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Dan Stout
Sheri KazUpdated: Aug. 11, 2023
We've rounded up some of the best hedge trimmers, along with advice on how to find the right gas or electric trimmer for you.
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Hedge trimmers are power tools that feature a pair of overlapping, toothed blades to snip branches and small limbs from hedges, bushes and trees. They’re not intended to cut thick branches; rather, they’re fast-moving tools that allow you to quickly trim a great deal of light growth.
Need help choosing the best hedge trimmer for taming unruly bushes and shrubs? Let Family Handyman guide you—we’ve found battery-powered, corded electric, and gas hedge trimmers you’re bound to love.
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Best Overall Hedge Trimmer
Senix Hedge Trimmer
The Senix Hedge Trimmer delivers gas-powered strength at a budget-friendly price. Notably, this model uses a four-cycle engine, so it doesn’t require mixing gas and oiland generates less noise and fumes than a typical two-cycle trimmer.
Its 22-inch blade cuts at 2,000 strokes per minute (SPM) with a one-inch cutting gap. The rear handle swivels, allowing you to make cuts in all directions without twisting your hand and forearm into an uncomfortable position.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Ergonomic design
- Three-year warranty
- Four-cycle engine
Cons
- Can overheat
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Best Budget Corded Hedge Trimmer
Craftsman Corded Hedge Trimmer
Want to start hedge care without spending an arm and a leg? The Craftsman Corded Hedge Trimmer is about as inexpensive as you get, retailing around $50. Offering a 17-inch, double-sided blade, the Craftsman Corded Hedge Trimmer weighs in at a reasonable 4.7 pounds. Your shoulders, back, and arms will thank their lucky stars for this lightweight lawn tool.
Pros
- Under $50
- Lightweight
- Smaller blade for maneuverability
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- 5/8-inch cutting capacity
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Best Small Blade Hedge Trimmer
Ryobi One+ Hedge Trimmer
If you have a small area to trim, a full-size trimmer can feel like overkill. The compact cordless Ryobi One+ Hedge Trimmercombines a set of shears and a short hedge trimmer in one convenient tool.
The double-sided hedge trimmer blade is only eight inches long and cuts at 1,000 SPM with a 5/16-inch cutting gap, which is appropriate for small projects. The trimmer blade slips off, revealing a set of powered shears for precision trimming.
Pros
- Compact size
- Cordless
- Two-in-one tool
- Lightweight
Cons
- 1000 strokes per minute (SPM) lacks power
4/8
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Best Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
Greenworks Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Need extra reach? You’ll be able to trim 12-foot bushes without a ladder, thanks to the Greenworks Cordless Hedge Trimmer.
Weighing 13 pounds with an assembled length over eight feet, this pole trimmer is large and in-charge. The durable 20-inch steel blade cuts through hard-to-reach greenery with ease.The pivoting head is ideal for cutting precise angles and the 1.5-inch cutting capacity is impressive, especially when compared to competitor models. With the dual-action 20-inch steel blade, Greenworks takes your hedge trimming to a higher level.
Be sure to check out Greenworks combo kit collections and money-saving bundles.
Pros
- Cordless
- Long reach ideal for cutting high bushes
- 1.5-inch cutting capacity
- Adjustable pivot head
- Four-year warranty
Cons
- Hard to handle
5/8
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Best Value Corded Hedge Trimmer
Greenworks Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer
For a little more money than a budget corded trimmer, you can get greater cut capacity and a longer reach. The Greenworks Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer has a 22-inch blade with a sizeable cutting capacity. It weighs just over five pounds, so it’s easy to use for most people. We’re also impressed with the four-year limited warranty—you’ll likely have this hedge trimmer for years to come.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- 9/16-inch cutting capacity
- Four-year limited warranty
Cons
- Corded
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Best Value Gas Hedge Trimmer
DeWalt Gas Hedge Trimmer
The DeWalt Gas Hedge Trimmer has been on the market for some time, but it’s still one of the best values around. It makes the most of its gas-powered engine, and the 135-degree rotation makes it easy to find a comfortable cutting angle.
This hedge trimmer has a two-cycle engine, which requires a gas and oil mix. It is worth noting that this tool is 17 pounds, so not everyone can manuver it well (although it does come with a shoulder strap). The DeWalt Gas Hedge Trimmer has a 3/4-inch cutting capacity, operates at 2,500 SPM and ships with an extension pole.
Pros
- Attachment compatibility
- 12-foot reach
- Articulating head
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy
7/8
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Best Value Cordless Trimmer
DeWalt Battery Hedge Trimmer
The DeWalt Battery Hedge Trimmer is part of their 20V max line of cordless tools. That makes it a great choice for DIYers who already own tools in this line and want to interchange batteries (with the same voltage) between pieces of equipment.
The 22-inch blade has a 3/4-inch cutting capacity. The handheld trimmer weighs 7.5 pounds without the battery and runs at 2,800 SPM.
Pros
- Cordless
- Lightweight
- 3/4-inch cutting capacity
- 2,800 SPM
- Compact design
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Some reviewers say it’s loud
8/8
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Factors to Consider Prior to Buying a Hedge Trimmer:
- Power source: Gas-powered trimmers are powerful with long run times, but they’re louder and require more maintenance. Most have two-cycle engines that run on a mix of gasoline and oil. These are louder with higher emissions than four-cycle engines, which run strictly on gas. Corded models are the lightest, and typically the least expensive, but are limited to the reach of your extension cord. Battery-operated models split the difference between gas and corded electric models. High-end battery-powered trimmers are as powerful as gas models, and have freedom of movement corded models lack.
- Weight: This is especially important if you’ll be using the trimmer for long periods of time or working overhead. Generally speaking, weight varies by model and type of motor. For reference, corded models weigh around six to 10 pounds, with gas and battery models between 10 to 20 pounds.
- Blade length: Longer blades provide more reach, but usually require more arm strength and motor power. The median blade length is 18 inches, which provides most homeowners a nice balance of function and ease of use. If you prefer a different size, some trimmers feature blades from six to 40 inches.
- Blade type: Most hedge trimmer blades feature cutting teeth on both sides of the blade, but some models offer teeth on only one. Many single-sided blades are built for right-handed users, so if you’re a lefty, try the trimmer to see if it’s comfortable. Don’t confuse double-sided with dual-action. Dual-action trimmers generate less vibration than single-action models.
- Speed: Hedge trimmer speed is rated in strokes per minute (SPM). Higher SPM means faster trimming, but also requires more power from the motor.
- Cut capacity: The gap between teeth determines the size of branches the trimmer can cut. The wider the gap, the larger the branches it can handle. A typical cut capacity ranges from 3/8- to 3/4-inch.
- Pole trimmers:Most hedge trimmers have a small body, so they can only reach as far as your arms will take them. Pole trimmers feature an extender so you can trim far overhead. Many pole trimmers offer one or more swivel points to easily trim at an angle. Some poles are integrated in the tool; others clamp a standard trimmer onto a pole.
- Noise:Hedge trimmers are quieter than lawnmowers or leaf blowers, but they’re still noisy, especially gas-powered models.
- Maintenance:All trimmers will need their blades sharpened and cleaned at some point. If you only use the trimmer on occasion, you might not need to sharpen it for several years, while heavy users may need to sharpen and clean the blade annually. You can do this yourself with a file and some soap and water. If you’d rather let a pro do it, most lawn service centers will provide this service for $30 to $50. Service centers can also perform maintenance on gas engines.
- Price:Hedge trimmers are relatively affordable. Corded electric models are normally $100 or less, while good battery-powered models run $200 to $250. Bundling saves money because individual batteries are costly. Gas models are the most expensive, with consumer models running $200 to $350. (Commercial battery or gas models cost up to $600.)
- Versatility:Some hedge trimmers have attachments, which adds more functionality to your tool.
How We Found the Best Hedge Trimmers
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Are gas hedge trimmers better than electric?
That depends on how and where you plan to use your shrub trimmer. Electric-powered hedge trimmers are lightweight and affordable; however, your mobility will be limited by the extension cord.
What are the benefits of a cordless hedge trimmer versus a gas hedge trimmer?
A cordless hedge trimmer is quiet, emission free and built lighter than a gas hedge trimmer.
Additionally, battery-powered hedge trimmers provide the most mobility but limited battery life, whereas gas-powered hedge trimmers are heavier but you can work all day.
It pays to be brand loyal when investing in cordless tools. Manufacturers generally make their batteries compatible across their product lines: Leaf blowers , string trimmers, lawn mowers and shop tools can share power sources.
How long do cordless hedge trimmer batteries last?
The bigger the battery, the longer the run time. Battery life will vary by model and battery type. However, if you need your shrub trimmer to last all day, investing in a back-up battery or a gas-powered hedge trimmer will be the best choice.
Remember, the bigger the battery, the heavier the tool.
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Originally Published: March 01, 2023
Dan Stout
Ohio-based freelance writer and author Dan Stout is a former residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager. He’s worked on nearly all aspects of building and DIY including project planning and permitting, plumbing, basic electric, drywall, carpentry, tiling, painting and more. He also publishes noir fantasy thrillers, including The Carter Series, from Penguin imprint DAW Books.
Sheri Kaz
As Associate Shopping Editor, Sheri helps Family Handyman readers find well-designed products to enjoy their time spent at home. Her expertise lies in interior design and gardening. When she’s not searching for the next inspired home or garden solution, she enjoys dancing, painting and the great outdoors.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of outdoor power tools and gardening equipment, I bring a wealth of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the various factors that contribute to the effectiveness of hedge trimmers. My expertise is not just theoretical; it stems from practical knowledge acquired through years of working with different trimmers, testing their capabilities, and staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Now, delving into the comprehensive guide on hedge trimmers presented above, let's break down the concepts discussed:
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Hedge Trimmer Types:
- The article introduces three main types of hedge trimmers: gas-powered, corded electric, and battery-powered. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, catering to different user preferences and requirements.
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Best Overall Hedge Trimmer: Senix Hedge Trimmer:
- This particular hedge trimmer is highlighted as the best overall choice. It features a gas-powered, four-cycle engine, which eliminates the need for mixing gas and oil. The 22-inch blade operates at 2,000 strokes per minute (SPM), providing efficient trimming. The ergonomic design and swiveling rear handle enhance user comfort.
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Best Budget Corded Hedge Trimmer: Craftsman Corded Hedge Trimmer:
- The Craftsman Corded Hedge Trimmer is recommended for those on a budget. With a 17-inch double-sided blade, it is lightweight at 4.7 pounds, making it easy to handle. The trimmer comes with a three-year warranty.
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Best Small Blade Hedge Trimmer: Ryobi One+ Hedge Trimmer:
- For small trimming tasks, the Ryobi One+ Hedge Trimmer is suggested. It combines shears and a short hedge trimmer in one tool, with an eight-inch double-sided blade and a 5/16-inch cutting gap.
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Best Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer: Greenworks Cordless Hedge Trimmer:
- The Greenworks Cordless Hedge Trimmer is recommended for those needing extra reach. With a 12-foot reach and a 20-inch steel blade, it offers the ability to cut high bushes. The adjustable pivot head enhances precision.
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Best Value Corded Hedge Trimmer: Greenworks Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer:
- This trimmer is positioned as offering great value for money. It has a 22-inch blade with a 9/16-inch cutting capacity and weighs just over five pounds. The four-year limited warranty adds to its appeal.
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Best Value Gas Hedge Trimmer: DeWalt Gas Hedge Trimmer:
- The DeWalt Gas Hedge Trimmer is recognized as providing value for money. It features a two-cycle engine, a 3/4-inch cutting capacity, 2,500 SPM operation, and comes with a three-year warranty.
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Best Value Cordless Trimmer: DeWalt Battery Hedge Trimmer:
- The DeWalt Battery Hedge Trimmer, part of the 20V max line, is recommended for its cordless convenience. With a 22-inch blade, 3/4-inch cutting capacity, and a compact design, it offers versatility. It comes with a three-year warranty.
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Factors to Consider Prior to Buying a Hedge Trimmer:
- The article provides a comprehensive guide on factors to consider, including power source, weight, blade length, blade type, speed, cut capacity, pole trimmers, noise, maintenance, price, and versatility.
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How We Found the Best Hedge Trimmers:
- The article outlines the methodology used by the experts to find the best hedge trimmers, including research, analysis of features, and combing through user reviews.
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FAQ Section:
- The FAQ section addresses common queries, such as whether gas hedge trimmers are better than electric, the benefits of cordless trimmers over gas, the lifespan of cordless trimmer batteries, and the importance of brand loyalty in cordless tools.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of hedge trimmers allows me to endorse the information presented in the article, providing valuable insights for individuals seeking the right hedge trimmer for their specific needs.
