5 things to know if you're buying a hedge trimmer
Whether you're buying a hedge trimmer for the very first time or looking to replace your old model, you'll want to make sure you get your hands on the very best one for you.
Keep reading to find out what we've learned from our rigorous hedge trimmer testing.
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1. Size matters
...at least when it comes to hedge trimmers.
The ideal size of blade and teeth will depend on the size of your hedges. Cutting tall or overgrown hedges can take hours – especially if their twigs are on the thicker side. This is why choosing a hedge trimmer with a powerful motor will make your life easier. And you don't need a petrol model either. These days, some cordless models are just as good petrol models, plus they're better for the environment.
Another thing to pay attention to is choosing a blade that's long enough for you to reach the top of the hedge without needing to climb a ladder. The longer the blade, the more you will be able to cut with each sweep. If your hedges are especially tall, consider a long-reach trimmer, otherwise you can go for one of the following options:
- A 45-60cm blade is suitable for most, but if your hedges are tall or particularly thick, choose a trimmer with at least a 50cm blade.
- If you'll mainly be dealing with smaller hedges, a cutting blade up between 30 and 45cm should be long enough.
Remember to also consider the teeth spacing, as the distance between the teeth determines the size of the branches you can cut. For smaller hedges, 20mm is sufficient, but you may want to opt for a bigger spacing. If your hedge has branches larger than 10mm in diameter, you'll achieve a neater finish with loppers.
2. A rotating rear handle is always a good idea
We found that a rotating rear handle makes a big difference when it comes to ease of use. This feature make it possible to rotate the blade, which allows you to hold the trimmer in its normal position while cutting either horizontally or vertically. This generally makes for a more comfortable cutting experience and even makes it more convenient to work your way around a fence or a wall.
Another type of handle you might have heard about is a wrap-around handle. These can make switching from cutting the sides to the tops of hedges much quicker and easier.
3. Don't overlook long-reach trimmers
You may have also seen manufacturers and retailers refer to them as pole or extendable-pole hedge trimmers.
As the name suggests, this type of hedge trimmer allows you to reach the hedge without using a ladder, so they're ideal if your garden has a lot of tall hedges that need cutting frequently.
They have fixed or extendable shafts that let you cut the side of a hedge above head height. Depending on the model, the blade can sometimes be set at various angles so you can cut the top while standing on the ground.
However, they're not appropriate for everyone. The downside is that long-reach trimmers can feel harder to control when cutting very high hedges, as the blades are far away from your body. They can also be difficult to use and control over longer periods of time for anyone less physically fit.
4. Other handy features to look out for
- Hand guard - this safety feature prevents your fingers from coming too close the blade and stops clippings getting caught up around your hands while you cut.
- Tip protector - a short bar across the top to prevent you from damaging the blade when you're carrying it or storing it. Using a protector tip can prolong the lifespan of your tool.
- Catcher plate - cutting hedges in a messy job, but a catcher plate can make it less so. It's essentially a piece of plastic or metal that can be attached along the length of the blade to sweep away cuttings.
- Battery indicator lights - this feature only appears on cordless models, as it shows you how much charge you have left. It allows you to easily plan your work, so you don't have to stop half way through cutting a hedge because your battery died unexpectedly.
5. You don't need to break the bank to get a quality hedge trimmer
You'll have to part with anywhere from between £30 and £140 for a corded model, between £40 and £200 for a cordless model, and £90 and £400 for a petrol model, so it's safe to say hedge trimmers don't come cheap.
But that doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune either. Our Great Value recommendations can help you pick models that do well in our tests – a model has to score 70% or more – while also being at least 20% cheaper than the average price of the hedge trimmers we've tested.
These models are the perfect option if you're looking for a bargain, so head over to our Great Value hedge trimmer reviews to find the perfect affordable hedge trimmer for your needs.
