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Hedges establish boundaries in landscaping, add privacy, and benefit curb appeal, but to look their best, they need some grooming, and power hedge trimmers are designed for this very purpose. Hedge shears certainly get the job done, but some properties have substantial hedges that require a little more power than manual hedge trimmers can provide. The best power hedge trimmers make it much easier to shape and otherwise control growth and vegetation in the yard.
We consulted Scott McLeod, who owns McLeod Landscaping in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, and has over 30 years of experience in the lawn care industry. He advises looking for a trimmer that’s at least 24 inches long for home use. “Longer blades, up to 32 inches, allow you to cut more area with each pass but can be cumbersome,” he says.Read on to learn the key considerations to keep in mind when choosing these handy power tools and get more expert advice—plus check out the roundup of some of the top picks of the best power hedge trimmer models available. Our favorite is the Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer; we’re fans of its high efficiency, limited vibration, and padded handle. We researched this model and more top-rated power hedge trimmers in a variety of categories, focusing on customer satisfaction, product efficacy, and value. We examined the best power hedge trimmers on the market, comparing the features—and, equally important, customer reviews—to come up with our list of top picks.
- BEST OVERALL: Black+Decker 20V Max Cordless Hedge Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Ego Power+ Brushless Hedge Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Worx Power Share 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: DeWalt Lithium Ion 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS: Earthwise 20-Inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST GAS: Poulan Pro Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SHRUBBERY: Worx 20V Attachment-Capable Hedge Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
This list narrows the field to some of the best hedge trimmers on the market. It includes impressive engines and laser-cut blades with wide-set teeth that can handle pruning, cutting, and shaping thick vegetation.
Best Overall
Black+Decker 20V Max Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Product Specs
- Model: LHT2220B
- Power source: Cordless electric
- Blade length: 22 inches
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Weight: 6.0 pounds
What We Like
- Can cut branches up to 0.75 inch thick
- Padded front handle
- Can cover up to 3,000 square feet of trimming
What We Don’t Like
- Battery not included; must be purchased separately
Black+Decker sets a gold standard for battery-powered outdoor tools with this hedge trimmer. The blade is 22 inches long and features dual action for increased efficiency and reduced vibration. The trimmer can cut through branches up to 0.75 inch in diameter, making it an option for bushes, hedges, and shrubs around a home.
At 6.0 pounds, these battery-operated hedge trimmers are sturdy and reliable. It has a padded front handle and a front handle shield to help reduce muscle strain and protect the user’s hands from slipping. With a full charge, the 20-volt battery (not included) can trim up to 3,000 square feet.
Get the Black+Decker power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Runner-Up
Ego Power+ Brushless Hedge Trimmer
Product Specs
- Model: HT2410
- Power source: Cordless electric
- Blade length: 24 inches
- Voltage: 56 volts
- Weight: 6.16 pounds (without battery)
What We Like
- Cut through branches up to 1 inch thick
- Comfortable cushioned grip
- Front-hand shield and safety switch
- Durable and sharp dual-action stainless steel blades
- Cordless; no need to worry about power cords in the way
What We Don’t Like
- Battery not included; must be purchased separately
If the growth around your home is more than a standard brush trimmer can handle, this powerful product is a good option. It operates on a 56-volt battery (not included) and has a vast cut capacity, allowing it to cut through branches up to 1 inch thick. Despite the power of this trimmer, it weighs only 6.16 pounds and features a cushioned grip to help reduce muscle fatigue and strain caused by vibration.
These power hedge clippers are made with an electric brake stop to immediately cease the momentum of the blade as soon as the trigger is released. Other safety features include a front hand shield and a safety switch that the user must hold down before the trigger will operate. The power hedge trimmer operates the 24-inch dual-action blades for up to 75 minutes on a full battery (not included) before it needs to be recharged.
Best Bang For The Buck
Worx Power Share 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Product Specs
- Model: WG261
- Power source: Cordless electric
- Blade length: 22 inches
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight hedge trimmer
- Runtime of 20 to 30 minutes
- Dual-action steel blades
- Can cut branches up to 0.75 inch thick
- Comes with both a battery and a charger
What We Don’t Like
- Limited battery life; less suitable for work in larger yards
This compact, energy-efficient, budget-friendly trimmer for bushes weighs little more than some laptops—about 5.5 pounds, allowing users to control the trimmer with ease. What it lacks in size it makes up for in power. The 20-volt lithium-ion battery gives the Worx tool a runtime of between 20 and 30 minutes.
The dual-action steel blades, protected by a rustproof aluminum cover, can slice through twigs and branches up to 0.75 inch in diameter. This model also comes with a 20-volt battery, battery charger, and a blade sheath to keep the blade protected when the shrub trimmer is not in use.
Get the Worx Power Share power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Worx, or Target (tool only).
Upgrade Pick
DeWalt Lithium Ion 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer
Product Specs
- Model: DCHT820B
- Power source: Cordless electric
- Blade length: 22 inches
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
What We Like
- Reputable brand; solid tool choice that will last years
- Durable construction
- Dual action in a relatively lightweight trimmer
- Impressive battery life of up to 40 minutes
What We Don’t Like
- May want to consider a backup battery for larger projects
From DeWalt, this cordless trimmer runs on a powerful 20-volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery that’s interchangeable with a handful of other battery-powered DeWalt landscaping tools. At full power, the battery lasts up to 75 minutes. The dual-action 22-inch blades move in two directions, slicing through branches up to 0.75 inch thick, with less vibration and less noise than many traditional models.
Get the DeWalt power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best Cordless
Earthwise 20-Inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
Product Specs
- Model: LPHT12022
- Power source: Cordless electric
- Blade length: 20 inches
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Weight: 7.36 pounds
What We Like
- 6-position adjustable cutting head
- Built-in extension pole
- Very easy to assemble; great for light work
What We Don’t Like
- Limited battery runtime of just 30 minutes
The Earthwise cordless hedge trimmer is a lightweight option at just 7.36 pounds that’s easy to handle and maneuver, with no cord. It operates on an included 20-volt battery that can run the power hedge trimmer for up to 30 minutes before needing to be recharged. The fast charger that comes with the trimmer charges the battery in about 30 minutes to an hour, allowing users to get back to work quickly.
Its 20-inch dual-action steel blades are suitable for cutting through branches up to 0.625 inch thick. This hedge trimmer also has a six-position adjustable cutting head and a built-in extension pole that can increase the range of the trimmer by up to 9 feet 5 inches to trim the top, bottom, and any awkward angles on the hedge without a problem.
Get the Earthwise power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Best Gas
Poulan Pro Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer
Product Specs
- Model: PR2322
- Power source: Cordless gas
- Blade length: 22 inches
- Motor power: 22.7 cubic centimeters (cc)
- Weight: 11.55 pounds
What We Like
- Dual-action blades cut branches up to 1 inch thick
- Lightweight for such a heavy-duty hedge trimmer
- Runs for up to 1 hour on a tank of fuel
- Easy to refill with fuel when needed
- Rotating handle with a cushioned grip
What We Don’t Like
- Less eco-friendly compared with electric models
This heavy-duty gas hedge trimmer has a wide 1-inch cutting capacity that’s suitable for maintaining well-established hedges, bushes, and small trees. It weighs 11.55 pounds, which is heavier than the standard electric- or battery-powered trimmer, but it’s on the light side for a gas trimmer. The extra weight is because of the powerful 23cc engine that drives the 22-inch dual-action blade for up to 1 hour on a full 13-ounce tank of gas.
The power hedge trimmer requires a 40:1 gas-to-oil mixture, and the safety switch needs to be held down for the trimmer to start. For better maneuverability and control, this trimmer has a rotating handle with a cushioned grip to help reduce vibration during operation.
Get the Poulan power hedge trimmer at Amazon.
Best For Shrubbery
Worx 20V Attachment-Capable Hedge Trimmer
Product Specs
- Model: WG252
- Power source: Cordless electric
- Blade length: 20 inches
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Weight: 7.6 pounds
What We Like
- Telescoping pole for tall shrubs
- Comfortable handle
- Adjustable trimmer head
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than some, requiring some skill and balance when it’s fully extended
Worx prioritizes versatility and range with this power hedge trimmer that comes equipped with a 10-position adjustable trimmer head and a telescopic pole. The rear handle of the hedge trimmer also adjusts so that users can have the best grip on the tool. When the pole is fully extended, this extendable hedge trimmer has a range of 12 feet, making it easy to reach the top of well-established shrubbery, bushes, and hedges.
At just under 8 pounds, this tool is an average weight for a cordless hedge trimmer. It operates on an included 20-volt battery that can power the 20-inch dual-action blades for up to 1 hour before needing to be recharged. But don’t worry; the charger is included and can fully charge the battery in just 1 hour.
Get the Worx attachment-capable power hedge trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Worx.
Also Consider
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit
Product Specs
- Model: XHU02M1
- Power source: Cordless electric
- Blade length: 22 inches
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
What We Like
- Runs up to at least 90 minutes on 1 battery
- Low-battery warning system
- Anti-vibration design with a padded front handle
What We Don’t Like
- Light-duty model that is not likely able to handle thick branches
This quiet cordless hedge trimmer operates on a small 18-volt lithium-ion battery that allows it to run for up to 90-plus minutes, depending on the power setting used. It has a low-battery warning system that stops the motor of the hedge trimmer and activates an indicator light when the battery needs to be charged. The included charger takes about 40 minutes to fully charge the battery, allowing you to get back to work.
The power hedge trimmer delivers clean and lasting power to the 22-inch cutting blade that’s ideal for working in residential gardens where the shrubs, bushes, ferns, and hedges are small to average in size. It weighs only 7.4 pounds and has an anti-vibration design, including a padded front handle and five cushions within the motor housing to reduce muscle strain and fatigue.
Get the Makita power hedge trimmer at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Power Hedge Trimmers
We researched the best power hedge trimmers in a variety of categories and chose models with high customer satisfaction. The top picks include cordless electric and gas-powered tools to suit various preferences and job types. The list factors in cutting capacity, blade size, weight, battery life, and special features offered by the top brands.
The chosen hedge trimmers cut branches ranging from 0.375 to 1 inch in diameter and have blade sizes ranging from 18 to 24 inches. We prioritized relatively lightweight tools with runtimes over 40 minutes for cordless electric and gas tools. Some models come with a battery and a charger included to get the user started with landscaping right away. Additionally, the list prioritized models with features such as dual-action blades, comfortable grips, and anti-vibration systems.
What to Consider When Choosing a Power Hedge Trimmer
Before deciding on the best power hedge trimmer for a yard, it’s important to consider the power source, engine, blade sizes, and whether it’s better to use an electric hedge trimmer or whether a gas model is a more appropriate option. Read on to find out more about these factors to find the best power hedge trimmers for maintaining the yard and creating a well-groomed privacy border.
Power Source
When searching for the best power hedge trimmer, there are two power options: gas and electric. The decision is usually based on how much power and portability are needed.
- Gas-powered hedge trimmers: These tough tools, which generally require both oil and gas to run properly, tend to work harder than their electric counterparts. The downside to more power is weight: Gas hedge trimmers may weigh more than 10 pounds, making it a challenge to reach up and around tall shrubbery.
- Electric hedge trimmers: Though they don’t provide quite as much oomph as gas-juiced models, electric trimmers are usually lighter, making them easier to wield at chest height or higher. Lower-priced corded models offer uninterrupted use but less mobility because they’re plugged into an outlet—a potential problem for larger yards if the gardener doesn’t have a lengthy extension cord. Cordless hedge trimmers use a battery to allow total freedom of movement, as long as the batteries are recharged or replaced regularly.
Engine Power
Engine power is the force produced by the engine to drive the hedge trimmer blades, allowing them to cut through leaves, twigs, and small branches. The way that engine power is measured depends on the type of power hedge trimmer.
- Electric hedge trimmers have an amperage (amps) measurement that indicates the amount of energy flowing through the electric engine. The higher the amperage, the more powerful the engine. Most electric hedge trimmers range from 2.5 to 4.5 amps.
- Battery-powered hedge trimmers typically have a voltage rating that’s associated with the power stored and produced by the battery. The average battery for a hedge trimmer is just 20 volts, but some can have up to 80 volts.
- Gas hedge trimmers use cubic centimeters to describe the power of the engine. This measurement refers to the amount of air and fuel that are displaced by the engine during operation. The higher the number of cc, the more powerful the engine. Typically, gas hedge trimmer engines range from 21cc to 25cc.
Blade Length
Blades can be either single- or double-sided, and they come in a wide range of sizes, from 13 inches to 40 inches in length. Choosing the right blade size is an important step that can make hedge-trimming jobs much easier.
- 18 inches or smaller is an appropriate blade size for small hedges, weeds, and shrubs that are common in residential gardens.
- 19- to 30-inch blades are ideal for the average user. They can take on large bushes, manage full-size hedges, and trim smaller tree branches.
- 30-inch and larger blades typically fall into the commercial and professional category. These blades are for regularly maintaining large established trees, hedges, bushes, shrubs, and other vegetation.
Left-handed individuals may find it easier to use a power hedge trimmer with a double-sided blade because the majority of single-sided blades are made for right-handed users.
Fuel Capacity
The fuel capacity refers to the amount of fuel that a gas-powered hedge trimmer can hold in the fuel tank. The capacity is typically used to determine how long the trimmer can operate on a single tank of gas. This is an important feature that can help determine the suitability of a gas-powered hedge trimmer. Naturally, larger yards will benefit from a trimmer with a higher fuel capacity so that they can operate long enough to complete the required yard maintenance.
The average gas-powered hedge trimmer has a tank capacity that ranges from 10 to 16 ounces. This fuel tank will usually require a mixture of gas and oil at a ratio of about 40:1 or 50:1, though users will always want to refer to the manufacturer’s directions for the proper fuel ratio. Trimmers operate for between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the weight of the machine, the size of the engine, and the material that’s being cut.
Cutting Capacity
Another factor to consider is the thickness of a branch that the trimmer can tackle, i.e., its cutting capacity. Most slice through branches up to 0.5 inch thick, though more-powerful models can usually handle up to 1 inch in diameter. Check the size of the gap between the blade’s teeth. This is referred to as a blade gap, and the greater the gap, the higher the cutting capacity.
A majority of residential trimmers have a gap that ranges from 0.375 to 0.75 inch, which is suitable for leaves, twigs, and small branches. However, professional or commercial-grade trimmers can have a blade gap wider than 1 inch, allowing them to take on small trees and oversize hedges.
Battery Life
Batteries are one of the three main fuel sources for power hedge trimmers, with most models using a long-lasting lithium-ion battery that can range from 20 to 80 volts. The battery life of a hedge trimmer can differ depending on the weight of the trimmer, the age of the battery, and the amount of material the trimmer is cutting.
On average, a hedge trimmer battery can last between 30 minutes and 1 hour, and it will take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to fully charge. Keep in mind that some hedge trimmers don’t come with a battery or a battery charger, so users may need to purchase the battery separately. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to get two batteries so that one is always charging while the other is in use.
Weight and Ease of Use
Hedge trimmers can range in weight from lightweight battery-powered options that weigh only 5 pounds to heavy gas trimmers that can weigh more than 20 pounds. If this doesn’t seem heavy, then a gardener will want to consider holding this amount of weight with their arms extended to the front or sides for up to 2 hours to determine whether it’s comfortable.
However, there are a few features that can make it easier to hold and control hedge trimmers, including a padded front handle that gives users a better grip on the trimmer. Telescoping poles are another great feature that reduces muscle strain by allowing the trimmer to extend out to cut branches and leaves instead of trying to stretch or climb up and down a ladder repeatedly. Also, a tool that is well balanced from the front to the back usually offers better support and can reduce muscle fatigue.
Safety Features
When choosing a power hedge trimmer, safety should be the highest priority so that gardeners can trim the vegetation in the yard without having to worry about a hospital trip. With that in mind, manufacturers have installed several safety features to help make power hedge trimmers a safer option for managing the garden, including blade brakes, safety switches, padded front handles, and front handle shields.
- Blade brakes stop the blade as soon as the trigger is released. In an emergency, this stops the blade immediately instead of allowing it to gradually lose inertia and stop on its own.
- Safety switches prevent the accidental activation of the trimmer. The safety switch needs to be pressed down before the trigger can be used to turn on the trimmer.
- Padded front handles can help reduce muscle fatigue and strain caused by vibration and the weight of the trimmer.
- Front handle shields prevent the user’s hand from slipping off the handle into the blade.
- Blade sheaths can keep users protected from the blades, but they also serve to protect the blades from moisture, dust, and any other debris.
Tips for Using a Power Hedge Trimmer
Now that you’ve picked up your favorite hedge trimmer for your landscaping projects, it’s worth knowing a few important things about how to use it safely and efficiently. Take the following tips into consideration before picking up your new power tool for the first time.
- Keep it sharp—if it makes ragged edges, it’s blunt.
- Lubricate the blades before every use.
- Always hold the blade away from you.
- Take a break every now and then to prevent the motor from overheating.
- Place a tarp on the ground before starting for easy cleanup.
FAQs
Adding a power hedge trimmer to your yard maintenance arsenal can help keep vegetation under control. However, you may still have questions, such as whether a gas or electric cordless hedge trimmer is more powerful or what type of oil is best. Take a look below for the answers to these and several more frequently asked questions about hedge trimmers.
Hedge trimmers are lightweight tools made for trimming smaller branches, leaves, and vegetation. Hedge cutters are a more robust tool that cuts through much thicker branches and even the trunks of very small trees, shrubs, and hedges.
Battery-powered hedge trimmers have a limited amount of power because they must convert energy from the lithium-ion battery to the electric motor. Corded electric hedge trimmers are more powerful because they have a direct connection to a power source. However, the most powerful type of hedge trimmer is gas because of the large combustion engine that burns gas at a controlled rate to drive the blades.
It’s advised to use the oil that the manufacturer recommends. Typically this will be a 2-cycle blend such as the Briggs & Stratton 2-Cycle Easy Mix Motor Oil that is a fuel stabilizer or the semi-synthetic Husqvarna HP Synth 2-Cycle Oil.
Most residential trimmers can cut leaves, twigs, and small branches that range in thickness from 0.375 to 0.75 inch. Commercial-grade trimmers can have a blade gap wider than 1 inch, allowing them to take on small trees and oversize hedges.
The average battery for a hedge trimmer is just 20 volts, but some can have up to 80 volts. Choose the amount of power you need that’s appropriate for the tasks you most normally complete.
Yes. If your branches are not cutting cleanly, your trimmer most likely needs to be sharpened. Stihl recommends sharpening every 50 hours or so of use. You can sharpen your tool yourself or bring it to a store to have it done for you.
MacLeod explains that electric hedge trimmers require minimal maintenance: “Wipe the blades clean after each use and lubricate the cutting head once a season.”
According to MacLeod, cutting blades should last 3 to 5 years with average homeowner use. He adds, “The motor can last up to 10 years if properly cared for.” Batteries, however, lose capacity over time and may need to be replaced within 1 to 3 years, depending on use.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
