Buying Guide
How to Buy a Hedge Trimmer
This short guide helps you pick the right hedge trimmer fast. It covers the most important buying factors, the main product types, where to buy, common mistakes, and quick expert tips so you can act with confidence.
Key factors and must-have features
Power system and runtime:
- Cordless models are common and use 20V to 56V batteries; higher voltage and higher amp hours give longer runtime. Check whether a battery and charger are included.
Blade length and cut capacity:
- Typical blade lengths are 20 to 24 inches. Longer blades cut more quickly but can be heavier and harder to control.
- Cutting capacity matters: 3/4 inch is fine for light hedges, about 1 inch for medium shrubs, and up to 1 1/2 inches for occasional thick branches or an included saw function.
Reach and ergonomics:
- Telescopic poles extend trimming height without a ladder; look for models that reach about 12 feet when extended.
- Adjustable or rotating cutting heads and a rotating rear handle reduce fatigue and improve accuracy.
Motor and blade design:
- Brushless motors are more efficient and last longer than brushed motors.
- Dual action blades reduce vibration and give cleaner cuts.
Safety and extras:
- Two-hand safety switches, blade sheaths, electric brakes, and shoulder straps are valuable.
- Note the weight with battery included; lighter than about 8 lbs is easier for long jobs.
Price and warranty:
- Expect to pay roughly in the mid-hundreds for a good cordless kit with battery. Warranties range from 1 year to 3 years. Check what is covered.
- Cordless models are common and use 20V to 56V batteries; higher voltage and higher amp hours give longer runtime. Check whether a battery and charger are included.
Blade length and cut capacity:
- Typical blade lengths are 20 to 24 inches. Longer blades cut more quickly but can be heavier and harder to control.
- Cutting capacity matters: 3/4 inch is fine for light hedges, about 1 inch for medium shrubs, and up to 1 1/2 inches for occasional thick branches or an included saw function.
Reach and ergonomics:
- Telescopic poles extend trimming height without a ladder; look for models that reach about 12 feet when extended.
- Adjustable or rotating cutting heads and a rotating rear handle reduce fatigue and improve accuracy.
Motor and blade design:
- Brushless motors are more efficient and last longer than brushed motors.
- Dual action blades reduce vibration and give cleaner cuts.
Safety and extras:
- Two-hand safety switches, blade sheaths, electric brakes, and shoulder straps are valuable.
- Note the weight with battery included; lighter than about 8 lbs is easier for long jobs.
Price and warranty:
- Expect to pay roughly in the mid-hundreds for a good cordless kit with battery. Warranties range from 1 year to 3 years. Check what is covered.
Types and when to choose them
Corded hedge trimmers:
- Best for continuous power and cutting thicker branches without worrying about battery life. Choose if you have easy access to power and a small yard.
Cordless handheld trimmers:
- Great for mobility and quick jobs. Ideal for small to medium hedges and where a battery and charger are included for immediate use.
Cordless pole trimmers:
- Use a pole model when you need to reach high hedges without a ladder. Look for telescopic poles with an adjustable head.
Combination 2-in-1 models:
- Detachable pole designs let you use the tool as a handheld trimmer or as a long-reach pole trimmer. Good value if you need both functions.
- Best for continuous power and cutting thicker branches without worrying about battery life. Choose if you have easy access to power and a small yard.
Cordless handheld trimmers:
- Great for mobility and quick jobs. Ideal for small to medium hedges and where a battery and charger are included for immediate use.
Cordless pole trimmers:
- Use a pole model when you need to reach high hedges without a ladder. Look for telescopic poles with an adjustable head.
Combination 2-in-1 models:
- Detachable pole designs let you use the tool as a handheld trimmer or as a long-reach pole trimmer. Good value if you need both functions.
Where to buy and common mistakes to avoid
Online shopping:
- Pros: wider selection, easy price comparisons, frequent free shipping and deals. Cons: you cannot test weight or balance before buying. Check the product page for whether battery and charger are included and read return policies carefully.
Retail shopping:
- Pros: try the feel, ask staff questions, take it home the same day. Cons: smaller selection and sometimes higher prices.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Buying based only on blade length and ignoring cutting capacity and motor type.
- Assuming a battery is included; some listings sell the tool only and note battery and charger not included.
- Choosing a too-heavy model for long jobs without accounting for a shoulder strap or support.
- Skipping safety features like two-hand switches and blade guards.
- Not budgeting for a spare battery if you need extended runtime. Note stock levels on listings; some items can be low in stock.
- Pros: wider selection, easy price comparisons, frequent free shipping and deals. Cons: you cannot test weight or balance before buying. Check the product page for whether battery and charger are included and read return policies carefully.
Retail shopping:
- Pros: try the feel, ask staff questions, take it home the same day. Cons: smaller selection and sometimes higher prices.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Buying based only on blade length and ignoring cutting capacity and motor type.
- Assuming a battery is included; some listings sell the tool only and note battery and charger not included.
- Choosing a too-heavy model for long jobs without accounting for a shoulder strap or support.
- Skipping safety features like two-hand switches and blade guards.
- Not budgeting for a spare battery if you need extended runtime. Note stock levels on listings; some items can be low in stock.
Quick checklist and expert tips
Buying checklist:
- Confirm power type and whether battery and charger are included.
- Check blade length and cutting capacity against the thickness of branches you will trim.
- Verify reach if you need to trim high hedges and that the pole extends to the height you require.
- Look for adjustable head, low weight, and safety features.
Expert tips:
- Prefer brushless motors and dual-action blades for cleaner cuts and less vibration.
- Choose at least a 2.0 Ah battery for short work, 4.0 Ah or higher for longer sessions.
- Keep a second charged battery if you have a large yard or time-sensitive job.
- Maintain blades by cleaning and light oiling after use and store with the sheath in place.
- Wear eye and ear protection, gloves, and use a shoulder strap when using a pole trimmer.
- Confirm power type and whether battery and charger are included.
- Check blade length and cutting capacity against the thickness of branches you will trim.
- Verify reach if you need to trim high hedges and that the pole extends to the height you require.
- Look for adjustable head, low weight, and safety features.
Expert tips:
- Prefer brushless motors and dual-action blades for cleaner cuts and less vibration.
- Choose at least a 2.0 Ah battery for short work, 4.0 Ah or higher for longer sessions.
- Keep a second charged battery if you have a large yard or time-sensitive job.
- Maintain blades by cleaning and light oiling after use and store with the sheath in place.
- Wear eye and ear protection, gloves, and use a shoulder strap when using a pole trimmer.
Final Thoughts
Focus on reach and cutting capacity first, then on power system and included battery. If you need to trim high hedges choose a telescopic pole with an adjustable head and good ergonomics. Test weight in store if possible, or buy from a retailer with a clear return policy if you shop online.
