Hedges are a natural, ecologically sensible and, above all, attractive way of delimiting the property and individual garden areas. However, many hedges need regular pruning in order for them to show the desired dense growth. In addition, some shrubs have to be limited in their growth potential so that they don't overwhelm you. You can easily do this with a hedge trimmer. In this guide, we will introduce you to various hedge trimmers and explain what you should look out for when buying one.
With a telescopic hedge trimmer, even higher hedges can be cut without any problems
Our recommendations
our recommendation
GARDENA Premium Gear Hedge Trimmer 650: Precise secateurs for hedges and shrubs, 65 cm, gear ratio, ergonomic handles (395-20)
To the product| drive type | manually |
|---|---|
| knife length | 25 centimeters |
| overall length | 65 centimeters |
| Weight | 1150 grams |
| material | hardened steel |
Manual hedge trimmers are well suited for trimming box trees and other topiaries, as well as for trimming back individual shrubs or smaller hedges. This model from the brand manufacturer Gardena has two wide blades made of hardened steel with a serrated edge. This has the advantage that even harder branches can be gripped better when cutting and do not slip out so quickly. Furthermore, this model has an integrated branch cutter, with which even thicker branches can be easily shortened. The handles are made of light but stable aluminum and are covered with soft plastic for a better feel. The hedge trimmer sits comfortably in the hand.
our recommendation
Bosch battery telescopic hedge trimmer UniversalHedgePole 18 (1 battery, 18 volt system, in a box)
143.47 EUR To the product| drive type | battery pack |
|---|---|
| knife length | 43 centimeters |
| overall length | Range up to 2.6 meters |
| Weight | 3.6 kilograms |
| material | k. A |
If, on the other hand, a long and high hedge is to be trimmed, a battery-powered hedge trimmer (€24.99) makes more sense. After all, this work requires a lot of muscle power, and it is simply faster with a cordless hedge trimmer. This Bosch model also has a height-adjustable telescopic handle with an integrated swivel head, which makes the use of a ladder unnecessary, even for tall hedges - with this telescopic hedge trimmer you have a reach of up to 2.6 meters and can cut the hedge from the sides as well as also cut effortlessly at the top. The powerful 18 V lithium-ion battery and charger are included in the delivery and enable continuous work for up to 2.5 hours.
our recommendation
Bosch battery hedge trimmer AHS 50-20 LI (1x battery, 18 volt system, stroke length: 20 mm, in a box)
134.99 EUR To the product| drive type | battery pack |
|---|---|
| knife length | 50 centimeters |
| overall length | about 100 centimeters |
| Weight | approx. 2.4 kilograms |
| material | k. A |
If the hedge is long but not particularly high, a cordless hedge trimmer without a telescope is recommended. This can also be used to shape individual trees. According to the manufacturer, this model from Bosch is perfect for medium-sized hedges and cuts branches up to 25 millimeters thick cleanly and precisely. The sharpness of the saw blade is ensured by the laser beam cut and the diamond cut. The anti-blocking system ensures continuous work without interruptions, the Quick-Cut technology for efficient and fast hedge trimming. An 18-volt lithium-ion battery and charger are included in the delivery.
Purchase Criteria
purpose of use
There are countless variants of hedge trimmers. Which one you choose largely depends on what exactly you want to cut with it. Hedge trimmers are suitable for cutting topiary (such as boxwood) as well as for trimming small, low, medium-sized or long and tall hedges. You should note that most models can cut branches and twigs up to a diameter of - depending on the model - only a few centimeters. Hedge trimmers are more suitable for thin than thick wood.
drive type
Manual hedge trimmer: Manual or mechanical hedge trimmers are very suitable for smaller shrubs and hedges, and they are also perfect for topiary. With such a tool you can make very precise and clean cuts, it is also quiet and requires neither electricity nor petrol.
Cordless hedge trimmer: If, on the other hand, longer hedges need to be trimmed, purchasing a cordless hedge trimmer could make sense. With this you save them a lot of tedious work and also get ahead quickly. In addition, cordless hedge trimmers have no cable that you could cut through significantly and which hinders you when working. The battery only lasts for one to 2.5 hours and then has to be recharged or replaced.
electric hedge trimmer: Electric hedge trimmers need a power connection to operate. However, you can compensate for the lack of a socket in the garden with an extension, but you have to keep an eye on the cable when cutting. Electric models are very well suited for cutting long hedges and thick branches that battery-powered models cannot handle.
Gas Hedge Trimmer: Gasoline hedge trimmers are the best choice for expansive hedges, and they do the best job of cutting old wood with thick branches. However, delicate work is not possible with these models, and they are also very loud. You are independent of muscle power, batteries and power cables that have to be recharged again and again.
telescopic function
Telescopic hedge trimmers are equipped with an extendable handle and allow you to cut tall hedges without having to climb a ladder. There are different models with both mechanical and motorized drives that work with batteries, electricity or even petrol. When buying, make sure that the preferred model also has the required length. Movable telescopic handles, which can be adjusted to different angles, are also particularly practical.
Knife length / cutting length
Especially when you buy motorized hedge trimmers, pay attention to the cutting length information. Many users confuse the bar length with the actual cutting length. Both specifications are not identical, because the cutting blade is always longer than the actual cutting length. Therefore, the information relevant to your purchase is not the length of the sword, but the question of how long a cut can be made.
knife type
Serrated edge / straight edge: Manual hedge trimmers can have straight-cut or serrated blades. A wavy cut has the advantage that the tool can also grab and hold hard branches better. On the other hand, blades with a straight grind leave cleaner cutting edges and are also easier to sharpen.
Single / Double counter-current: With single counter-rotating blades, only one moves and makes the cut while the other remains stationary. With double counter-rotating knives, on the other hand, both move, which usually results in a cleaner and easier cut.
Weight
The weight of the hedge trimmer is also an important purchase criterion, after all you not only have to hold it for a long time, you also have to be able to guide it. If the device is too heavy, this inevitably leads to fatigue. Basically, mechanical hedge trimmers are particularly light, but require a completely different effort. Battery-powered devices are usually slightly heavier than electric models. However, petrol hedge trimmers are significantly heavier and can easily weigh five to six kilograms - without the petrol that you also have to fill in, of course.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
How much does a good hedge trimmer cost?
How much you spend on your hedge trimmer depends primarily on the type of drive. Good manual hedge trimmers can be had for as little as €20, while an electric model will cost you upwards of around €50. Cordless hedge trimmers including battery and charger cost at least twice as much. High-quality petrol cutters are particularly expensive, for which you have to plan at least 150 EUR.
When can you trim hedges?
According to the regulation of § 39 paragraph 5 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), pruning measures that go beyond gentle care and shape cuts are prohibited in the period between March 1st and September 30th. This is to protect breeding birds. In addition, pruning measures should only be carried out outside of the quiet times if they are associated with noise. That means you can only use motorized hedge trimmers Monday to Saturday between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. - and you have to take a lunch break between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
What safety measures do you have to take when cutting with a hedge trimmer?
For safety reasons, you should always wear protective goggles and gloves when cutting, especially with motorized hedge trimmers, to protect your eyes and hands from sharp splinters and branch parts. Hearing protection is also useful for particularly loud models (especially petrol shears). When buying, make sure that your motorized hedge trimmer has a two-hand switch to prevent accidental activation.
Which brand manufacturers offer good hedge trimmers?
Hedge trimmers are available from all well-known brand manufacturers. The garden tool manufacturer Gardena offers a wide range of hedge trimmers from manual to battery and with electric drive. You can also get good mechanical hedge trimmers from Fiskars or Grüntek. High-quality tool manufacturers such as Bosch, Black & Decker, Makita or DeWalt also have various cordless and electric hedge trimmers on offer. You can also get petrol-powered models from brands like Stihl or Einhell.
equipment
shrub shears
our recommendation
Bosch cordless shrub and grass shears set ASB 10.8 LI (integrated battery, 10.8 V, blade width: 10 cm, in case)
EUR 108.00 To the productCompared to a hedge trimmer, a shrub shears (€68.00) has a much shorter cutting length and is therefore very suitable for precise cuts. For this reason, shrub shears are often used for topiary cuts where accuracy is important. Shrub shears are also the right choice when it comes to cutting fine trees, shrubs and grass.