We know of many individuals who couldn’t live without their hedge trimmers. They’re perfect for refining our precious spaces and polishing off our finishing touches of most jobs we’ll come in contact with on the lawn\garden side of life. If you were looking for an additional essential tool to help keep your lawn and garden duties on par with the best, hedge trimmers are great to accommodate your lawn mower, string trimmers, leaf blowers and more. Let’s see which of the best hedge trimmers are worth buying right now.
What is a hedge trimmer?
A hedge trimmer, also known as a bush trimmer or shrub trimmer, is a gardening tool that can be used to trim, prune and cut shrubs and hedges. Hedge trimmers come in different designs, including gas-powered, electric (corded and cordless), and manual versions. The best hedge trimmers could be powered by electricity, gasoline or human power but which is best really depends on your personal preference (we’ve heard too many debates to be able to choose).
Although manual hedge trimmers (shears) are cheaper and more environmental friendly, sometimes we need a quicker and more efficient solution. A motorized, power hedge trimmer lets the user work faster and without too much effort. The cutting mechanism is the same as that of the finger bar mower, but the power it offers allows you to get the job done faster. The best hedge trimmers also come with multiple safety devices to protect the user, which we list further in detail below.
Choosing the best hedge trimmer
- Price – The range for the best hedge trimmers isn’t too bad as compared to other popular lawn\garden power tools. We’ve found a few for under $100 while some can top that, which all depends on how much money you have to put into your trimmer.
- Gas vs. electric? Here’s the debate we were speaking of previously, and it all comes down to user preference. We know many gas-powered hedge trimmer enthusiasts who scoff at the word electric when it comes to working with their toolbox, while others who aren’t into gas emissions or merely handling gasoline in general always go the electric hedge trimmer route. Which category do you fall under? We found a few of both types to give you some options.
- Blade length – To give you a solid piece of advice, we wouldn’t recommend going under 18″. The average is around 22″ (at least what we’ve found), and if you do need a longer blade if you find yourself with taller projects, some even give you telescoping function to help with that.
- Additional features – Whether it’s anti-vibration technology, rotating head, double-sided blade, easy-start mechanisms, or pivoting heads, the extra functions you’re looking for really depends on what you think is important for your upcoming projects.
Black & Decker LHT2436
Black & Decker can be relied on to produce some of the best lawn\garden tools out there. This model is electric, cordless and powered by a powerful 40V battery. It offers enough power and run time to cut a large number of branches efficiently before dying on you. The lithium-ion batteries are able to hold a charge up to 5 times longer than others, and they have double the life of the NiCad batteries. This hedge trimmer has a front handle which offers a comfortable gripping area no matter which cutting orientation the user employs. The soft grip also ensures a secure grip when trimming. The pre-hardened and rust resistant steel blade should stay sharp for a long period if you take proper care of it. It is compact and lightweight, which means less fatigue for the user. The Black & Decker LHT2436 is recommended for those who are looking for the best hedge trimmer in the middle price-point that gives you great quality for the cost.
DeWalt DCHT820P1
When it comes to overall build and top-of-the-line quality, DeWalt never disappoints. This 20-volt max hedge trimmer has hardened steel blades and is often considered the best hedge trimmer because it is able to cut branches quickly and cleanly than most others out there. It offers a 22 inch laser cut and has a lightweight and compact design that offers maximum maneuverability. The product has a high output motor which can cut over 3/4 inch thick branches. Other features of the DeWalt DCHT820P1 hedge trimmer include anti-vibration technology and a double-sided blade, and it comes with a charger as well. It’s within the higher price range but for a reason, not only because it’s a DeWalt power tool but the overall quality and power it provides us.
Poulan Pro PP2822
We noticed the first two models in here were electric, so here’s one of the best gas-powered hedge trimmers out there to buy if that’s your preference. Poulan typically makes its ranks into our lists at least once or twice, especially in popular lawn\garden guides, such as our best chainsaw post. This particular model gives us A 22″ dual-sided blade (serrated), a relatively powerful engine (28cc), and a convenient swivel position handle to help with versatility when you have to change positions. The ignition is spring-assisted and handle helps with some of the annoying vibration you’ll sometimes feel. It’s a bit more expensive than the other better electric hedge trimmers in here but that’s a bit of a given — gas-powered tools are usually more expensive but can give you some immense power when it comes to getting the job done. Just make sure you don’t run out of gasoline. Check out the Poulan Pro PP2822 if you want a beastly gas hedge trimmer. It also made it into Consumer Report’s best hedge trimmer review.
Earthwise CVPH41018
The CVPH41018 has an 18 inch blade length with a convertible pole hedge trimmer, and it is the best budget-friendly hedge trimmer which offers two in one functionalities. The pole can be extended to trim or prune plants and shrubs, which you can then quickly adjust it for hand-held hedge trimmer applications as well. This efficient and effective tool is perfect for homeowners who want to handle the trimming project on their own in order to save money. You don’t have to worry about gas or fumes with this electric model, so it is environmentally friendly. Other features of this model include 3,200 strokes for every minute, a 2.8 amp electric motor, and 5 positions for its rotating head. Buy the Earthwise CVPH41018 if you wanted a budget-friendly hedge trimmer that won’t break your wallet yet still provide some great results when working.
Makita XHU02Z
We’re big fans of Makita, especially if you’re in the mood for a top-of-the-line tool to add to your repertoire. This is thought to be the best hedge trimmer by many if you have the cash — it can reach up to 1,350 SPM for increased cutting speed, the 22 inch blade offers increased cutting ability, and the tool can easily adjust from trimmer to edger with its 180 degree rotating head. The hedge trimmer has a warning system for the battery capacity that will stop the motor when it is time to recharge the battery in case of sudden drainage. It also has an ergonomic and compact design that weighs only three pounds and the rubberized soft grip offers more comfort for the user even during long projects. With quick blade changes, there is no need to disassemble the housing — the Makita XHU02Z offers not only a solid hedge trimmer but some extra pizzazz if that’s what you were looking for as well.
Remington RM5124TH
This tool’s 24 inch cutting bar is ideal for shaping the top of taller hedges and maintaining an area at the base of hedges (although only 2″ larger than most, it may be what you want). It also comes with a pivot head that lets the user work in 5 different positions for some added versatility. The reliable titanium coated blades are able to cut smoothly and stay sharper for a pretty long period. It is a great hedge trimmer for easy trimming of vertical applications, and it has a decently powered 5 amp motor. The hedge trimmer has an in-line design and a cushioned grip, with other features including a double-sided blade, cord lock and electric corded trimmer. Take a look at the Remington RM5124TH if you wanted a cheaper, corded electric hedge trimmer.
Husqvarna 966532302
Here’s another one of the best gas-powered hedge trimmers in the market. We all know that Husqvarna brand name, especially when it comes to their reputation and high reviews on their gas tools. This one is a bit up there in price, but you’re getting what you pay for — an easy-start mechanism, some great anti-vibration function in the handle, and a double-sided blade. The engine is powerful at 21.7cc, it has an 18″ long trimmer and the unit only weights a little above 10 lbs. It isn’t very loud either as compared to some other models out there, so if you wanted a quiet one along with some smooth cutting, check out the Husqvarna 966532302 if you wanted a higher-quality gas-powered hedge trimmer to rock those branches and shrubs.
GreenWorks 22342
This is referred to by many as the best electric hedge trimmer, and it has a G-MAX 40 V lithium-ion battery that delivers fade free power without any memory loss after charging. It has a 20 inch steel dual action blade for optimal performance and durability and a 5/8 inch cutting capacity for controlled and easy trimming for most hedges and bushes. It comes with three positions for its pivoting head that adjusts the blades for the trimming of the angles in order to get under or above the tall hedges. The hedge trimmer also includes a telescoping shaft which extends up to 6 ft to ensure extended reach for tall projects, which is huge if that’s what you foresee yourself coming on contact with. The battery that comes with these tools also can fit other products of G-max if you’re a fan of the brand. The GreenWorks 22342 doesn’t disappoint.
EGO Power+ HT2400
This is another great electric model that delivers performance that is equal to or even better than the premium gas powered models without the noise, fumes or fuss. The item uses hardened steel and dual action blades that extend and cut smoothly, protecting the health of the plant. Its 3,000 strokes per minute make for a fast and clean-cut in order to get the job done much faster. The item is compatible with the Ego Power plus arc with lithium batteries. It is a great hedge trimmer that has a 3/4 inch cut capacity and its weather resistant construction offers convenience to the user. It also has dual-action, hardened, reciprocating blades. The EGO Power+ HT2400 has an electronic brake blade capability that can improve the control as well. Just keep in mind you’ll have to buy a battery and charger separately.
Black & Decker TR117
Last but not least, we have another B and D model to take a look at. This one trims branches up to 5/8 inches with its 17 inch dual action blade. The 3.2 amp motor can deliver some decent cutting performance as long as the job isn’t heavy-duty. The blade is rust resistant and stainless steel with less vibration for easy use. The lock off switch can prevent accidental startups and the cord retention prevents accidental unplugging. The hedge trimmer is designed to be compact and the blade material is coated steel for a strong build despite the lower price. The cutting capacity is 0.625 and the weight is 4.3 pounds. The package comes with the hedge trimmer only so you’ll have to buy the battery separately. The Black & Decker TR117 isn’t last for a reason, but merely another option to take a look at if you wanted a hedge trimmer that’s in the lowest possible price range of this type of tool.