Best Overall
Ego Power+ HT2601 Hedge Trimmer
Best Bang for the Buck
Black+Decker LHT321 Hedge Trimmer
Best Lightweight
Stihl HSA 45 Hedge Trimmer
We may make revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate platform . get word More ›
A power hedge trimmer can assist keep landscape painting shrubs looking their safe , but buy one may not be that simple . Depending on the size and scope of the hedges , a modest battery - powered model might do the business , or larger specimen may want a accelerator - powered pole trimmer for the longer reach and increase might . We spent more than 15 hour test seven highly betray hedge trimmers , trying to find out whichtoolwas best all - around and which ones were good for specific job .
TheEgo Power+ 26 - column inch Hedge Trimmertook our top laurels thanks to its large cutting capacity and farsighted blade . It made quick work of duncical , tight - growing shoots while also making clean cut on thin , whippy branches . But it ’s not the best option in every scenario . If you involve to shape up a privacy hedge or a potted topiary , you ’ll want a pocket-size hedge trimmer that is better equipped . In the review ahead , we will offer some shopping considerations to give birth in mind before you buy , share our observation from examination , and hopefully introduce you to the honorable ability hedge trimmer for your grounds .
Power Hedge Trimmers Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
We tested the following hedgerow trimmers to find oneself out more about their cutting execution , build quality , and value . Check out our single reviews to learn more .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.7/5
Need an overall good hedge trimmer that can do everything well ? Consider the Ego Power+ HT2601 . This 56V electrichedge shearworks as severely as a flatulence - power model , but it ’s much quieter . It come equipped with a 26 - inch blade assembly with a lightweight carbon fibre rail and a 1.2 - inch cutting mental ability . The HT2601 is as effective for a light cut down off the top midsummer as it is for deeplypruning shrubsahead of the uprise season .
In our tests , the Ego Power+ hedge trimmer had no trouble level an out - of - ascendancy holly elude and did a beautiful line of work cutting back the winter - brown leaf on a layer of genus Liriope . It was most helpful when we had a large job to do quickly , especially if that imply wide flat cuts . We amaze a full 70 - second run sentence per charge , which translated to about 90 minutes of total work time .
If there was a watery point with this tool , it was in maneuverability around curves and other unique shapes . The tip safeguard prevented hang ups within engorged branch for the most part , but the trimmer is heavy than other assault and battery hedging trimmers , and we had to shape cautiously while working in narrow space .
What our tester says:“As common , Ego Power+ did its enquiry and turn in a square carrying into action . This hedge trimmer might be oversized for some job , but it ’s just right for maintaining large square - shaped hedges . I also really like that it has the power to take down overgrown hedge for a fresh start . ” — Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews quizzer and author
Get the Ego Power+ power hedge trimmer atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAce Hardware .
Our valuation : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance4.3/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.7/5
The Black+Decker LHT321 cordless hedging pruner is a great option for occasional light - duty use , and it ’s a big - prison term money saver . The trimmer features a 22 - inch blade assembly that can cut branches up to 0.75 - column inch thick . The outfit includes a 1.5 adenylic acid hour battery and charger that power up to 3,000 square animal foot of trimming per guardianship .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
We were pleased with the Black+Decker trimmer ’s cutting performance . At 2,400 chance event per minute , it was not the firm we tested , but the cuts were nice and clean . Cutting capacity was good for maintenance , but we would not recommend it for deep cuts ; it may not be up to thicker branches .
The trimmer was light enough to minimize fatigue duty , particularly with battery life confine to about 30 minutes . The 22 - in sword head well around curves and intricate shapes and did a practiced line of work on flat planes as well . The only negatives we noted were the moderately limited run sentence combined with an extremely tiresome battery recharge time , and the dominance felt a bit clunky . For occasional use on a small prop , we would go with this pruner and take the deliverance .
Get the Black+Decker might hedge trimmer atAmazon , The Home Depot , orLowe ’s .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Our Ratings : informality of Use5/5 ; Performance4.7/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.7/5
The Stihl HSA 45 cordless hedgerow trimmer joist is one of the lightest - weight and most maneuverable trimmers we tested , and it punches above its weight in term of cutting ability . This little trimmer joist weigh just over 5 hammer and has gentle grip for superb control and operator comfort . The 20 - inch streak maneuvers smoothly around any shape , with a 0.69 - inch thinning capacitance for light- and intermediate - duty trimming . The HSA 45 include a build - in shelling for add convenience .
We used the Stihl cordless trimming capacitor on uncouth holly branches and ductile boxwood shoots , and the results were sodding in both cases . It even did a fair occupation when it encountered hardened deadwood limb . The cutter move at a temperate 2,500 stroke per minute , so it was not the fastest trimmer we tested , but it systematically made crisp , clean cuts .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
The small clipping capacity shit the Stihl HSA 45 cordless trimmer a secure choice for maintenance trimming , less so for cryptical cuts in buddy-buddy branches . The relatively short 40 - minute run metre , and 210 - bit charge sentence , depict it secure for small to midsize landscape .
Get the Stihl power hedge trimmer joist atAcme Tools , Ace Hardware , orStihl .
Best Battery
DeWalt DCHT820 Hedge Trimmer
From DeWalt , this cordless pruner run on a powerful 20V atomic number 3 - ion rechargeable battery that ’s interchangeable with several other battery - power DeWalt landscaping puppet . The big , effective battery on this trimmer stimulate a significant difference in the power and run time . In full term of actual energy stored , it fall a little behind our top pick , but it delivers a longer run time . At full power , the barrage fire last up to 75 minutes . The dual - action 22 - inch blades cut when moving in both directions , slicing through branches up to 0.75 inch thick , with less vibration and less noise than many traditional example .
Although it was not the lightestbattery trimmerwe essay , the DeWalt hedge trimmer joist was an excellent overall performing artist . The unique hooklike cutter geometry work well on everything from tough hardened bushed offset to thin , ductile new increase , and the blades write out at an impressive 2,800 chance event per minute . The trimmer joist was easy to maneuver around dissimilar hedging profiles , and the cut were consistently sportsmanlike . For a quality tool from a dependable battery chopine , we recommend the DeWalt XR 20V hedging trimmer .
Get the DeWalt power hedging trimmer atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Best Long-Reach
Husqvarna 122LKH Hedge Trimmer
Our rating : Ease of Use4/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
rather of splurge on a consecrate drawn-out hedge trimmer that might only be necessary a twosome of metre each season , consider the Husqvarna 122LKH . It features an bond - capable 216 cc , 2 - bike gas powerhead that can also power a string trimmer , a lawn edger , and a pole chainsaw attachments . The 21 - column inch hedge trimmer joist adherence has a 0.8 - inch cutting content for general - intent trimming . The blade pivot 180 degree and whorl into one of eleven positions for easy , precise access to any shrub surface .
Thankfully , the 15 - pound LKH122 comes fit with a shoulder strap to ease the weight . In our tests , this dick actually caused less physical structure song and fatigue than many of the minuscule options when we needed to trim overhead . With the prick grips in our hands at pectus top , this long - range hedging trimmer joist grant us to trim vertically as high as 10 feet and , by swivel the brand , to contract along a horizontal plane 8 feet above earth . We also used it to trim ground cover foliage while standing comfortably unsloped .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
This shrub trimmer came equipped with a spring - attend recoil starter that made it extremely well-situated to zigzag . It also have double - sided trimmer blades that move extra tight and cut in both counseling . It made some of the clean cuts of the entire test group and had no trouble cut through stuff up to 0.75 - inch thick . If you have a large arena to shroud or just a few large shrubs , this is one of the good foresightful - reach option you could buy .
What our tester says:“Most multipurpose tools put on an ‘ satisfactory ’ execution but seldom excel at anything in peculiar . The Husqvarna 122LKH Hedge Trimmer is a notable exception . It worked as well as a pro - grade hedge trimmer with the add together convenience of being flop - sized for householder . I would love to see this powerhead in action with some of the other attachments . ” — Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews examiner and author
Get the Husqvarna power hedge trimmer atAmazon , SLE Equipment , orHusqvarna .
Photo: Amazon
Best Gas
Echo HC-2020 Hedge Trimmer
throttle hedge trimmers are the top choice for extended oeuvre and heavy - responsibility trimming , but they have a repute for being overweight and tacky . The Echo HC-2020 hedge trimmer joist offer the long run meter and strong-growing cutting capability required of a in force gas pedal hedge pruner with a more exploiter - friendly designing . This simple machine weigh just 10 pound and features a 20 - column inch leaf blade with a 1 - inch cut capacity . The optical maser - sharpen double reciprocate cutters move at a blaze away 3,600 strokes per minute for libertine , fair cutting action .
The Echo hedgerow trimmer did a great job on every trimming task . It started on the second draw out every time , and the engine produced less vibration through the handles than we anticipated based on like trimmers we ’ve used in the past . We used the HC-2020 for light formation of boxwoods as well as mysterious replenishment pruning of erstwhile holly hedges . It easily move through all form of branches and foliage and left behind a clean destination .
Get the Echo power hedgerow trimmer atAmazon , The Home Depot , Acme Tools , orMowers at Jacks .
Photo: Amazon
Best Mini
Stihl HSA 26 Hedge Trimmer
For the most detailed labor , size of it matters . The Sthil HSA 26 is a mini hedge trimmer in the truest sense , weighing just 2.5 punt with the 11V bombardment and 7.9 - column inch hedgerow trimmer joist leaf blade installed . It is plan for single - hand use , with a soft , textured grip and ergonomic design . The carver move at a quick 2,200 slash per minute , and the stamp battery powers up to 80 minutes of hedgerow shearing per charge . This is the ideal tool for shaping small topiaries and compact hedges .
We spent almost three hr trimming all over the chiliad with theStihl cordless garden shear , alternating between the hedge pruner and grass shear attachment . The hedging trimming capacitor was handily sized for cleaning up the new shoots on small container - get topiaries and observe summary foundation shrubs shapely . It ’s modest enough to keep at the quick in a coat closet or other convenient spot by the front door for a nimble trim . The cut accuracy and timber were excellent .
Get the Stihl mini power hedge trimmer atNorthern Tool + Equipment , AcmeTools , orBlain ’s Farm & Fleet .
Photo: Acme Tools
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Power Hedge Trimmers
We spent two day testing seven extremely rated tycoon hedging trimmer from six trusted shaft marque as we sought out the best options for ecumenical landscape painting trim and formation . We used each creature to trim at least 500 straight feet of great and little hedges , include foliage that ranged from waxy young ontogenesis to hardened in - chummy ramification . Throughout the operation , we evaluated each dick consort to its comfort of consumption and ability to accurately trim while following existing bush profiles . We also noted our thoughts on strength and relative value . After examination , we recorded our observations on a grading rubric before awarding the category winners and our top overall woof .
What to Consider When Choosing a Power Hedge Trimmer
Before decide on the best power hedging trimmer for your grounds , it ’s important to conceive the power source , engine , leaf blade size , and whether it ’s better to expend an galvanic hedgerow trimmer or whether a accelerator model is a more appropriate alternative . Read on to find out more about these factors to find the best power hedge pruner for maintaining the trees and shrub in your landscape .
Power Source
When searching for the good world power hedge trimmer joist , there are two superpower option : gasolene and electric automobile . The conclusion is ordinarily based on how much king and portability are needed .
Engine Power
Engine power is the force produced by the railway locomotive to drive the hedge trimmer joist blades , allowing them to cut through leaves , twigs , and belittled branch . The way that engine power is measure out depend on the eccentric of powerfulness hedge pruner .
Blade Length
blade can be either single- or double - sided , and they issue forth in a wide range of sizing , from 13 inches to 40 inches in distance . prefer the right leaf blade size is an authoritative footfall that can make hedging - clip jobs much easy .
unexpended - handed individuals may feel it easier to utilize a big businessman hedge trimming capacitor with a double - sided blade because the absolute majority of single - sided blades are made for right - handed users .
Fuel Capacity
The fuel capacity refers to the amount of fuel that a gasolene - power hedge pruner can hold in the fuel tank . The capacity is typically used to determine how long the trimmer joist can operate on a single tank of accelerator pedal . Naturally , bigger yards will do good from a trimmer with a higher fuel capacitance so that they can maneuver long enough to reliably complete the requiredlawn carewithout too many refill .
The intermediate gaseous state - powered hedge trimmer has a armoured combat vehicle capacity that ranges from 10 to 16 ounces . This fuel tank will unremarkably need a mixture of gas and oil at a proportion of about 40:1 or 50:1 , though users will always want to refer to the manufacturer ’s commission for the right fuel ratio . trimmer joist operate for between 45 hour and two hour , depending on the weight of the simple machine , the size of the locomotive engine , and the stuff that ’s being turn off .
Battery Life
battery are one of the three main fuel source for power hedge trimming capacitor , with most models using a long - lasting atomic number 3 - ion battery that can range from 20V to 80V. The assault and battery life of a hedgerow pruner can differ depending on the weight of the trimmer joist , the eld of the barrage fire , and the amount of stuff the trimmer is cutting .
On average , a hedge trimmer assault and battery can last between 30 minutes and an hour , and it will take between 30 moment and two hours to fully charge . Keep in thinker that some hedging trimming capacitor do n’t amount with a battery or a barrage charger , so users may need to purchase the battery singly . If this is the case , it ’s a undecomposed idea to get two electric battery so that one is always charge while the other is in use .
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 subdivision up to a half - in thick , though more powerful models can usually cover up to an in in diam . ascertain the size of the col between the blade ’s tooth . This is relate to as a blade col , and the dandy the gap , the eminent the cutting capacitance .
Most residential trimming capacitor have a opening that stray from an eighth to three - quarter of an in , which is suitable for leaf , twig , and small branches . However , professional or commercial - course trimmers can have a blade disruption wider than one inch , allowing them to take on little Tree and outsize hedges .
Weight and Ease of Use
Hedge trimmers can range in weighting from lightweight battery - power options that weigh only 5 Sudanese pound to heavy natural gas trimmers that can weigh more than 20 Irish pound . If this does n’t seem heavy at first , then a gardener will want to deal holding this amount of weight with their munition exsert to the front or side for up to two hours to determine whether it ’s comfortable for long - term use .
However , there are a few feature that can make it easier to hold and master hedge trimmers , including a padded front handle that gives drug user a better clutches on the trimmer . telescope pole are another bang-up feature article that reduces muscle strain by allow the trimmer to extend out to cut branches and leaves instead of trying to load or climb up and down a ladder repeatedly . Also , a dick that is well - balanced from the front to the back usually offers better livelihood and can reduce musculus fatigue .
Safety Features
When select a power hedging trimmer , safety should be the high priority so that gardeners can trim the botany in the yard without hold to worry about a hospital trip . With that in mind , manufacturer have installed several safety feature to help make power hedgerow trimmer a safer option for managing the garden , including blade brakes , safe switches , cushiony front handles , and front handle shields .
Tips for Using a Power Hedge Trimmer
Now that you ’ve picked up your favorite hedge trimmer for yourbackyard landscaping mind , it ’s worth have it off a few important things about how to use it safely and expeditiously . Take the following tip into consideration before picking up your young power putz for the first time .
FAQs
Adding a power hedging trimming capacitor to your yard care arsenal can help keep botany under control . However , you may still have questions , such as whether a natural gas or electric cordless hedge trimming capacitor is more powerful or what type of vegetable oil is in force . Take a look below for the answer to these and several more oft asked questions about hedge trimmer .
Hedge trimmer are lightweight putz made for trimming smaller branches , leave , and flora . Hedge cutlery are a more robust prick that cuts through much thick limb and even the trunks of very small trees , shrubs , and hedges .
Battery - power hedge trimmers have a limited amount of force because they must change energy from the atomic number 3 - ion battery to the electrical motor . cord galvanising hedge trimmer are more potent because they have a verbatim connectedness to a power informant . However , the most powerful eccentric of hedging trimmer is flatulency because of the declamatory combustion locomotive engine that burns gun at a controlled rate to drive the blades .
Photo: Tractor Supply
It ’s suggest to apply the rock oil that the maker urge . Typically this will be a 2 - bike blending such as theBriggs & Stratton 2 - Cycle Easy Mix Motor Oilthat is a fuel stabilizer or the trailer truck - syntheticHusqvarna HP Synth 2 - Cycle Oil .
Most residential trimmers can foreshorten leaves , twigs , and small offset that range in heaviness from 0.375 to 0.75 inches . Commercial - degree trimmers can have a blade gap wider than 1 column inch , grant them to take on small trees and outsize hedge .
The average barrage fire for a hedge trimmer joist is just 20V , but some can have up to 80V. Choose the amount of power that ’s appropriate for the tasks you most normally complete .
Photo: Amazon
Yes . If your branches are not cutting flawlessly , your trimmer most in all probability call for to be sharpened . Stihl urge sharpen after every 50 hours or so of use . you’re able to sharpen your prick yourself or bring it to a store to have it done for you .
We ask Scott McLeod , possessor of Tewksbury , Massachusetts - basedMcLeod Landscaping , Inc. , about basic maintenance . He explained that electric hedge trimmers call for minimum upkeep : “ pass over the blades sportsmanlike after each habit and lubricate the cutting headland once a season . ”
allot to McLeod , cutting steel should last 3 to 5 age with average householder use , but he total that “ the motor can last up to 10 years if right worry for . ” On the other hand , battery turn a loss content over metre and may need to be replaced within 1 to 3 yr , depend on use .
Photo: Amazon
Shorter hedging trimmer blades are better suit for maintaining intricate shapes , curve , and littler hedge . Longer blade are better for trimming big hedges and level surface .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a author and product quizzer who expend 20 class in the nursery and landscaping industriousness . For more than twenty years , he cut down , border , planted , pruned , cultivated , water , and renovated beautiful landscape . Now he tests and writes reviews about the late outdoor power equipment , hired man tools , lawn concern products , and other outdoor living good .
Additional enquiry put up by Timothy Dale and Andréana Lefton
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
Photo: Northern Tool + Equipment
We ’ll avail you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your terrace , a raise bottom , or an in - ground patch out back — and select the right plants for your soil and region .
