Hedge trimmers make gardening really convenient but, with the wide variety of hedge trimmers available, choosing the right one can be difficult.
But we’ve made it much easier for you. After comparing and narrowing down all the potential options, here are a few of the best hedge trimmers on the market, along with some tips on what to consider before buying.
Whether you have a true green thumb or just need something to occasionally tidy your yard, you’re sure to find a trimmer to suit you.
Table of Contents
Overview: Top Choice
After reviewing 5 options, the Makita XHU02Z is the best hedge trimmer.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Consider Before Buying a Hedge Trimmer?
Knowing what to look for in a hedge trimmer will help you to narrow down your options and make the best choice.
These are just some of the things you need to consider before deciding which hedge trimmer is the right one for you.
Price
If you’re looking to buy a hedge trimmer, chances are one of the first considerations is going to be the cost. As with any power tool, a hedge trimmer is likely to be a significant investment. But the price of hedge trimmers can vary depending on the make and model, as well as the power and features included.
But that doesn’t mean you have to pay for a ton of extras you don’t need. If you only need a hedge trimmer for occasional use or light work, you can easily get a more basic model for less than $100. On the other hand, if you need something with power that you hope to get a lot of use out of, it may be better to invest in a more advanced model.
Corded or Cordless?
Hedge trimmers are available in both corded and cordless models. Which one you choose will depend largely on your individual needs.
If you have a large yard, a cordless hedge trimmer may be the better option as you won’t need to worry about extension cords and you can move around freely. On the other hand, corded hedge trimmers tend to be more powerful and are reliable for more difficult tasks.
What this consideration boils down to is, what is more important to you in a hedge trimmer: power or portability?
Electric or Gas?
Both electric and gas hedge trimmers are available. Electric models are lighter and often cheaper. They are also better for the environment as they don’t release any fumes, and, these days, there is a lot more choice among electric models.
But gas models tend to be more powerful. They are still the most reliable option for handling larger tasks.
Blade Length and Teeth Spacing
The length of the blade on a hedge trimmer determines the width of the branches you can cut with it. For smaller hedges, you only need a 30 to 40 cm blade. If, however, you need a hedge trimmer for more heavy duty work, you’ll need a blade of at least 50 cm. A longer blade can also improve your reach with the hedge trimmer.
In terms of teeth spacing, the wider the space between teeth, the larger the material your hedge trimmer blade will be able to cut. A wider tooth gap of 3 cm or more makes it easier to cut through thicker branches but, for smaller hedges, a tooth gap of just 1.5 to 2 cm is all that’s needed.
What Safety Features are Included?
Safety is an especially important consideration when using a hedge trimmer. As with any other power tool, trimmers have the potential to be dangerous and, if something goes wrong, they can cause serious injury. Luckily, most modern hedge trimmers have safety features to mitigate the potential risks.
Many hedge trimmers have a two-handed start switch that prevents users from starting it up accidentally. Some may also have a hand guard or shield to protect the user from flying debris. And some have blade tip protectors that allow you to work close to walls and fences without risking damage.
But these are just some of the safety features that may be included with your hedge trimmer. Before making your choice, you’ll need to decide which safety features are most important to you.
5 Best Hedge Trimmer Reviews
So there’s a lot of variety in the hedge trimmers that are available. It can be intimidating trying to find the right one for you.
Now that you know what to look for in a hedge trimmer, let’s look at some specific products that have been hand-picked for review based on the above considerations.
1. DEWALT DCHT820B
Key Features:
- 22” dual-sided blade
- ¾” cutting capacity
- 20V MAX lithium-ion battery
- Protective shield
The DEWALT DCHT820B is a good option for anyone looking to take on thicker branches. It is light, with an ergonomic design to improve comfort while it is being used. On top of that, it has a high output motor which, combined with the blade, allows for good speed and efficiency.
Pros
- Powerful with good cutting capability
- Lightweight at just 8.8 lb
- Easy start-up
Cons
- Battery needs to be recharged often
- Noisier than many other battery-powered models
- Battery needs to be purchased separately
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Black & Decker LHT2240CFF
Key Features:
- 22” dual action blades
- Wraparound auxiliary handle
- Protective shield
- Full-length starting trigger
The Black & Decker LHT2240CFF is best suited for medium hedges. It is designed for safety and convenience, with a full length trigger and soft grip to ensure ease of use. The blade reduces vibration, making the hedge trimmer more comfortable to use. It is also lightweight and has a good reach, allowing you to easily trim even your taller hedges.
Pros
- User-friendly and easy to manoeuvre
- Comes with battery and charger
- Cuts through thick branches very easily
Cons
- Noisier than many other battery-powered models
- No blade sheath
- Battery needs to be re-charged often
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Makita XHU02Z (Top Pick)
Key Features:
- Dual action double-sided shear blade
- Star protection computer controls
- 1,350 SPM motor
- Two-handed starting switch
- Battery indicator
The Makita XHU02Z is best suited for light duty tasks and is a good option for comfort and ease of use. It has an ergonomic design and runs with minimal vibration. Plus it has a much lower noise level than other hedge trimmers at just 87 dBA.
Pros
- Good battery life and quick charging
- Lightweight and easy to handle at just 7.4 lb
- Incredibly durable
Cons
- Not as powerful as other models
- Slow to start-up
- Struggles with thicker branches
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. WORX WG261
Key Features:
- Dual-action blades
- D-grip handle
- Protective shield
- 20V PowerShare battery and charger included
The WORX WG261 is both light and powerful. Thanks to the 22” blade, it is capable of handling tasks that many other trimmers would struggle with. It has an ergonomic design and the D-grip handle at the front allows you comfortably cut at any angle.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Lightweight at just 7 lb
- Easy to handle and maneuver
Cons
- Battery can become hot during use
- Blade sheath is quite flimsy
- May struggle a bit with thick branches
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 Hedge Trimmer
Key Features:
- Steel black blade
- Can trim branches up to 5/8 inch
- 3.2 amp motor
The BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 is designed for professional use and, as such, packs a lot of power. It has a number of features to improve safety and comfort, including cord retention which prevents accidental unplugging.
Pros
- Quick and easy start-up
- Fuel efficient
- Good reach and handles larger branches
Cons
- Doesn’t have vibration absorption
- Some models would abruptly stop
- Heavier than other models
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is Best?
Makita is a well-trusted brand and the Makita XHU02Z lives up to their reputation, which is why it gets the top spot as the best hedge trimmer. It performs really well and is one of the most reliable models. It is durable, easy to handle, and can be used for a variety of tasks from light tidying of your hedges to cutting medium branches. Best of all, it is designed with user comfort and safety at the forefront.
For all these reasons and more, the Makita XHU02Z would make a great hedge trimmer for a first-time buyer or an experienced gardener.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
