Hedges make attractive garden boundaries and dividers within the space, but to keep those of any size shapely and healthy, a hedge trimmer is a must. You can select from both corded and cordless electric designs when you’re buying, or you might want to go for a petrol-powered model if you have extensive hedging. Think weight, too, as your choice will need to be comfortable to hold. We’ve put together a selection of the best to make picking easy.
Makita DUH523Z cordless hedge trimmer
Careful work
With a 52-centimetre blade, this cordless hedge trimmer is suitable for wide hedges or smaller versions that are tricky to access. For safety, the motor is only activated when both the switch and top handle are engaged, the rubberised grip is sure, and it has an electric brake for safety, too. Bear in mind that this version doesn’t come with a battery, but you might already have the right one plus a charger if you have other Makita tools.
Einhell GE-CH 1846 cordless hedge trimmer
Ergonomic handle
Make trimming comfortable for longer with this lightweight hedge trimmer. It’s suitable for small to medium-sized hedges, and the included battery promises a maximum of 80 minutes of running time. For safe working, it will stop if you don’t have two hands on the handle.
Kiam Sherwood H600 petrol hedge trimmer
On manoeuvres
If you have a lot of large hedges to cut, this petrol-powered hedge trimmer could be the answer. It can go through branches up to 20 millimetres in diameter and has a 60-centimetre blade to cut more in one pass. The rear handle rotates 180 degrees and is adjustable to three positions to make working easier.
Bosch 0600847A70 AHS 45-16 electric hedge cutter
Soft grip
Another selection designed for smaller gardens, this hedge trimmer is a corded model that allows you to plug in and get working whenever you'd like. The 45-centimetre blade length is sufficient for smaller hedges and helps make the trimmer easy to handle. It’s not heavy either.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V RPT184520 cordless pole hedge trimmer
Ground based
Avoid having to perch on a ladder when you’re cutting high up with this hedge trimmer, which has a removable extension shaft for a full length of over 2 metres. For easy manoeuvrability, it also has a 115-degree articulating cutting head that has four positions. A cordless model, it won’t restrict movement in a long garden.
Flymo 9671028-01 Easicut 460 hedge trimmer
Shrub care
Keep hedges and shrubs in shape with this low-cost corded hedge trimmer. It’s a top pick for small gardens, but the cable is 10 metres in length to allow you to move around easily. A centralised handle promises comfort and safety when in use. Weighing just over 2 kilograms, it’ll reduce fatigue when you’re working.
Our verdict
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Make keeping green boundaries, topiary, or shrubs neat a straightforward job with a hedge trimmer. Our number one is the Makita DUH523Z cordless hedge trimmer. It’s up to the job of cutting wider hedges or the far side of smaller ones where you don’t have access, and it has some great safety features. The fact that it’s cordless and electric means you can go where you need to without worrying about cable length or refuelling.
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At GardeningEtc we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
