Comparing Hedge Trimmers: Cordless, Electric and Manual

With a good hedge trimmer you keep a hedge, conifers or shrubs neatly in shape. On this page you can compare electric hedge trimmers, cordless hedge trimmers, telescopic models and grass and shrub shears from, among others, Makita, Bosch, Einhell, Greenworks and Wolf-Garten, with the current price at the shop.

What blade length do you need?

The blade length determines how much you cut per pass. For a low hedge or shrubs, a blade of 40 to 50 cm is sufficient. For a long or wide hedge, you work faster with 55 to 65 cm. A longer blade is, however, heavier to hold above your head. For tall hedges there is a telescopic hedge trimmer with an extended shaft, so you do not need a ladder. Also pay attention to the tooth spacing: this indicates how thick the branches may be that the trimmer can still cut neatly.

Grass and shrub shears

A grass and shrub shear is a small cordless shear with two attachments: a wide blade for grass edges and a narrow blade for trimming box and small shrubs into shape. Handy for precision work where a large hedge trimmer is too coarse.

Corded or cordless?

When should you trim a hedge?

Most hedges are trimmed once or twice a year, often in late spring and at the end of summer. Watch out for nesting birds in spring. Cut the hedge slightly wider at the bottom than at the top, so that light reaches the lower branches and the hedge stays full at the base.

A corded electric hedge trimmer is light and affordable. A cordless hedge trimmer gives you more freedom around the garden, without a cord getting in the way. For thicker branches, you are better off using pruning tools such as loppers or a pruning saw. View all types at garden tools.