With summer approaching, the garden might be looking a tad on the disorderly side.
If you’ve glanced outside and realised your hedges need a short back and sides then these hedge trimmers will be just the ticket. Your garden will be back in shape in no time, perfect for hosting friends and family for a barbeque to make the most of the great British summer.
Whether you have acres of land to play with or some potted bushes in a yard, there’s a trimmer for every shape and size. From telescopic poles to trim even the tallest topiary, to a handheld gadget for those with less foliage to whip into shape. The pandemic saw many of us turning to DIY and learning to do things around the house for ourselves instead of hiring outside help. So why should the garden be any different?
The Royal Horticultural Society advises: “New hedges require formative pruning for their first couple of years after planting. Formative pruning is usually carried out in winter or early spring.
“After this, maintenance trimming is carried out, usually once a year for informal hedges and twice a year for formal hedges. Some formal hedges may need three cuts a year. Maintenance trimming is generally carried out between spring and summer.
“Timing of pruning should take into account the potential for nesting birds and be delayed until after the nesting season - considered to run from March to August - if there are any signs that indicate activity.”
There are also different styles of hedges to consider when eyeing up new gardening equipment, from the formal manicured to the informal natural look.
What is the difference between petrol and electric hedge trimmers?
The two main types of hedge trimmers are petrol and electric. The difference between them? Electric hedge trimmers, which are also known as corded hedge trimmers require a power outlet to get going and will typically have a power output in the range of 460 to 650 watts. They are less powerful than petrol trimmers, yet are a more sustainable option as they don’t emit fumes. They are also light and therefore easy to use for all and require little servicing. Plug into your nearest plug socket and enjoy the quiet, effortless experience of zhuzhing your garden.
Au contraire, petrol trimmers are a powerful garden tool to get the job done. They are most suited to groundcare professionals, estate managers, agriculturalists, landscapers and so on - basically those who curate large swathes of land. Sadly, they aren’t eco-friendly like battery or electric options. They are also noisy and require regular maintenance, so we’d suggest sticking to an easy-breezy electric option.
Best hedge trimmers at a glance
- Best for 2-in-1 design: NETTA 2in1 Grass Shear & Hedge Trimmer - £25.49, Amazon
- Best for big gardening jobs: McGregor 60cm Corded Hedge Trimmer - £48.75, Argos
- Best for lightweight build: POSENPRO 7.2V 2-in-1 Cordless Hedge Trimmer - £27.19, Amazon
- Best for tackling tall hedges: STANLEY FATMAX V20 18V Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer - £189, Homebase
- Best for medium-sized gardens: Flymo EasiCut 520 Electric Hedge Trimmer - £52.36, Amazon
- Best for a stable grip: Flymo SabreCut XT Electric Telescopic Hedge Trimmer - £104.88, Amazon
- Best for petrol engine design: Titan TT5MTP26-2 26CC Petrol 4-In-1 Multi-Tool - £125, eBay
- Best for long lifespan: Bosch Advanced Shear 18V-10 Cordless Shrub & Grass Shear Set - £149, Currys
What hedge trimmer safety tips should I know?
Hedge trimmers are a serious piece of kit, so it’s imperative to understand the safety requirements that come with the tool. Ensure you are wearing suitable, non-slip footwear when trimming, plus safety goggles and gloves for protection. Always hold the hedge trimmer with both hands in front of you and keep cords far behind you.
Do I need to care for my hedge trimmer blades?
Indeed you do - but don’t worry, this is fairly straightforward. To clean your hedge trimmer blades, wipe them down with soapy water and a cloth after use. You can also use a soft remove debris from air intakes and the cutting blade.
Here are some of the best hedge trimmers around - shop now
NETTA 2in1 Grass Shear & Hedge Trimmer
Best for: 2-in-1 design
Key features:
- 2 in 1 trimmer
- 7.2V lithium-ion battery
- Interchangeable blades
- Lightweight and durable
- Two-way switch and safety key
- Weight 1.3kg
- 50 minutes running time
This 2-in-1 design is a snip at this price point, as it opens up a whole host of opportunities for creating designs and shapes in smaller hedges and bushes.
As well as the cordless functionality allowing you to carry it around the garden, the device can be switched between a hedge trimmer and a grass shear. The 7.2V lithium-ion battery gives it a run time of 50 minutes, and if you run out of juice it’ll be fully charged again in four hours.
There’s a two-way safety switch to avoid mishaps, with a safety lock so it can’t be activated accidentally. It weighs just 1.3kg so won’t be giving you arm ache either, and also has an ergonomic handle. With nearly 2,500 positive reviews, you can’t go far wrong with this choice.
Buy now £25.49, Amazon
McGregor 60cm Corded Hedge Trimmer
Best for: big gardening jobs
Key features:
- 600 watts of power
- 8m cable
- Safety guard and hand guard
- Diamond ground blades for clean and precise cutting
- Blade tip protector
- Quick stop brake
- Soft grip rear handle for comfortable operation
- Weight 4.5kg
Also available in a smaller 45cm size, this hedge trimmer packs a punch and is ideal for bigger jobs. With a slew of five star reviews, there are many happy customers who have taken the plunge with this trimmer.
The extra large blade speeds up larger pruning, and it also had 600W of power so will make light work of denser hedges. Complete with dual action blades, this trimmer comes with an electrical blade brake for increased safety, and offers the cleanest cuts with minimal vibration.
The garden essential also comes with a blade cover for safe storage and to protect the blades when not in use. There’s also a two year guarantee, and it features an 8m long power cable making it ideal for most residential gardens.
Buy now £48.75, Argos
POSENPRO 7.2V 2-in-1 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Best for: lightweight build
Key features:
- 2 in 1 design that converts from grass shear to hedger
- 500mAh Li-ion battery
- Estimated 70 mins trimming time
- 50 mins shearing time
- Charging time of 3-5 hours
- Weight 0.95kg
The lightest of all of the trimmers, weighing in at 0.55kg for grass shearing and 0.6kg for hedge trimmer, this 2-in-1 design can shear for 50 minutes from full charge, and trim hedges for 70 minutes. It charges in 3-5 hours, and is portable for the garden.
For safety and security, there is a manual safety lock key that you can remove, and the device will not work until it is returned. Perfect for small gardens, this lightweight trimmer will shape hedges and bushes in no time and can be used for tricky corners of the lawn that your mower can’t reach, too.
Buy now £27.19, Amazon
STANLEY FATMAX V20 18V Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
Best for: tackling tall hedges
Key features:
- 180 degree pivoting head and 5 adjustable cutting positions
- 2m overall length
- 4.0Ah battery pack and charger included
- V20 lithium ion battery pack
- Cordless design
- Weight 5.7kg
If you need to bring out the big guns to shape tall hedges in your garden (or if you’re on the more petite side and keen to avoid a step ladder), this cordless pole hedge trimmer will make shaping the garden a doddle.
It’s one of the most expensive on the list so this isn’t one for the casual gardener, but if you’ve got a lot of ground to cover it could be a worthwhile investment. The pole extends up to 3.4m, and comes with a 180 degree pivoting head and 5 adjustable cutting angles.
Even the most awkward of hedges will be trimmed with this impressive device, thanks to hardened steel blade for an accurate cut. A display screen shows you how much battery remains, and the device weighs in at 4.1kg.
Buy now £189.00, Homebase
Flymo EasiCut 520 Electric Hedge Trimmer
Best for: medium-sized gardens
Key features:
- Centralised handle design for easy-use
- Dual action for blade for neater finish
- 45cm long cutting blade
- 450 watts of power
- 10m cable length
- Weight 2.6kg
This one is only available online so you won’t see it in stores, and looking more like a miniature chainsaw, it is one serious bit of kit. Flymo is one of the names synonymous with lawnmowers and garden care, but the brand’s hedge trimmers also receive rave reviews.
With a 50cm blade, this trimmer is designed with medium-sized gardens in mind. The blades are diamond ground with dual reciprocators, to make light work of even the toughest hedge, with a 19mm blade gap. It weighs in at 3.4kg, and purchasers praise it as “lightweight but powerful.”
Buy now £52.36, Amazon
Flymo SabreCut XT Electric Telescopic Hedge Trimmer
Best for: a stable grip
Key features:
- 500 watts of power
- 4m cable length
- 3m extended reach
- A full face in a compact case
- No batteries required
- Tilting head for accuracy
- Weight 4kg
Another Flymo design, this one wouldn’t go amiss on the set of a Transformers film. The telescopic handle extends to 3m long. With a 48cm blade and a 25mm blade gap, it can handle decent sized hedges, and the design provides excellent stability and reach.
You won’t need a ladder with this trimmer around, and it weighs in at 4.1kg. As well as the telescopic handle, this trimmer also has a tilting head for accuracy and a protective blade tip. The cable measures up at 4m long, and it boasts 500W of power behind the blade. A cordless version is also available for a slightly higher price.
Buy now £104.99, Amazon
Titan TT5MTP26-2 26CC Petrol 4-In-1 Multi-Tool
Best for: petrol engine design
Key features:
- Brushcutter, line trimmer, hedge trimmer and pole saw included
- 26cc 2-stroke engine
- Adjustable1-point harness
- Safety trigger
- Anti-vibration system
- Soft-grip handle
- Weight 12.1kg
If you want something old-school with a petrol engine instead of messing about with wires or recharging batteries, the Titan is for you. It has a 0.46L capacity for the 26cc engine, and it doubles up as a grass trimmer as well as a hedge trimmer and comes with a harness and safety guard.
The anti-vibration system ensures accuracy and safety, and it also has an adjustable loop handle. For variety and increased handling, it also comes with an articulated hedge trimmer attachment, as well as a brushcutter, line trimmer and pole saw. Previous buyers love the handling of it and say it’s sturdy and easy to assemble quickly.
Buy now £125.00, eBay
Bosch Advanced Shear 18V-10 Cordless Shrub & Grass Shear Set with 1 battery
Best for: long lifespan
Key features:
- Rechargeable battery up to 85 minutes
- 18 V Lithium-ion battery
- Battery capacity of 2 Ah
- Charging time of 120 minutes
- Ergonomic handle
- Light, cordless design
- Anti-blocking system to prevent jamming
- Battery level indicator
- Weight 1.45kg
Packing a 18 V lithium-Ion battery, this Bosch trimmer has the longest life of all of the models, at an impressive 85 minutes at a time, and recharges in two hours, making it the fastest charging time too. It comes with a mobile phone style charger, as well as a 20cm shrub blade, and a 10cm grass shear blade.
The blade features the Bosch Anti-Blocking system to prevent stalling, as if a twig can’t be cut through on the first attempt, micro-electronics detect the issue and adjusts the direction of the blades. Despite this technology and impressive battery life, it weighs in at just 1.45kg, and features a soft grip handle.
Buy now £149.00, Currys
