Most models out there on the market can indeed cut through branches. It can appear as a daunting task but with a steady hand, it will be done quite quickly. Of course, the power of the trimmer plays a great role here. Gas-powered hedge trimmers are best suited for this task as they are the most powerful. Keep in mind that it all depends on the teeth opening – so the larger the blade the easier you will be able to cut through larger branches.
10 Best Hedge Trimmers to Make Your Yard Perfect in 2021
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Last Updated: 10 March 2021
If you want to make your front yard look flawless a hedge trimmer is mandatory. These days are gone, when you could just pick up your clippers and spend 5 days to trim one single bush. Technology has advanced very fast and now the market offers a very large array of bush trimmers and hedge trimmer brands. First thing first you will have to look around your yard or garden and figure out what you will have to work on. The type of hedges, how high and thick they are, accessibility and the size of your yard all play a part in choosing the best hedge trimmer for the task.
The size and power of the tool required are directly correlated to how large the bushes in your yard are. You have two choices when it comes to how the trimmer is powered: electric or gas. This will be the first decision you have to make regarding the purchase. Gas hedge trimmers are far more powerful but they are not very beginner-friendly due to this. Below you will find all the information required to make a decision and make your yard/patio/garden look it’s the best in the process.
Home Maker Guide created for informational purposes only. Thus, we neither endorse you in any way to buy specific products in our reviews, nor making you act like it’s written in our guides. We are reserving the rights for you to make your personal decision.
ARCHIE ADAMS
Editor-in-Chief of the Home Maker GuideTop 10 Best Hedge Trimmers: Comparison Table
Best Overall: Lightweight + Comfy - Husqvarna Gas Hedge Trimmer Review
Husqvarna Gas Hedge Trimmer
What’s the best approach to choosing a bush trimmer who’s functions, and features align with your needs? Quite simple actually. You should check out reviews around the web to see what experiences other people have had with them. And it just so happens that Husqvarna hedge trimmer with its centuries of experience has the best reviews out there. Their gas-powered hedge trimmer is double-sided, offers great power, makes as little noise as possible and requires little to no effort to get it up and running out of the box. And most importantly will cut any branch or bush you throw at it so get creative!
Why We Like It
- Easy to start
- Lightweight
- Anti-vibration system for extended use
Easy Start: Great Durability - Poulan Pro PR2322 22-Inch 23cc 2 Cycle Gas Powered Dual Sided Hedge Trimmer Review
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Poulan Pro PR2322 22-Inch 23cc 2 Cycle Gas Powered Dual Sided Hedge Trimmer
Our next entry comes from well-known manufacturer Poulan with its very powerful cordless hedge trimmer. Coming on the list with an award-winning ergonomic design, state of the art technology that enables great soundproofing it makes for a great choice. With a powerful 23cc gas engine it cuts right through even the thickest branches.
Why We Like It
- Easy start system
- Makes little to no noise, so you can use it at any hour of the day
- Acceptable weight to offer maximum comfort
Plenty Of Power: BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 40-Volt High Performance Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review
BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 40-Volt High Performance Cordless Hedge Trimmer
A great feature of this tool is a battery that is totally rechargeable, it will help you through during your tough times. What it does better than others is to act faster thanks to the dual blade and 40-volt battery, getting your job done in no time. With this trimmer, you are guaranteed to cut twice the amount you usually did with other products. Its design features a handle with very soft grips that make this tool more comfortable when cutting horizontally.
Why We Like It
- Rechargeable battery that can last for years
- Easy to use
- 24-inches dual blades
Economical Choice: Ryobi 18-Volt Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review
Ryobi 18-Volt Cordless Hedge Trimmer
You might want to take a closer look at this product because this trimmer features might be what you are looking for. It helps you get your job done through the action of 22-inch blades that this product features. You can kiss chords good-bye because this trimmer works with other Ryobi products' batteries that you can find in any store. In just one word, this product has everything you wish from a hedge trimmer because its design features a very comfortable handle and plastic protection that prevents branches affect the core of the product.
Pros
- Great design
- Versatile
- 22-inch dual blades
Cons
- Comes with no battery
Best Battery Life: DEWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer Review
DEWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer
Manufactured and delivered from China, this item is perfect for people who love to have a powerful machine in their garage that is at the same time fast. It works with a very powerful 20V Lithium battery that is also rechargeable, helping you get your job done in a blink of an eye. It is a dual blade like most of the products, but it is longer than others, meaning that you can reach bigger portions of bushes finishing your job faster. It is really easy to use, start and stop function activates a tool only when a trigger is pulled.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use
- It is longer, covering bigger portions of branches
Cons
- Some customers experienced problems with its blades
- Battery not included in a package
Best for Beginners: Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer Review
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Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer
This is a very lightweight corded tool handy to get in right in there and get the job done. The steel dual action blade comes in a 22 inches for great reach. A cord lock is included so that you do not unplug the tool while working. If you are looking for a powerful trimmer this is a choice that cannot be beaten. 9/16'' cutting capacity makes it great for trimming small bushes and shrubs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Designed with continuous use in mind
- Powerful and long-lasting
Cons
- Not well suited for larger jobs. Thicker branches may prove an issue as it does not have a saw function. If you are looking to trim small bushes then this is a great match
Awesome Reliability: Milwaukee Electric Tools Hedge Trimmer Review
Milwaukee Electric Tools Hedge Trimmer
Milwaukee Electric Tools brings fly-through performance and maximum durability. The blade alone makes it a must buy as it is capable of slicing through the thickest bush like its hot butter. The tool was designed to ensure that your hands do not get tired after prolonged use.
Pros
- Blade remains sharp
- Great at shaping hedges
- Great battery life
Cons
- No batteries included
- Price
Full Wrap-around Front Handle: BLACK+DECKER Hedge Trimmer Review
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BLACK+DECKER Hedge Trimmer
This BLACK AND DECKER hedge trimmer shines when it comes to getting the job done fast! It is a very small model but does not get fooled by that – it is very powerful and gets the job done very fluidly. You can expect the battery to last you 300 square feet on a single charge. So if you are facing a long job and your hedges and bushes are short this is the best choice out there.
Pros
- High power for a cordless variant
- Intuitive controls that make it a great choice for entry-level gardeners
- Low vibrations
Cons
- It cannot cut those thicker branches so it is best to acquire this model if you plan to use it for small scale jobs
Versatile: Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless Review
Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless
This Makita hedge trimmer comes equipped with two Li-Ion batteries for zero downtime. This aspect alone makes it a great catch – based on the reviews. Now that we know that it is highly reliable for long-duration jobs, let’s look into its other great features. It has three-speed options to accommodate speed for the required application. The 30-inch blade and the anti-vibration feature make it very versatile and fit for any task. The charge time for the battery is greatly improved – you can expect it to be full and ready for use within 45 minutes.
Pros
- Increased cutting capacity
- Fast charge time
- Rear handle with adjustable positions for comfort
Cons
- Heavier than advertised because the battery weight is not included online. However, it is still lightweight and allows for a long trimming session
Best Design: Sun Joe Electric Hedge Trimmer Review
Sun Joe Electric Hedge Trimmer
If you think it is time for a total makeover of your yard, then this nifty hedge trimmer may come in handy. It comes in a fitting green color and has a very interesting design. It comes in very light at just over 5.0 lbs. and has a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer. If you are after clean and fast cuts this is a product worth looking further into.
Pros
- Excellent value
- East to maneuver
- Instant start
Cons
- Comes with a slight delay from the moment you place the power off button to the actual moment it stops. Keep this in mind and you should not encounter any other issues
Buyer’s Guide – All you Need to Know About Hedge Trimmers
How to Choose the Best Hedge Trimmer?
Power
The best way to figure out how powerful the best hedge trimmer 2021 is to check its power source. As a rule of thumb gas hedge trimmers bring more power to the table than the electric models. However, electric models come in a wide range of power levels. The higher the voltage the harder the job they can tackle. The power level you will require is dependent on what type of hedges you have to trim, the size and what kind of power you are OK with having in your hands.
Cost
If you want higher power you will have to pay a premium. Corded lightweight models are great for simple jobs and you can find one for as low as 30$.
If you prefer a cordless model you can expect the price to go up to 60$ however you will get the job done twice as fast. If you want a high-power battery, a longer blade, fast charge times these will all add to the price and make the job faster.
At 250$ you can find the entry-level gas trimmer. They are better suited for contractors or for a business. If you have a very large garden, then it would be wise to invest in a gas-powered trimmer.
Length
The longer the blade the easier it is to trim evenly over a large surface. If you are faced with a tight space then it can become quite dangerous to use a trimmer with a very long blade.
For a typical job an 18-inch blade should suffice. If you have room to maneuver a 20-inch blade could make your job faster and easier. If you are a newbie it is best to start with a short blade as it is far safer to work with.
Blade Types
You have to pay attention to how far apart the teeth are and to see if your blade cuts on both sides. The blade gap dictates how thick a branch you can cut with it. For most home jobs you would make work with a ½ inch gap blade.
The single-sided blades are easy to use as you will have small twigs and branches fly in only one direction. However, with experience, you can start using a double-sided blade in order to complete the job faster.
Weight
The heavier the trimmer the harder it will be to use it for long periods of time. Even experienced users get worn out quite fast by a heavy tool. However, they do come with more power. A light model is both safer and easier to use even for the inexperienced general public.
Ease of Use
As we have just mentioned, weight is the biggest factor when it comes to ease of use. Other factors are the power source.
Gas models tend to be harder to maintain and control. Electric models are light and start with the push of a button. A cordless model is even easier to use since you can go anywhere you want with it and not care about the cord.
Maintenance
It does not matter what type of trimmer you acquire, it’s important to check out the instructions to be certain you are using it in a safe manner and to be able to use it for a longer period. Every single type of hedge trimmer will need some kind of maintenance. However, the work you need to put in varies on some factors.
Gas trimmers you need to make sure you have enough fuel available. You also have to change the spark plug from time to time and keep the vent clear. When the season ends, you have to give the engine a thorough cleanse and store it in a dry place.
Safety
With such powerful tools, safety becomes priority number one. You cannot ignore sharp high power blades. You have to start off with a light model that has great safety features and read and understand the instructions perfectly. You have to be paying attention at all moments when using a hedge trimmer. Respect the blades and understand that if they do such damage to twigs they will damage your leg if you misplace it.
Most trimmers have features specifically designed to add safety. Tooth extensions are added in order to have the blades as far away from your body as possible. If you release the trimmer power will be cut off – in case you dropped it for example. There is also a shield around the handle so that you cannot have your hand to close to the moving blade.
Noise
If you hate loud noises or do not want to get in trouble with your neighbors then you should look into electric trimmers.
If you simply must use a gas trimmer make sure you purchase earplugs along with it. Check reviews online to see what people report on each model. If they mention that it is loud then head over to the manufacturers’ website and ask them to provide decibel levels.
Durability
You want to buy a hedge trimmer that will last you years. If you want to find a sturdy trimmer you will have to choose a brand that has a great reputation and a few years warranty on their products.
Features
- Cordless – The easiest to use out of the bunch and has unlimited reach.
- Tooth Extensions – They put distance between the blades and your body.
- Dual Switches – Both hands must be on the tool which in turn increases safety.
- On lock – Makes it so that you do not have to hold the power button.
- Off lock – If there are kids around the house enable this setting so that if anyone presses the power button no harm will come to them
- Warranty – The higher it is the better the product you will acquire will be.
Hedge Trimmer Types
You have three different power types available – cordless, corded electric and petrol/gas.
Electric Hedge Trimmers
The best choice for a small garden. They are not heavy at all and only operate in the vicinity of a power plug. An extension lead might be needed if your hedges are too far away from the house or barn.
Cordless Hedge Trimmers
The fact that they offer free movement makes them better suited for medium to large gardens. You also do not face the risk of cutting your cable, not with the corded trimmers.
Petrol/Gas Hedge trimmers
Gas trimmers come with far more power and greater uptime. If you have a large garden trimming job or dense/overgrown bushes they are best suited. Keep in mind that they are quite heavy, and you must perform daily maintenance.
Our Recommendation for 2021
We have provided all the information needed for you to be able to make an educated choice. We only recommend, according to our homemakerguide, the best out there so based on reviews you should look into buying the Husqvarna 122HD45. People are very pleased with their product and it should be a match for you as well. We are sure that you will find the best hedge trimmer that fits your needs.
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Hedge Trimmers: Comparison Table
- 1.1 Best Overall: Lightweight + Comfy - Husqvarna Gas Hedge Trimmer Review
- 1.2 Easy Start: Great Durability - Poulan Pro PR2322 22-Inch 23cc 2 Cycle Gas Powered Dual Sided Hedge Trimmer Review
- 1.3 Plenty Of Power: BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 40-Volt High Performance Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review
- 1.4 Economical Choice: Ryobi 18-Volt Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review
- 1.5 Best Battery Life: DEWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer Review
- 1.6 Best for Beginners: Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer Review
- 1.7 Awesome Reliability: Milwaukee Electric Tools Hedge Trimmer Review
- 1.8 Full Wrap-around Front Handle: BLACK+DECKER Hedge Trimmer Review
- 1.9 Versatile: Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless Review
- 1.10 Best Design: Sun Joe Electric Hedge Trimmer Review
- 2 Buyer’s Guide – All you Need to Know About Hedge Trimmers
- 3 Our Recommendation for 2021
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In order to have your azaleas bush maintain its natural appearances, we advise that you use a pruning shearer instead. It is done with a hedge trimmer, but the result will not be optimal. The flowers appear right below the pruning cuts. If you use a hedge trimmer you will end up with a bloom that looks unnatural. This could be a welcome addition to a formal garden that has regular shapes. Azaleas look for better when pruned at different lengths because they maintain their natural form. All in all, it’s about preference.
There are quite a few reasons for which a hedge trimmer will not start. We need to figure out what the issue is in order to resume the yard work as fast as possible.
A common reason for them to not start is a problem with the spark plug. Damaged electrode or burned up, having carbon buildup or a cracked insulator are all possible reasons. In that case, the spark club has to be thrown away and replaced. Start it with a new spark plug and see if this was the issue.
Alternatively, the carburetor may be clogged. That means fuel cannot reach the equipment in order to start. You have two options – cleaning the carburetor as it is an easy task or replacing it. Sometimes after very long use cleaning, it will not be enough, and you will need to purchase a new carburetor.
Manual trimmers or cutters are pretty much a very large scissor – they can cut small branches and twigs. All you need is strong arms to get them going which makes them very cheap and eco-friendly.
Hedge trimmers can either work on gas or electricity. They simplify the task of cutting the hedges much faster and with less effort. Their mechanism is very similar to that of a bar mower. They only run only when they are gripped by the operator’s hands – so accidents are very improbable. The gas trimmers tend to be the most powerful and best suited for large jobs. Electric types are lighter and pollute far less than their gas counterparts.
Technically you can use a chainsaw to trim your hedges. Is it practical? Not really. Due to the fact that a chainsaw is designed for larger tasks, it is heavy and hard to handle. You cannot really expect to do a long-time job using a chainsaw because your hands will get very tired very quickly. If you still want to try using a chainsaw you can find some very important things you should know below.
Protective gear is a must. Chainsaw chaps are necessary to protect your legs if the chain pops off while trimming. Never use the chainsaw overhead – use a pole hedge trimmer for such a task as using a chainsaw is far too dangerous.
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