I've tested dozens of hedge trimmers, and know how to buy the very best – this is my expert advice

A hedge trimmer in front of neat topiary .

There are times when even the best hedge shears aren't up to the task. If you need to cut a large hedge with dense branches, you need a powerful hedge trimmer.

These tools are gardening essentials, turning a day of hard work chopping branches by hand into a couple of hours, and offering clean, precise hedgerows and shrubs.