrol.

Consider choosing the trimmer with the cutting head pivoted into different angles. Thanks to such devices, gardeners can trim the tall hedges without any efforts, at a position suitable for you.

To gain the overhead reach when cutting the overgrown hedges, you may use one of these telescopic and cordless hedge trimmers:

• Earthwise CVPH43018 (max reach is 8.8 ft.);
• Dewalt DCHT895M1 (max reach is 70 inches);
• Sun Joe SJH904E (max reach is 5.9 ft.);
• Black+Decker LPHT120 (max reach is 6.5 ft.);
• Greenworks 22272 40V (max reach is 6.5 ft.);

Are battery-powered hedge trimmers any good?

They are good if you don’t chase the most powerful performance. Here is what you may get after buying a battery-powered hedge trimmer:

• Blade sizes vary greatly — from 13 to 40 inches. But expert gardeners prefer investing in 26-inch blades. Such blades are capable of cutting the branches up to ¾ inches wide. It means they are good for many daily tasks in the garden;
• Compatible with extension attachments – you may buy a telescoping pole to extend the reach of your cordless hedge trimmer. But follow the safety instructions and keep the steady balance when trimming the tall trees;
• Handles are usually made of plastic to decrease weight. Although there are hedge trimmers with wooden or aluminum handles. But they are not very durable. Also, they are much heavier. If you plan to work all year round, for example, in early spring, summer and autumn, then it is better to invest in hedge trimmers with more durable and water-resistant PVC handles;
• Battery life is definitely the most important factor to consider. The Lithium-ion batteries are the advanced technology and almost all battery-based trimmers use it. You may install the batteries from 20V to 80V. To get through big trimming jobs, consider buying an extra battery while the default battery is charging;

Which is better – corded or cordless hedge trimmer?

It depends on your gardening tasks. If you are trimming the low or medium-sized hedges manually, a branch by branch, you may need a corded instrument because it works faster and saves your time. You can trim a hedge per 5-10 minutes.

But if you seek mobility and cost-effectiveness, choose a cordless battery-powered hedge trimmer. It will do the same job for 20 minutes.

In any case, all hedge trimmers are better than just a pair of shears or scissors.

Can you use WD40 to lubricate a hedge trimmer?

WD40 is an effective and multi-purpose lubricant that is applied for lubricating pretty much everything. But you should NEVER use WD40 on any hedge trimmer. It won’t protect its blades from rust.

This particular product can leave the waxy sap residue. The WD40 lubricant can leave the nasty traces on the blades and can damage the trees (branches and foliage).

Instead of the WD40 product, use SAE20 engine oil for lubricating the blades. Basically any engine oil can do this job.

Are petrol hedge trimmers better than electric?

Electric hedge trimmers resemble chainsaws. They also have an electric motor powered by the grid and two rows of sharp blades with teeth. It is the most lightweight hedge trimmer type. But the moves of this instrument are limited by the cord’s length.

Petrol tools are similar to the electric pole saws when it comes to the design. Petrol pole saws are the most powerful tools in the lineup. Professional gardeners use gasoline-based saws for cutting trees and bushes in parks or squares.

Who makes the best battery hedge trimmer?

“Green technologies” are everywhere, even in our backyards. If you are looking for an eco-friendly hedge trimmer, you may want to check the battery-based tools. They are both budget-friendly, lightweight and easy to use. A few brands that make high-quality battery hedge trimmers:

• Greenworks offers the PRO 24-Inch battery trimmer for heavy-duty use;
• EGO delivers the Power+ 24-Inch tool for small daily jobs in the garden;
• DEWALT produces the DCHT895M1 40V trimmer for people who seek power and mobility;
• Another Greenworks hedge trimmer is the 20-Inch 40V tool. It is the most lightweight battery-based instrument for a good price;
• BLACK+DECKER offers the BEHT 100″ trimmers for the best price in the U.S. market;

The things that you should check before investing in battery hedge trimmers:

1. The voltage of the battery may vary from 20V to 80V;
2. Strokes per Minute (SPM) – the speed of the blades going forth and back. The higher SPM, the better performance you should expect;
3. The battery type. Look for Lithium-ion batteries because they offer a greater number of full charge cycles. Skip the outdated Ni-Cad batteries;
4. Charge time is important. Especially when you like to cut through the thick branches for a few hours;
5. The best trimmers have the 22-inch blades with a ¾-inch tooth gap;
6. The weight is essential for professional gardeners who want to prevent hand fatigue. It ranges from 6 to 20 pounds.

What should I consider when choosing a hedge trimmer?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a hedge trimmer, including the type of hedge you have, the size of the job, the power source, and the weight and maneuverability of the trimmer. For example, if you have a large, thick hedge, you may want a more powerful trimmer with longer blades. If you have a small, light hedge, a smaller, lighter trimmer may be sufficient.

What are the different types of hedge trimmers?

There are three main types of hedge trimmers: electric, cordless, and petrol. Electric hedge trimmers are powered by electricity and are generally lighter and quieter than petrol trimmers. Cordless hedge trimmers are battery-powered and offer more mobility than electric trimmers. Petrol hedge trimmers are powered by petrol and are generally more powerful than electric or cordless trimmers.

How do I maintain my hedge trimmer?

To keep your hedge trimmer in good condition, you should regularly clean the blades with a soft cloth and lubricate them with a suitable oil. You should also check the air filter and replace it if necessary, and keep the fuel tank and fuel lines clean. It’s also a good idea to check the spark plug and replace it if it’s worn or damaged.

Can I use a hedge trimmer for other jobs?

Hedge trimmers are designed specifically for trimming hedges and bushes, and are not intended for other types of cutting or pruning. Attempting to use a hedge trimmer for other jobs, such as cutting down branches or thick stems, can damage the trimmer and may be dangerous.

What safety precautions should I take when using a hedge trimmer?

When using a hedge trimmer, you should wear protective clothing, including gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection. You should also make sure the area around the hedge is clear of obstacles, and never use the trimmer near power lines. It’s also important to switch off the trimmer and remove the battery or unplug it from the power source before making any adjustments or cleaning the blades.

How often should I sharpen the blades on my hedge trimmer?

The frequency with which you need to sharpen the blades on your hedge trimmer depends on how often you use it and the type of hedge you’re trimming. If you use the trimmer frequently on thick or woody hedges, you may need to sharpen the blades after every use. If you use it less frequently or on lighter hedges, you may only need to sharpen the blades once or twice a year.

Video Tutorial: How to Fix a Hedge Trimmer

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our top 10 hedge trimmers! These impressive cutting devices will have your yard looking professionally groomed for a fraction of the price of a landscaper. Once you settle on the right tool, you can finally add some new greenery to your yard!