Hedge Trimmer Buying Guide

Hedge trimmer styles

Hedge trimmers come in a variety of styles. There are cordless, electric and gas models. Their size and make are often linked to their blade size. The average hedge trimmer is designed for a hedge around five feet high and five feet wide. If the hedges you plan to trim are higher or wider than this, think about the position you need to be in to reach them and whether you have enough strength to hold the trimmer in this position.

Cordless hedge trimmers are highly portable and only need light maintenance. These hedge trimmers start easily and don’t pollute the environment. However, cordless hedge trimmers have the least cutting power, and their batteries may not last throughout your trimming job. Cordless hedge trimmers are great for smaller jobs that require a lightweight hedge trimmer and for touch-up situations. Compare the recharging time on batteries, which can be as much as 24 hours.

Electric hedge trimmers are the most popular choice. Corded electric trimmers include pushbutton starters, require limited maintenance and also don’t pollute the air. These hedge trimmers are relatively light in weight, inexpensive, easy to handle and quieter than gas trimmers. The major drawback of a corded electric trimmer is their cord dependence. Many manufacturers suggest using a heavy-duty outdoor cord no longer than 100 feet for proper power. This puts anything more than 100 feet from a power outlet beyond the reach of your hedge trimmer.

Gas-powered hedge trimmers offer more portability without the hassle of worrying about cords and batteries. These hedge trimmers come with two-cycle gas engines that provide plenty of power. However, gas-powered hedge trimmers’ engines also pollute the environment, create noise and require you to mix oil and fuel. Gas trimmers are harder to start, require more maintenance and are generally more costly than electric or cordless hedge trimmers.

Blade size

A hedge trimmer’s blade size affects the kind of trimming you’ll be able to do, and it also affects the weight of the hedge trimmer. Think about the thickness of the hedges or bushes you plan to cut. The thickness of these branches determines the size of the blade you’ll need.

Blades range from 13 to 30 inches. The blade gap of a hedge trimmer is the distance between its teeth, which indicates the size of the branch a trimmer can cut. Wider gaps can cut larger-diameter branches. On gas-powered, professional hedge trimmers, the blade gap is one inch or more. Residential models have a blade gap limited to 3/4 of an inch for safety.

Hedge trimmers can come with single- or double-sided blades. Single-sided blades are safer; it’s easier to hold the cutting edge away from your body. Double-sided blades are more efficient: they can cut large, thick hedges in horizontal and vertical motions, and you won’t have to change your position to do it. With a single-sided blade, you need to shift positions to shift the blade’s direction.

For a homeowner performing routine yard work, the standard is a hedge trimmer with a 30-inch bar with a single-sided blade. If you have smaller shrubs to trim and sculpt, choose a shorter bar that is easier to handle and maneuver. Tall shrubs require a longer blade, and double-sided blades will increase your productivity. For these larger shrubs, look for telescoping or long-reach hedge trimmers.

Handles

A hedge trimmer that’s hard to hold leads to messy or uneven trimming, and it can be a safety hazard. A hedge trimmer should feel comfortable and balanced in your hands. When you trim hedges, you may end up in awkward positions for hard-to-reach angles; therefore, you want to make sure your hedge trimmer can be held comfortably for long periods of time.

Your hedge trimmer should feel steady while you’re maneuvering it. Heavy, bulky hedge trimmers are harder to control, which causes fatigue. Look for hedge trimmers with anti-vibration features; these ensure cleaner trimming and better safety.

Hedge trimmers with pivoting handles can turn the blade 90 degrees for vertical cutting. This handle is helpful when you are trying to cut up and down. Wraparound front handles allow your hands to stay in one position while you turn the trimmer to cut vertically or at an awkward angle. Front handle shields are a good safety feature that keeps your forward hand away from the blade.

Weight

A, large, powerful hedge trimmer won’t save time if you can’t hold it. Think about your upper-body strength and whether or not you are able to hold a 10-pound hedge trimmer for extended periods of time. Most professional hedge trimmers weigh from as little as 10 pounds to as much as 15 pounds. Compare the shipping weights of hedge trimmers to find the right fit.

You’ll also want to consider how the weight is distributed. Weight distribution affects productivity: lighter, balanced models are easier to maneuver and increase productivity. A well-balanced hedge trimmer also results in cleaner trimming.

Safety features

Like any power tool, hedge trimmers can be dangerous. Better hedge trimmers include an array of safety features to help keep you safe.

Look for a hedge trimmer with hand guards mounted on the front and rear handles. These keep your hands away from the blades and protect them from flying debris. Choose a hedge trimmer with the smallest blade gap that will do the job to protect your fingers.

For the safest operation, choose a hedge trimmer with a deadman’s switch that stops the blades when released, and a blade lock that freezes the blades when the engine is starting or idling.

Need to know more?

• Using Hedge Trimmers Safely
  http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000701-d000800/d000763/d000763.html
• 4 Tips to Prune Your Hedges
  http://gardening.solveyourproblem.com/hedges/prune-hedges-4-tips.shtml
• How to Create Your Own Topiary
  http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/design/projects/topiary_index.shtml