Ever seen a hedge in a fun shape and wondered, could you do that yourself? Or do you envy the neat and precise edges you see in commercial landscapes and gardens?
Those shapes and edges are thanks to one hardworking landscaping tool – the hedge trimmer.
This versatile tool works for everything from shaping bushes to trimming lawn edges, so it’s an essential part of any gardener’s tool kit.
But with so many options, how do you find the right hedge trimmer? You’ll need to choose the type best suited for your garden and budget, with all the necessary features and cutting hedge technology. (Ha!)
Check out our picks for the best hedge trimmer in Australia – no matter what your garden needs.
Types of Hedge Trimmers
There are several types of hedge trimmers, mainly categorised by their power source.
Each has its pros and cons, such as lighter weight or more power.
Petrol hedge trimmers
Petrol-powered hedge trimmers tend to be more powerful thanks to their larger engines. Because of this, they’re better for dense hedges and thicker branches.
On the flip side, petrol hedge trimmers tend to be heavier and harder to manoeuvre, and need more regular maintenance. The petrol also causes emissions and incurs an additional cost from fuel.
Electric hedge trimmers
These are common choices for homeowners due to their lightweight design, low noise, and ease of use. They’re also often more affordable than petrol models and have no emissions.
However, electric models are restricted by the length of their cord, so you’ll often have to use an extension cord or stick to a certain radius. The cord can also be a tripping hazard or can come unplugged.
Moreover, electric trimmers are often less powerful than their petrol counterparts.
Battery-powered hedge trimmers
Battery-powered hedge trimmers or cordless hedge trimmers are a type of electric trimmer. Unlike their corded counterparts, cordless models have built-in batteries to power the tool.
Thanks to this, they’re light and easy to carry around, with no limitations due to a cord.
But like corded models, they’re less powerful than petrol models. A battery trimmer also has a limited runtime, so you’ll either need to carry a spare battery or purchase a fast charger.
How to Choose a Good Hedge Trimmer
As with other garden tools, several factors go into choosing a good hedge trimmer!
You’ll need to consider these factors carefully, especially if you’re new to using a hedge trimmer in your garden.
Take stock of your garden and its layout, and then look for a trimmer that suits your needs.
Types of hedges
What kind of hedges do you have – are they tall? Dense? Fast-growing? Do they need frequent trimming or do you only need to prune a few times a year?
Check which type of trimmer is best for your existing hedges.
Blade length and type
Some key features of a hedge trimmer are blade length and type.
A longer blade (or cutting bar) is great for tall hedges and helps ensure an even trim – but can be unwieldy for beginners or in tight spaces.
For the average lawn owner, a blade of about 450mm (18in) is adequate. If you have larger hedges, opt for a 500mm (20in) blade.
Meanwhile, for blade types, you’ll typically find different sizes of gaps between the “blade teeth.” Then there are single or double-sided blades.
Beginner gardeners should work with a single-sided blade as it’s less risky and easier to use. More experienced gardeners can go for a double-sided blade as it makes hedge trimming more efficient.
Note that you’ll have to regularly sharpen your hedge trimmer to maintain a clean cut and prevent jamming or plant damage.
Weight
You’ll be carrying around your hedge trimmer a lot, so you want to pick a model that’s comfortable to use.
Petrol hedge trimmers tend to be heavier due to the motor, so you may have trouble using them for long periods or on several hedges.
An electric or cordless trimmer is lighter and easier to manoeuvre, especially if you’re cutting higher up.
Features and ease of use
Look for features that make the trimmer more convenient and more efficient.
Some models, for example, have variable speed settings that let you use more or less power depending on how thick or dense the branches are.
Other models may have wrap-around front handles that make it easier to rotate between vertical and horizontal trimming.
Check for safety features as well, such as a blade cover, safety switch, hand guard, and/or tip protector. Plus, choose one with an anti-vibration system for comfort.
It’s important to know you don’t need all the bells and whistles when buying a trimmer, especially if you’re new to using them. Otherwise, you could risk injury or damaging your foliage.
Cost
Good mid-range electric or cordless trimmers cost between $50 and $500, although an extra battery pack will add to that. Higher-end or commercial models can go over $1,000.
Electric models are usually the most affordable, while battery models are slightly pricier.
Petrol trimmers are more expensive (especially for higher-end models), and have the additional cost of fuel.
Best Hedge Trimmers in Australia
Whether you’re looking for petrol-powered trimmers or lighter cordless models, here are our top picks for the best hedge trimmer for your lawn or garden.
Best Overall Hedge Trimmer: Ryobi ONE+ RY18HT55A-0 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
550mm Blade | 24mm Blade Gap | 5.0Ah Battery (not included) | 2.8kg Weight
This trimmer is part of Ryobi’s ONE+ system of power tools, and it’s one of the best hedge trimmers on the market.
The 18V RY18HT55A-0 Cordless Hedge trimmer features a 550mm (21in) diamond-ground cutting blade that can power through dense hedges.
Ryobi includes an innovative HedgeSweep™ attachment so you can easily dispose of clippings as you trim your hedges. The model also has a LINEA in-line handle designed for ergonomics, comfort, and easy handling.
With a maximum cutting capacity of 24mm, watch this powerful cordless hedge trimmer cut even large hedges like conifers with no trouble.
Best Value Hedge Trimmer: Bosch 18V EasyHedgeCut 18-45 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
450mm Blade | 15mm Blade Gap | 2.0Ah Battery | 2.3kg Weight (without battery)
This is one of the best cordless hedge trimmers you can get under $200. Bosch provides great value for money with their 18V cordless hedge trimmer that gives you power and performance at a reasonable price.
This trimmer has an interchangeable battery that’s compatible with all of Bosch’s 18V starter sets and their PowerForAll battery range.
It features an anti-blocking system to prevent the trimmer from getting jammed or stalling when cutting thicker branches.
The EasyHedgeCut 18-45 can cut up to 180sqm on a single charge, and it’s perfect for small to medium hedges. The low weight means less strain and more comfortable handling, even during longer tasks.
Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer: Greenworks 2205807AUVT Hedge Trimmer Kit
610mm Blade | 18mm Blade Gap | 4.0Ah Battery | 4.76kg Weight
The Greenworks 60V 2205807AUVT hedge trimmer isn’t too heavy and has great power. It’s the best battery hedge trimmer for medium to large gardens and lawns.
It features a variable speed trigger so you have full control over how much power you use.
Moreover, the adjustable rear handle has an ergonomic and comfortable design, making the tool easy to use even when cutting along the sides or tops of hedges.
This battery-powered hedge trimmer runs for up to 150 minutes (although this will be shorter with higher loads). It also has a jam function for your safety when in use.
Best Electric Hedge Trimmer: Bosch EasyHedgeCut 55 Corded Electric Garden Hedge Trimmer
550mm Blade | 16mm Blade Gap | 450W Motor | 2.7kg
Tackle small to medium hedges with this electric hedge trimmer from Bosch! The EasyHedgeCut 55 features a long blade with 16mm tooth spacing for optimum balance and ergonomics.
The lightweight design reduces strain on your back and arms during work, alongside the ergonomic handles that let you work in any position – whether you’re left or right-handed.
Moreover, the cord allows for a consistent power supply to the high-speed 450W motor while you trim.
Lastly, the blade comes with a tip protector to prevent accidental scrapes when working close to hard surfaces, such as walls or pavements.
Best Petrol Hedge Trimmer: Hyundai HYTR2622-3 26cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer
660mm Blade | 20mm Blade Gap | 26cc 2-Stroke Engine | 5.5kg Weight
Hyundai makes many quality power tools, and that includes the HYTR2622-3 petrol hedge trimmer. Weighing just 5.5kg but with a 26cc engine, it boasts an excellent weight-to-power ratio.
This petrol trimmer features an anti-vibration system and a rotatable handle to combine precision and comfort.
The double reciprocating blade increases efficiency and cutting performance, letting you tackle the toughest of hedgerows.
Best Pole Hedge Trimmer: WORX WG252E.B Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
450mm Blade | 16mm Blade Gap | 2.0Ah MAX Battery | 3.2kg (without battery)
Pole hedge trimmers are best for trimming high hedges or low groundcover. Their adjustable pole length lets you get into hard-to-reach areas without needing a stepladder or having to crouch down.
Yep – this is also one of the best telescopic hedge trimmers you get get.
The WORX WG252E.B Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer has a working length of up to 3.60m and a shaft that extends up to 2.80m. Moreover, it has an adjustable cutting head so you can cut at multiple angles.
Moreover, the 16mm blade gap ensures a clean cut on even large branches. This hedge trimmer is best suited for high and wide hedges or groundcover.
Best Heavy-Duty Hedge Trimmer: Hyundai HYPT3300 33cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer
425mm Blade | 20mm Blade Gap | 33cc 2-Stroke Engine | 7.75kg Weight
This Hyundai petrol trimmer combines power and performance thanks to its 33cc engine and 2.0m maximum reach. With the 20mm blade gap, it can tackle even heavy-duty tasks and thick branches.
Hyundai’s HYPT3300 features a soft-pull recoil system for an easy start, plus a loop handle for comfort and ergonomics.
The cutting head can be adjusted to 14 different positions on a 270º pivot so you can trim from multiple angles.
The kit also comes with an 800mm extension shaft so you can reach the top of a hedge with ease.
Best Lightweight Hedge Trimmer: Greenworks 2200907AU 40V Hedge Trimmer
610mm Blade | 27mm Blade Gap | 2.0Ah Battery | 2.7kg Weight
Weighing just 2.7kg, this cordless hedge trimmer means you can carry it around with minimal strain on your body! The max run time of 70 minutes also means you can get a lot done on one charge.
The Greenworks hedge cutter has a 610mm blade length and a 27mm gap so you can trim all sorts of hedges, bushes, and shrubs.
Moreover, the rear handle rotates 180º, letting you cut at most angles with ease.
Best Hedge Trimmer for Thick Branches: Makita 18V DUH602RT Brushless Hedge Trimmer Set
600mm Blade | 21.5mm Blade Gap | 5.0Ah Battery | 3.9kg Weight
Makita pulls out all the stops with the DUH602RT trimmer. It features a powerful brushless motor and 3-stage speed settings so you can go from full power to a lower setting as needed.
With a 21.5mm max branch diameter, it can cut thicker branches compared to other trimmers.
The 5.0Ah battery also has overload, over-discharge, and overheat protection, plus a protective gel coating to prevent damage from dust and moisture.
The rear handle is adjustable, with settings between 0º, 45º, or 90º so you can comfortably use the power tool for extended periods.
Plus, the handle has a blade release function and an electric blade brake to keep you safe from the sharp blades during use.
Best Commercial Hedge Trimmer: Stihl HS 82 R Hedge Trimmer
750mm Blade | 22.7mm Blade Gap | 2-MIX Engine | 5.7kg Weight
Stihl is a popular brand for professional and commercial power tools, and the HS 82 R is “designed specifically for large-volume cutting.”
The wide tooth spacing (22.7mm) and long tooth height ensure you can cut through thick branches or dense growth. Then the gearing provides high cutting power at a manageable stroke rate.
This petrol hedge trimmer features dual-sided ground blades, an anti-vibration system, and a swivelling handle. It also has an electronic ignition module for trouble-free starting and a long-wearing air filtration system.
Best Hedge Clippers: Spear & Jackson Shears
If you want to do some manual hedge trimming, opt for a pair of clippers!
Also called hedge shears, these are great for smaller jobs – such as trimming off a few branches or putting the finishing touches on a trimmed hedge.
The Spear & Jackson shears have chrome-plated blades made of C50 carbon steel. They’re tempered for durability and are notched so you can cut thicker stems.
The aluminium handles have non-slip grips, so they’re easy to use even for those with arthritis.
FAQs about Hedge Trimmers
Need more info about hedge trimmers? Here are some common questions and concerns.
What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter?
Hedge trimmers and hedge cutters are ultimately the same thing – a garden tool used to prune hedges, shrubs, and bushes.
Some brands use “hedge cutter” to refer to handheld shears, typically manual, which are more useful for precision cutting or shaping.
Are petrol or electric hedge trimmers better?
The answer really depends on your hedge and garden needs.
Petrol hedge trimmers are more powerful and are more suited to heavy-duty or large-volume jobs, but produce emissions and require fuel.
Electric hedge trimmers are lighter and more eco-friendly, but are less powerful. For cordless trimmers, you’ll need to be mindful of battery life.
What is the best tool to trim hedges?
Choosing the best tool for trimming a hedge depends on what you need to do.
Hedge trimmers let you cut a larger volume of branches, and let you reach higher or further. They’re great for maintaining size and preventing overgrowth or unruly growth.
Meanwhile, cutters or shears are better for precision jobs or small trimming work.
Loppers or pruning saws are best for extremely thick branches or dense growth.
