Best Hedge Trimmer

For those who care about the aesthetics of their surroundings and gardens, a hedge trimmer is one tool you can’t do without.

With blades ranging from 5 to 26 inches long, hedge trimmers are powerful tools that cut and prune hedges and shrubs, no matter how bushy they are.

As its name suggests, it is used to trim or prune hedges. A hedge trimmer may be powered electrically or by gas, although it can also be manually used, in which case it is referred to as hedge clippers. Such hedge clippers have long handles used to reach the top of the bushes.

In many instances, hedge trimmers may be battery or gas-powered. All these types are popular, but as we will see, they all have their strengths and limitations.

Hedge trimmers are also sometimes referred to as hedge cutters. When you use a hedge trimmer, you tidy up hedges or shrubs by cutting back on the overgrown branches, beautifying the environment. Hedge trimmers make the job easier and more enjoyable.

Having a hedge trimmer doesn’t mean all hedges or branches can be pruned. They are made for trimming only thin branches. It is no longer ideal once the branch is thicker than ¾ of an inch.

If you want to cut down thicker branches, you’ll need something more powerful, say, a chainsaw. But hedge trimmers have recently been adapted to cut thicker branches.

Most hedge trimmers are very powerful and durable. But many people have had problems finding the right ones.

Sometimes, these tools have served users beneath their capacities due to improper usage and poor maintenance. However, others have not been able to find the best hedge trimmers with the correct functionality.

Types of Hedge Trimmers

The primary distinguishing factor with the hedge trimmer is how they are powered. For example, gas-powered hedge trimmers are known to be more potent as they can handle tackling denser, thicker leaves, and since they are cordless and can be used anywhere, the downside is that they are more expensive to maintain.

They are also quite noisy. Now that gas prices are hitting record heights, they may even cost more money to maintain.

On the other hand, electric hedge trimmers only need to be plugged into the mains, and it roars into action. Also, they are less noisy. However, it has its problem.

The wires have to follow you where you go, so you may not be able to use it too far away, nor is it ideal away from home. Also, the wires may be a problem as they may become an obstacle while you’re working.

The battery-powered hedge trimmer could then be the solution to the problems of the first two types of trimmers. They are very noiseless, cordless (could be used far away from a power source), and light.

However, you need to keep charging the battery for it to serve you well.

Many believe the battery-powered hedge trimmers are the best. We think so too. But sometimes, charging the batteries and replacing them may be hard work. However, people have different preferences.

Depending on where you want to use it and how you wish to use it, you may prefer something else.

We have reviewed several hedge trimmers and have curated five of the best hedge trimmers. From the best cordless hedge trimmer to the best electric hedge trimmer and the best-corded one, you will find what you’ve been looking for in a hedge trimmer.

So whatever your preference, we have outlined five great hedge trimmers that we know will serve you well for a long time and won’t hurt your wallet.

So, let’s look at five of the best hedge trimmers, beginning with the one we have rated the best; a battery-powered hedge trimmer, the DEWALT DCHT820B.

BEST OVERALL: DEWALT DCHT820B

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The DEWALT DCHT820B is a battery-powered, durable hedge trimmer fitted with a 22-inch laser cut, hooked-tooth blade design and comes in an attractive, lightweight design.

It is cordless and has a powerful high output motor, and is designed for cuts up to 3/4-inch thick.

Customers rate the DEWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer very high for its maneuverability, ease of use, excellent battery life, and lightweight. Of course, it’s also rated highly for its value for money. That’s why we rate it highly too.

Made from plastic and with a cutting width of 22 inches, this hedge trimmer is made to ease your trimming worries. Weighing just 8.8 Ibs, it is cordless, meaning there are no limits to how and where you can use this trimmer.

It may sometimes encounter obstacles when in operation, but it comes with a friction clutch that engages immediately to protect the transmission and keep working.

This product comes with a 20V battery, although it also has a no-battery option ideal for those who already have the DeWalt 20v batteries at home. This choice means you can even save more money as the no-battery option is cheaper.

It is lightweight but very powerful in its output. The battery life is excellent. At 2AH, a full charge can serve you for up to an hour of razor-sharp cuts.

Specs

• Brand: DEWALT
• Material: ‎Plastic
• Cutting Width: 22 Inches
• Product Dimensions: 38.66 x 9.42 x 7.87 inches
• Powersource: Battery-powered
• Weight: 8.8 Pounds
• Color: Black and Yellow

Pros

• Works very efficiently
• It works well with any DeWalt 2OV battery and is interchangeable
• It works with a lot of ease
• Doesn’t make much noise
• The long blade increases the cutting strength
• It is lightweight, so super easy to use for those not already used to trimming.
• It is straightforward to use
• It is cordless which makes handling easy

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a plastic scabbard or sheath
• Users have complained of poor customer service when their product gets damaged.

RUNNER UP: BLACK+DECKER BEHT150

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Our second product is electrically powered with a 3.2 amp motor that is strong enough to trim branches of up to ⅝ inch thickness. It has a 17-inch dual-action hardened steel blade which reduces the vibration when in action.

Because one of the significant issues of electric hedge trimmers is the way the cord gets easily disengaged, it has a cord retainer that keeps it in place when in use.

The 17-inches BLACK+DECKER Electric Hedge Trimmer is lightweight (it weighs only 3.9 pounds), it comes in a very compact design and is easy to use. Maintaining this hedge trimmer is also pretty easy with less hassle. Just plug and get going.

The major challenge of electric hedge trimmers is the cord. This product comes with an inbuilt cord retainer to solve any problems you may have. This way, it doesn’t get unplugged accidentally or lose power while in use.

It comes with a built-in T-handle and full-length trigger to enhance firm grip and greater control.

The BLACK+DECKER Electric Hedge Trimmer also has a dual-action alloy steel blade that cuts twice the branches that other trimmers cut, helps to reduce vibration, and makes it easier to handle.

Because it is lightweight, you won’t know you’ve worked after using this trimmer.

It is ideal for small hedges and shrubs, and users rate it highly for its lightweight, ease of use, maneuverability, and value for money.

Specs

• Brand: BLACK+DECKER
• Blade Length: 17 Inches
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 31 x 7.3 inches
• Power source: Corded Electric
• Weight: 3.9 Pounds
• Color: Black

Pros

• It is very easy to use
• It is lightweight and has strong parts
• It is very compact
• It cuts very neatly and is very powerful
• It has a cord retainer to prevent disconnection

Cons

• Users complained of the cords not functioning correctly with the trimmer
• The trimmer may have frequent issues with its electrical power and may pack up intermittently

ALTERNATIVE: CRAFTSMAN V20

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CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hedge Trimmer is a battery-powered trimmer that is part of the V20 cordless system. Its 20 volts motor provides strong performance, and the 2.0AH battery keeps functioning well when fully charged.

It has dual action 22-inch laser-cut blades and can amazingly cut branches as thick as 1½ inches.

The CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hedge Trimmer is battery-powered, making it a cordless delight. With its 22-inches extra sharp blades, it has dual action power that cuts up to 1½ inches thick branches.

This is made possible by a power saw feature which makes cutting thick branches seamless.

To allow for excellent handling, it features maximum maneuverability, which allows the handler to assume complete control while using it.

It has a 20V motor which is responsible for its powerful performance. Look no further than the 2.0AH lithium-ion battery that supports it, and keeps it running when other battery-powered trimmers may have died.

The battery makes the CRAFTSMAN trimmer seamlessly compatible with all V20 craftsman tools, and the product also features a V20* Lithium-Ion Charger.

One main reason why you can enjoy trimming with this product is its short length which makes maneuverability achievable.

Users rate this product highly for its safety features, maneuverability, its lightweight and impressive battery life.

Specs

• Brand: Craftsman
• Item Dimensions: 36.72 x 8.8 x 7.15 inches
• Blade Length: 22 Inches
• Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries
• Power source: Battery-powered
• Weight: 8 pounds
• Color: Red

Pros

• It is excellently designed
• The construction is rugged and easy to use
• It has great maneuverability
• It has excellent value for money
•  It has great battery power
• The blades are very sharp
• It has good cutting width capability.
• It is strong enough to cut through thick branches at once
• The power is exceptional

Cons

• The unit requires assembling when bought, and there may not be enough knowledge on doing that.

ALTERNATIVE: Toro 51490

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The Toro 51490 is a corded 4-amp hedge trimmer with enough power for dual-action cutting and delivering results at once against branches up to 9/16 inch thickness.

It comes with a cord lock system that keeps the cord in place while in use, while the dual-action cutting reduces vibration, making it easier to handle.

If you’re looking for a corded trimmer that won’t leave you exhausted after use, we recommend the Toro 51490 Corded 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer.

Measuring 8 by 8 by 36 inches, it comes with a 2-year warranty and is known to remain efficient for a very long time. Its powerful 4 amp motor allows it to seamlessly sever through branches with a thickness of up to 9/16-inch.

Two of the features that should excite someone trying it for the first time are the work grip handles. Although the dual-action cutting makes for less vibration, the work grip handles make it even easier to operate the trimmer without feeling exhausted.

You can go on and on without the fatigue that is frequently associated with many hedge trimmers

The second feature is the handy cord-lock system which is designed to prevent disconnection when the trimmer is in use.

Frequent disconnections are common with corded hedge trimmers, but with this feature, you can use your trimmer with the least stress. It is, however, expected that you use your trimmer near a power outlet.

The Toro corded hedge trimmer comes with hardened-steel blades, which, when combined with the motor power, provide robust and fast action. The steel blade also makes it very durable.

Because it is corded, it is more affordable than the battery-powered trimmers and is easily maintained.

Specs

• Brand: Toro
• Material: Steel
• Power source: Corded Electric
• Weight: 6.35 pounds
• Color: Red and Black

Pros

• Decently priced
• Made of solid steel material
• Dual-action blades
• Features a cord lock system that keeps the cord well retained while in use
• It is known to reduce fatigue when used

Cons

• Quite heavy for those who want to trim higher branches
• The plug is not very durable
• It is not very comfortable to use
• Customers complained of cords behind sometimes being incompatible.

ALTERNATIVE: Greenworks 4Amp 22

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This corded electric dual-action hedge trimmer comes with a 4 Amp Electric Motor that powers its 22-inch dual-action steel blades. It has a cutting capacity of up to ⅝ inch, allowing for fast, easy trimming.

One of its best features is its rotating rear handles with the ability to make trimming possible from different angles. Since it’s corded, it also comes with a cord lock to prevent unplugging when in use.

Weighing 5.7 pounds, it is believed that the Greenworks Corded Electric Dual-Action Hedge Trimmer is lightweight. It is also easy to use. But its power is derived from the powerful 4 amp motor and the dual action of its blades.

Dual-action blades reduce the vibration of the trimmer when in motion and provide greater ability for the user to control the trimmer comfortably.

Moreover, it has a mold grip that is cushioned for even additional comfort, so when you are using the Greenworks hedge trimmer, your comfort is guaranteed, but you are also firmly in charge.

When using the trimmer, you don’t need to worry about the cord disconnecting because it comes with an integrated cord lock that keeps the cable in place throughout use. It has a front handguard that prevents contact with the hand while in operation, providing additional safety.

Using the trimmer is easy and lightweight enough to pose no challenges to the hand.

GreenWorks also offers a 4-year warranty for its trimmer, as is customary with all its tools. The warranty is the longest of the hedge trimmers we have reviewed. Customers rated it highly on maneuverability, ease of use, and lightweight.

Specs

• Brand: Greenworks
• Blade Length: 22 Inches
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Blade Material: ‎Alloy Steel
• Product Dimensions: ‎37.8 x 7.86 x 8.86 inches
• Power source: Corded Electric
• Weight: 5.72 pounds
• Color: Green and Black

Pros

• Longest warranty
• It has very sharp blades that clear edges in no time
• It has a lot of power
• It is very easy to use
• It can be rotated at different angles
• It does the job well in no time
• It is incredibly lightweight for its power
• It does not leave the operator fatigued after use

Cons

• Although a lot of effort has reduced vibration, it is not yet enough. Vibrations cause parts to become loose.
• The grip doesn’t have a wraparound design.
• The efficiency of the power reduces with thicker branches
• It is likely to develop faults easily

Hedge Trimmer FAQ

What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter?

The significant difference between them is the kind of work they do. Hedge trimmers are known to handle the finer, more delicate jobs. They are also known to handle thicker branches.

 However, hedge cutters handle the more complicated jobs.

To simplify, you can say hedge trimmers “trim” the edges of your hedges to keep them neat and well maintained. Hedge cutters, meanwhile, are meant for hedges that have been fully established and well-formed, and more robust work is needed.

Hedges that are still in formation require trimming. Hedge cutters are needed to handle the thick branches and often can change the shape of the hedges.

So, while trimmers would help maintain the shape, cutters are more radical.

What is better: an electric or gas hedge trimmer?

 As you’ve observed, we didn’t review any gas-powered hedge trimmer. The reason is that it is in a class by itself. It is more powerful, very durable, and doesn’t have cords that may inhibit movement. However, it seems we do not think highly of it.

While gas hedge trimmers have longer blades, can handle greater jobs, and give an excellent output, we feel its maintenance is a tall order. It is the costlier of the two.

And with rising gas prices, coupled with engine maintenance that involves constant replacements and cleaning of parts, we believe that for the average person, an electric hedge trimmer remains the better option for all its corded limitations.

However, you will ultimately decide what you want. Do you want something easy to maintain and easier to use? Go for the corded electric. Do prefer durability, strength, and efficiency, regardless of the cost? Go for gas trimmers.

Can I use a chainsaw as a hedge trimmer?

Yes, you can as long as you are willing and ready to spend more time and achieve less.

Chainsaws use longer bars, so they are not suited for trimming, but you can set them to the lowest bars to achieve a trim. But you shouldn’t go too far as you won’t achieve a clean result.

A chainsaw is limited when used as a hedge trimmer. This is because it can only help trim some overgrown branches and bushes. To get the perfect result, you need a hedge trimmer.

But if you have a lot of time, you can use your chainsaw to trim hedges once in a while

Can I trim wet hedges?

Yes, you can. There is no harm in trimming wet hedges, and it may even be beneficial to the equipment as the wetness would reduce friction between the branches and leaves in the teeth of the trimmer.

However, it may not produce a job as neat as you wanted in dry conditions. Although, there’s very little difference between the wet and dry hedge when the hedge trimmer is working.

But for safety reasons, it is advisable not to use an electric-powered hedge trimmer connected to the mains when the hedge is wet as water may seep into the cables and damage the equipment. Electricity and water seem not to go together, too.

Conclusion

Our review has sought to sift out the best hedge trimmers from the many products, and we have looked at different types of the best electric hedge trimmer, best cordless hedge trimmer, and best battery-powered hedge trimmer.

We have left out the gas-powered hedge trimmer because we feel it is expensive to maintain. However, it is the most durable and efficient.

But most customers want something lightweight, easy to use, easy to maintain, and noiseless. Five of the best hedge trimmers have been provided to give you the option of choosing the one that best fits your taste.

Keeping your hedges trimmed would never be the same again!

Resources:

• HouseGrail.com
• McCulloch.com

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