6 Best Hedge Trimmers, According to An Expert | Family Handyman

By Mike Zawacki

Updated on Sep. 24, 2024

We personally cut into overgrown shrubbery to find the best hedge trimmers on the market for a well manicured yard.

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MIKE ZAWACKI FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

Inside every homeowner resides a secret desire to transform the boxwoods in the front bed into intricate, geometric creations or snip the arborvitae in the backyard into topiary masterpieces.

Regardless of your artistic abilities, a quality hedge trimmer is essential to every homeowner’s landscaping arsenal. Well-groomed shrubs, bushes and hedges contribute significantly to curb appeal. Overgrown greenery looks messy and unkempt, potentially damaging your property value (and that of your annoyed neighbors’ homes). In contrast, regularly trimmed and sculpted hedges and ornamentals make a home pop and serve as the foundation of a residential landscape that will make neighbors green with envy.

But it’s not just streetwise aesthetics. Properly groomed shrubbery eliminates dead, diseased and overgrown branches, promoting thicker, denser and more attractive growth and allowing healthier plant parts to flourish.

With so many hedge trimmer options on the market, choosing the right one for your unique needs and landscape can feel overwhelming. But fear not! After considering a few key factors and some real-world testing, I’ll recommend some choices that will enable you to shape your dream hedges.

First, as a point of clarity, the terms “bushes,” “shrubs,” and “hedges” are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation. Technically, they are not all the same. Bushes and shrubs are woody, evergreen and deciduous ornamental plants in a residential landscape. A hedge, in contrast, is a landscaping feature created by regularly trimming and shaping shrubs or bushes in a specific way, typically a neat block or rounded form.

Below are my top six picks for the best hedge trimmers based on my testing.

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Pros:

Cons:

The Husqvarna Hedge Master 320iHD60 is a head-turner with all the bells and whistles likely to have the neighbors lining up to borrow it for an afternoon. While the cordless battery-powered hedge trimmer is designed for the average DIYer, its 320iHD60’s performance and heavy-duty build quality easily earn it a spot on a professional landscaper’s equipment trailer.

I gave the trimmer—which features a 320iHD60’s 24-inch blade, a 1-inch cutting capacity and 15 percent faster cutting speed (3,800 cuts/min max, according to Husqvarna)—high praise for making quick work of thick branches and large hedges in my test yard.

With its battery attached, the 320iHD60 weighs in at around 11 pounds. This may seem weighty and fatiguing (especially with prolonged use); however, the unit is engineered with a unique three-position grip instead of the rotating, barrel-style handle on most other hedge trimmers. I found these highly ergonomic features help address manageability by providing the operator with improved reach, control and added comfort. The handle also features a trio of intuitive, thumb-operated control buttons, highlighted by an un-jam button for quick, convenient blade clearing.

Under the hood, the 320iHD60 features a brushless motor for increased durability, efficiency, and quiet operation, as well as an active cooling system for consistent power and sustained battery life.

The 320iHD60 is powered by a 40V Li-ion battery, which is included along with a charging station. The battery is side-mounted, a unique design feature that I felt contributed to the 320iHD60’s overall balance. A fully charged battery lasts 30-45 minutes, impacted by how aggressively the 320iHD60 is chewing through greenery. An additional battery may be a wise investment to keep the workflow going. And like many battery-powered trimmers in its class, the battery is interchangeable with Husqvarna’s family of handheld cordless tools. Here’s an added nice touch I believe is worthy of mention: Husqvarna included a pair of screws and drywall anchors to wall mount the unit’s charging station for added space consideration and convenience within the garage or tool shed.

Altogether, I found this unit more than worthy of my “best of” designation, which offsets the 320iHD60’s more expensive price tag. It retails for around $230.

Notably, this model uses a four-cycle engine, so it doesn’t require mixing gas and oil and generates less noise and fumes than a typical two-cycle trimmer.

Its 22-inch blade cuts at 2,000 strokes per minute (SPM) with a one-inch cutting gap. The rear handle swivels, allowing you to make cuts in all directions without twisting your hand and forearm into an uncomfortable position.

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Some do-it-yourself enthusiasts may consider gas-powered hedge trimmers as relics from a bygone DIYer age. However, Senix’s 4QL 26.5 ccs 4 Cycle 22-Inch Gas Hedge Trimmer is a solid fit if you’re a large property owner or hobby farmer who requires the extra oomph a gas-powered engine provides to not only keep shrubbery and hedge lines neat but also has to tame unruly, overgrown foliage on a large scale. It features a 22-inch blade with a 1 1/8-inch cut capacity, which I found easily got after stubborn branches and greenery.

The Senix is powered by a low-emissions, air-cooled 26.5cc 4-cycle engine that requires no mixing of gas and oil—which I can attest is a very convenient feature. The QL stands for “Quantitative Lubrication,” which is Senix’s proprietary technology that enables multi-directional use with no stalling or oil leakage and maintains engine lubrication when operated in any direction.

A couple of bonuses that really stood out: It includes a 60ml bottle of SAE 10W-30 oil to get you going and a highly detailed instruction booklet for out-of-the-box operation. During my test run, I found the pull-chord starter—which is convenient for both right- and left-handed users—has a nice, smooth pull with a quick start that did not overly tax my wrist and shoulder. The Senix does get warm after some use, but it is an internal combustion engine. So, while I did anticipate this, I feel it is worth mentioning.

The trimmer weighs just over 11 pounds (no fuel or oil) and is 20 percent more compact and lightweight than similar trimmers, according to Senix. Overall, I found Senix’s hedge trimmer to have a solid, well-balanced design and engineering, which offset the weight issue. In addition, a trigger-activated rotating handle spins 180 degrees in either direction, adding comfort and convenience at various cutting angles. One drawback is that the Senix operates at around 103 decibels, comparable to the average chainsaw. So, I recommend ear protection as a must for extended use.

In addition to the above, noteworthy features, the Senix includes custom-tailored tools for the trimmer’s future upkeep and detailed instructions outlining scheduled maintenance. Finally, don’t miss (I almost did) the half-inch oval hole on the handle intended for convenient, off-use/off-season hanging storage.

The Senix trimmer retails for around $200, which I conclude is an attractive price for a quality-built 4-cycle unit. However, it is not for sale in California.

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While many pole-based hedge trimmers are on the market, I found the Worx WG252 20V 20-inch cordless hedge trimmer is a reliable tool for trimming hedges, shrubs and bushes. I found many unique features, such as the WG252’s pivoting head and telescoping pole, are worthy of consideration. These features enhance operational maneuverability and significantly increase reach, eliminating the need for a ladder in most cases. This essential safety feature lets me keep both feet firmly on the ground as I reach a few typically inaccessible heights.

As I tested the WG252, I found the base unit is nothing to sneeze at, either. Powered by a Worx 20V Lithium-ion battery, the cordless trimmer features a 20-inch blade with a 3/4-inch cutting capacity, which I found easily handles most hedges, shrubs and bushes. Fully charged, the battery afforded me around 45 minutes of operating time. A second battery is recommended for longer, uninterrupted use when attacking bigger jobs or more significant landscapes.

The WG252’s 10-position pivoting head gives the user many options for better control, and the telescoping pole extends the reach upwards of 12 feet, perfect for tall, hard-to-reach hedge lines. In addition, a trigger allows the operator to rotate the handle 180 degrees for even more cutting options. I was very pleased that the WG252’s blades—cutting at around 1340 cuts/min, according to Worx—provided me with an above-average cut quality at various angles, heights and configurations.

The Worx WG252 20V 20-inch cordless hedge trimmer weighs just over 7.5 pounds, which I found to be manageable (and the average user should find comfortable). However, when the pole was fully extended, and the cutting head was rotated near a 90-degree angle, I found the WG252 got a bit awkward, and I began to experience some fatigue in my shoulders and neck. This is definitely a point to consider, especially if you plan to use it for extended periods or on larger jobs. With a bit of practice, though, I believe operators can achieve an optimal cutting experience.

Lastly, the WG252 retails for around $175. It is part of the Worx Power Share system, so the battery can be used with other Worx 20V tools.

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Craftsman’s corded hedge trimmer is possibly the best option for DIYers seeking to avoid the hassle of managing and charging batteries. Although it weighs around eight pounds, I found the Craftsman’s design made it seem much lighter and more manageable in my hands than its weight suggested. It features a 22-inch blade, ¾-inch cutting capacity, and 3.8 amp motor, which I found created a winning trifecta for the average residential landscape’s shrub and hedge work.

Its wrap-around, full-bale handle were very comfortable in my hands, adding to the tool’s usability and maneuverability. However, I believe a really nice addition is the Powersaw feature, a reciprocating blade on the very end that tackles branches up to 1.5 inches thick, alleviating a novice user’s temptation to hack away at more challenging obstacles with the dual-action trimming blade.

The Craftsman cordless trimmer required some light assembly out of the box to attach the safety handle and guard assembly. However, this task was largely intuitive and, assisted by a Phillips head screwdriver, I had the unit operational in less than 15 minutes. Overall, I found the Craftsman hedge trimmer to be solidly constructed with no looseness or rattling when I put it through its cutting challenges. However, it should be noted that some DIYers have expressed concern about this tool’s long-term durability.

Regarding value, I believe the Craftsman corded hedge trimmer is hard to beat for the average homeowner with easy access to outdoor power outlets. It’s priced at around $70 and significantly cheaper than its battery-powered counterparts. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious DIYers needing a quality cutting tool for modest landscapes.

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Sometimes bigger is better, and I found EGO’s Power+ HT2601 26-inch hedge trimmer bears this out in spades. It’s evident that EGO designed the HT2601 with superior cutting performance in mind, and I found this hedge trimmer more than capable of taming large shrubs and bushes, and even some unruly hedge lines.

EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium battery gave me nearly one hour of run time between charges. This largely stems from EGO’s battery technology, which offers intelligent power management and an innovative design that prevents overheating, which I know are keys to sustained battery life.

The HT2601’s pride and joy is its 26-inch blade reinforced by a carbon fiber rail, which EGO claims is the first-of-its-kind design in a hedge trimmer. I found this as another testament to the trimmer’s overall build quality. The blade also sports a 1.2-inch cutting capacity and 3,400 cuts/min action, which gave me the power to tackle thick, dense shrubbery and large hedges easily. In addition, the HT2601 features a five-position, 180-degree rotating handle for improved ergonomics and a high-efficiency brushless motor for reduced noise and vibration.

The trimmer weighs slightly over eight pounds (and a bit more when the battery is attached), however, I found the HT2501’s well-balanced design and manageability offset any comfort or fatigue issues. Like most powered landscape tools, EGO strongly suggests regular maintenance—such as blade cleaning and lubrication—to keep the HT2601 in top-cutting condition. Lastly, EGO’s ARC battery is interchangeable with over 80 other EGO power tools, which is a bonus if you’re an aficionado of EGO’s tools.

The HT2601 has a steeper price point, around $250. However, I believe do-it-yourself homeowners will quickly realize they are getting a lot of bang for their buck with this hedge trimmer, and the investment is well worth it for a quality tool.

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Calling Greenworks 40V 24-inch cordless hedge trimmer “no frills” does not do this cutting tool justice. I strongly believe something must be said for ease of use and design simplicity, especially for DIYers seeking a quality tool that simply gets the job done. In that light, I found the Greenworks’ hedge trimmer sparkles like an emerald.

Greenworks’ hedge trimmer features a solidly constructed, 24-inch steel blade with a one-inch cutting capacity. While it chews up greenery at around 3,000 cuts/minute, I found this was more than enough to neatly manicure the typical shrubs, bushes and hedges in the average residential landscape.

The Greenworks hedge trimmer is relatively light, coming in at less than six pounds. The simple, intuitive design contributed to ease of use, and I found the clear green plastic safety guard gave me a welcome added advantage to better view what I was cutting. I appreciated the large push button that engages the 180-degree rotary rear handle, which unlocks additional cutting options.

Fully charged, the trimmer’s 40V, 2.0Ah battery gave me nearly an hour of cutting time, much better than some of the other battery-powered competitors. However, I am a big believer that a second battery is always good to have on hand when tackling larger jobs.

Greenworks’ 24-inch hedge battery-powered trimmer is reasonably priced at $150, even less if you can get it on sale. You can also check out Greenworks combo kit collections and money-saving bundles. Overall, I believe the sum total of its strengths makes it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking convenience, quality and ease of use to keep their shrubs, bushes and hedges looking great.

Landscape professional Brandon Barker is a seasoned landscape professional with over ten years of experience as general manager of Cleveland-based J. Barker Landscaping, a family business serving clients throughout Northeast Ohio for five decades. He says there are crucial elements a DIYer must determine before purchasing a hedge trimmer.

The first is the power source. A common dilemma is choosing between gas- and battery-powered hedge trimmers. Both offer the operator substantial power to cut through tough greenery, but some distinctions must be considered. Barker’s landscape crews utilize gas- and battery-powered hedge trimmers, and he says the power source is determined by the jobs they’re engaged in.

“We like gas-powered trimmers when servicing larger landscapes because they enable us to run longer without stopping. Also, those engines tend to be a bit more powerful and provide a better cut if we address woodier shrubs and bushes,” he says. “But battery-powered trimmers are great options, too. You don’t have to mix oil and gas. You just pop a fresh battery on [the trimmer], and you’re good to go. Plus, some customers prefer we use battery [powered trimmers] because they don’t like the noise of a gas engine, which can get loud and be a nuisance if you’re running them for longer periods.”

A corded trimmer may be more cost effective, and the best fit for small jobs, but extension cords limit the operator’s mobility, and an available outdoor power outlet is essential.

“It’s just too time-consuming managing extension cords and seeking out power outlets,” Barker says. “From a pro’s perspective, the days of corded trimmers are over, but they’re still out there, and they have their place among residential users.”

Battery technology has advanced dramatically over the last decade. Today’s cordless hedge trimmers offer users ample power, longevity and maneuverability, which Barker says are essential to getting a pro-grade trimming job done efficiently and effectively. However, he says that weight and balance can be issues with battery-powered tools like hedge trimmers because they contribute to user fatigue.

Another added benefit to battery-powered tools is their power sources are interchangeable with other tools on the job site, especially if you’re committed to one tool manufacturer, Barker says. “Interchangeability is important because it offers flexibility,” he says. “You have a single type of charger to replenish the batteries, and you can use them in a variety of other tools, such as blowers, string trimmers, edgers, even saws, or other handheld tools you may find yourself using.”

Gas-powered trimmers are the most powerful option for attacking thicker growth, but these models also have drawbacks, such as emissions, noise, more involved maintenance, and having to manage gas and oil.

The next consideration is blade length and cutting capacity. While longer blades cover more area in a single pass, they can be heavier and more awkward for a novice user to manage effectively, Barker says. Therefore, he recommends cutting blades between 18 and 22 inches for most DIYers. Cutting capacity dictates how thick the trimmer can cut effectively and cleanly without jamming or damaging the plant. Barker recommends three-quarters of an inch as a good starting point when factoring in cutting capacity.

Barker underscores the importance of safety, particularly for novice users who may not have extensive equipment training like professionals.

“When choosing a [hedge] trimmer, you want to make sure it’s comfortable to use in your hands—not too heavy, and it doesn’t feel awkward or clumsy, and that you always have control,” he says. “And don’t take hedge trimmers for granted. These tools are very sharp, and it only takes a second for an accident to happen. Make sure you’re wearing proper protection—ear and eye protection and gloves—to avoid injury. And always mind the safety guards and handles—they’re there for a reason! And avoid any trimmer that you feel is poorly built or has poorly designed safety features.”

Lastly, budgeting is a critical consideration for homeowners. Hedge trimmer prices will range widely depending on their features and power source. Remember, Barker says your specific needs and preferences should guide you through this process. Therefore, it’s essential to factor in the size of your hedges and the desired cutting power you’ll need when choosing the right trimmer to fit your needs.

As a veteran, award-winning journalist and experienced DIYer, I’ve covered various aspects of the professional landscape, lawn care, sports turf, and snow and ice management industries for the last 20 years, including serving as managing editor of Lawn & Landscape Magazine and editor of Golf Course Industry. I’m also the editor of Snow Magazine, the leading business management publication in the professional snow and ice management industry. I also serve as curriculum and education director for the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA). In addition, I contribute regularly to a wide variety of leading business management publications that focus on the landscape, turf care, sports turf, horticultural, irrigation, outdoor lighting and agricultural industries.

For this article, I consulted with expert Brandon Barker who has worked in nearly every facet of the landscape, lawn care, and snow and ice management industries throughout his life. For the last ten years, Barker has served as general manager of Cleveland-based J. Barker Landscaping, a family-owned, full-service commercial and residential landscaping business serving clients throughout Northeast Ohio for five decades.

To help readers make well-informed decisions about hedge-trimming equipment purchases, I looked at various models available to the average homeowner and DIYer. I narrowed the test subjects down to several models I wanted to investigate more thoroughly based on online reviews, my industry knowledge and overall experiences with similar products within the respective categories, and my first-hand use when applicable.

I assembled educated conclusions and my final recommendations based on observations focused on product descriptions, design and material quality, unique features, durability, ease of assembly and user feedback.

Bush and shrub size in a residential landscape is critical in choosing a hedge trimmer’s blade length. For example, a blade 20 inches or less is suitable for trimming and shaping small-to-medium-sized hedges — those less than 6 feet tall. For larger hedges — in excess of six feet — a larger hedge trimmer blade will cut more efficiently, including larger, woodier branches. However, it comes down to personal preference and comfort. A longer blade could be trickier to handle, especially in tight spaces. Therefore, choose a blade length that will allow you to make precise cuts safely.

While “hedge trimmer” and “hedge cutter” are often used interchangeably, the two have subtle differences, particularly regarding power and intended use. When distinguishing between the two tools, think of a hedge trimmer like a pair of shears, best for shaping and maintaining landscape foliage with frequent trimming. In contrast, hedge cutters are more like loppers, more powerful tools for tackling thicker branches and overgrown and neglected hedges that need significant shaping.

There are other differences, as well. For example, while both tools can be electric- or gas-powered, hedge cutters are more powerful than trimmers. In addition, hedge cutters feature larger cutting capacities to handle thicker branches. Finally, hedge trimmers are engineered for regular maintenance and shaping duties, especially long, straight cuts, while cutters are designed to handle heavy-duty tasks that require less finesse.

Because gas-powered and electric (corded and battery) trimmers each have unique pros and cons, “better” comes down to an operator’s personal preference.

Gas-powered trimmers tend to be heavier-duty and offer the operator more power, making them a more practical choice when dealing with thick, woody branches and large hedges. Plus, unlike batteries that need to be charged, their runtime is limited only by the availability of the fuel on hand. However, gas-powered trimmers are noisy and give off emissions that some users (and their neighbors) may find irritable and even harmful. In addition, gas-powered trimmers require more routine maintenance and can be trickier to engage for those unaccustomed to pull-chord starters.

Electric (battery and chorded) are more environmentally friendly and quieter to operate, allowing the operator to work in noise-restricted areas and during the early morning and evening hours without disturbing the operator or those nearby. However, batteries limit usability between charges (allowing between 30-60 minutes of run time), which can restrict the user from completing a trim job on time. And corded versions require access to an available power source. However, electric hedge trimmers are much easier to start and require less maintenance, typically a regular cleaning and seasonal lubrication.