What’s the finest hedge trimmer to purchase? It depends upon what you’re in search of. Electrical trimmers are low-cost and simple to make use of however are constrained by their size of wire. Cordless fashions give higher freedom however solely final so long as the battery cost. Petrol hedge trimmers are probably the most highly effective, however are noisy and wish common upkeep. With every obtainable in quite a lot of sizes, it helps to know what sort of job you’ll be utilizing your hedge trimmer for.
For recommendation, we went to Ljudmil Vasilev of Fantastic Gardeners, who’s been sculpting hedges for a decade. In the event you’ve learn our guides to the best lawnmowers, best strimmers and best secateurs, you recognize that skilled gardeners have sturdy opinions on the subject of reducing and Ljudmil is not any totally different. He’s devoted to his petrol-powered Stihl HS with its two-foot blade, however at £700 it’s most likely extra machine than most gardeners want. He recommends Mountfield as a extra reasonably priced petrol possibility.
Beneath, we’ve tried and examined a number of hedge trimmers and really helpful Vasilev’s prime picks. In an FAQ part on the backside, we’ve additionally answered whether or not petrol hedge trimmers are higher, and the way thick a department you possibly can reduce via. In the event you’re in a rush, right here’s a fast have a look at our prime 5 trimmers:
One of the best hedge trimmers in 2024, at a look
Are petrol hedge trimmers higher?
“Energy is essential, however so is measurement,” Ljudmil says. “I wouldn’t suggest a long-bladed petrol trimmer for many home use as a result of they’re heavy and will be harmful in case your arms get drained. 55cm is the best blade size. Something over that I believe it’s best to go away to professionals.
“Lots of people choose a battery hedge trimmer. You may get a very good one, like a Ryobi, for beneath £100 and they’re lighter and simpler to manage. Cordless ones are higher than electrical hedge trimmers with a wire, in my view. When you’re going up and down ladders the wire is a hazard. I might additionally fear about security if the hedge is moist.”
The primary motive for selecting petrol, Ljudmil says, is to sort out more durable branches, however extra highly effective 20V and 36V cordless hedge trimmers will be simply pretty much as good or higher.
How we examined one of the best hedge trimmers
The Advisable workforce doesn’t personal a hedge huge or dangerous sufficient to check the petrol-powered monster trimmers on the prime of the market. For that now we have taken skilled gardener Ljudmil’s recommendation. The remaining had been examined on a mixture of conifer, deciduous and thorny hedges present in most gardens. As a result of hedge-trimming is a strenuous job, we had been in search of a clear, simple reduce, good steadiness and light-weight weight.
In the event you’re seeking to spruce up your backyard, learn our information to the best leaf blowers and best garden parasols. As for hedge trimmers, learn on under.
One of the best hedge trimmers
1. Stihl HS 82 R
Finest total, 10/10
We like: weapons-grade efficiency, in case you can afford it
We don’t like: it doesn’t come low-cost