How to choose the best hedge trimmer

Whether you are trimming your hedges into exciting different shapes or a beginner who simply wants your hedges to look neat and tidy, choosing the right hedge trimmer for your garden can make all the difference.

Many gardeners question whether it’s worth transitioning from pruning shears to a hedge trimmer. You can trim your hedges with hand-held pruners, however a hedge trimmer can achieve the job with greater efficiency and provide a more even and professional result. With so many hedge trimmers available, we explain the different types of hedge trimmers and how to choose the best hedge trimmer for your specific garden needs.

Types of hedge trimmers

The different types of hedge trimmers tend to fall into three main categories: electric, battery and petrol powered. Each of these categories have their own advantages and disadvantages, as well as coming in at different price points.

Electric

Electric hedge trimmers tend to be one of the most popular choices of trimmer, especially with those purchasing a trimmer for the first time. Lightweight, easy to use and affordable, an electric hedge trimmer works with a cord to be plugged in. Due to the plug, you will need a long extension cord and stay within a certain distance. Electric trimmers also have the advantage of being easy to start and relatively quiet compared to petrol powered. They are not as powerful as their petrol counterparts so an electric hedge trimmer is best suited for smaller and easier hedge trimming jobs.

Battery

A battery powered hedge trimmer has a lot of the same similarities as an electric one, however they do have the added convenience of no cord. They are lightweight and are easy to use, but you will need to ensure your battery is well-charged and keep a spare just in case. You may also find that, similar to the electric hedge trimmers, battery powered trimmers can lack the greater power needed to cut through particularly heavy foliage and branches. Using your battery powered trimmer on these harder hedges can cause the battery to falter and shorten its overall lifespan.

Petrol

Petrol powered hedge trimmers are highly powered so they are great for professionals or those who need to cut through thick branches and difficult hedges. Because of the increased power, petrol hedge trimmers can be heavy and harder to use. They also emit fumes while operating so ensure to operate your petrol hedge trimmer in a well ventilated area and use appropriate protective gear such as eye protection and a respirator.

Choosing the best hedge trimmer for you

When it comes to choosing the best hedge trimmer, the choice really depends on your specific hedge needs. Here are a few factors to consider before purchasing a hedge trimmer.

Level of expertise

Having the most powerful and slick hedge trimmer on the market won’t mean much if you don’t know how to cut your hedges properly. The level of your hedge trimmer expertise will play a key role in which trimmer you choose to use. An corded electric hedge trimmer is ideal for those starting out due to it being easy to handle, lightweight and less powerful than a petrol trimmer. We recommend starting out on a beginner friendly trimmer before upgrading to a more power trimmer after you feel confident in your hedge trimmer abilities. Otherwise, you may end up with a butchered bush and could even run the risk of injuring yourself.

Cost

The price of a hedge trimmer tends to be a significant deciding factor for the majority of people when choosing between different trimmers. A corded electric trimmer will be at the lower end of the price range and a petrol trimmer will likely be the most expensive option. A battery trimmer can be a good mid-level priced option, but do keep in mind that you may need to purchase multiple batteries and charging equipment as well. A petrol trimmer also has the added expense of needing regular petrol. It’s also important to note that you get what you pay for, a cheaper trimmer may burn out quicker and will likely struggle on thicker bushes.

Weight

The weight of your hedge trimmer will influence how easy it is to use. As petrol hedge trimmers tend to be heavier than their electric counterparts, it can feel more labour intensive to use them. This can be problematic if you are cutting a lot of hedges and need to hold your trimmer aloft for extended periods of time. A lighter weight hedge trimmer such as a battery trimmer will be easier to manoeuvre and less dangerous to use at heights.

Blade type & length

Hedge trimmers come with different lengths and types of blades. Longer blades are great for ensuring a smooth and even trim, but can be tough to manage if you are a beginner or working in tighter spaces. For most hedges, a shorter blade (around 18 inches) is best, but if you are working with particularly larger hedges then choose a blade of 20 inches or more.

Blade types differ depending on the gap between the blade teeth and whether the blade is double sided. Commercial hedge trimmers will likely have blade gaps of an inch or bigger, but if you are using your blade for domestic purposes a blade gap of half to ⅜ inches will suffice. If you are newer to hedge trimming, choose a single sided blade as you will find it safer and easier to manoeuvre. In the case of being more experienced, a double sided blade is a great option as it can make your trimming much more efficient.

Unsure about which trimmer is best? Chat to an expert!

If you are still unsure about which trimmer is suitable for your hedges, then it’s best to ask a hedge trimming specialist! At Jim’s Mowing, we are well-versed in all things hedge, garden and mowing-related so we can advise on which trimmer is the right one for you. Get in touch with us to chat more about hedge trimming and learn more about our professional hedge trimming and pruning services.