Hedge trimmers and grass shears for tidying hedges, shrubs, borders and lawn edges, from small cordless shears to long-blade trimmers for boundary hedges. The range suits homeowners with a small garden as well as anyone who looks after long or overgrown hedges. Leading brands include Bosch, Gardena, Makita and Ryobi.
How to choose a hedge trimmer
Power source. Our range includes both battery-powered and mains-powered (AC) models. A battery model lets you work anywhere in the garden without a cable to trail or cut through, while a mains model suits a garden close to a socket and will not run flat halfway along a hedge. If you already own cordless garden tools, check whether the battery is shared across the brand's system.
Blade length. Blades in our range run from about 43 cm to 65 cm. Shorter blades are lighter and easier to control when shaping shrubs and low hedges. Blades of 55 cm and above cover more ground on long, straight hedges, but they feel heavier at arm's length.
Cutting capacity. The gap between the blade teeth sets the thickest branch the trimmer can cut. Narrow spacing leaves a finer finish on soft, leafy growth, while wider spacing copes better with woody stems. Compare the stated capacity with the thickest branches in your hedge.
Weight and vibration. A hedge trimmer is held away from the body, so weight tells on your arms during a long session. Vibration emission values in our range go from 1.1 m/s² to 2.5 m/s², and a lower figure generally means less strain on the hands. Look for a second handle or a rotating handle if you trim at different angles.
Trimmer or grass shears. Grass shears are small, light and usually cordless, so they suit lawn edges, small shrubs and topiary. A full hedge trimmer is the better choice once the hedge is longer than a few metres or the stems are thick.
Hedge trimmer brands we carry
- Bosch: the largest group in our range, with a green DIY line for home gardens and a blue professional line, and cordless tools that share batteries across the 18 V system.
- Gardena: a German garden specialist, known for its garden systems with interchangeable parts and for cordless shears and trimmers aimed at home gardeners.
- Makita: known for professional-grade cordless tools built around the 18 V LXT battery platform, so one battery can fit many of its tools.
- Black+Decker: a long-established maker of affordable home and garden tools, popular with first-time buyers of electric trimmers.
- Ryobi: builds its cordless garden tools around the ONE+ battery system, which fits a wide set of tools from the same brand.
- Wolf-Garten: a German garden tool brand best known for its Multi-Star system of interchangeable heads and handles.
- Kärcher: best known for pressure washers, and also makes cordless garden tools.
Also in our range: Energizer, Batavia and Stanley.
Hedge trimmer FAQ
What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and grass shears?
A hedge trimmer has a long double-sided blade for cutting hedges and dense shrubs, while grass shears have a short single blade for trimming lawn edges and small plants. Grass shears are lighter and more precise for detail work. A hedge trimmer cuts much faster over long runs.
Is a cordless or an electric hedge trimmer better?
Cordless suits most gardens because there is no cable to manage and you can reach any corner. A mains-powered trimmer is a good choice if your hedge is near a socket and you want to avoid charging batteries. Battery runtime varies, so larger hedges may need a spare battery.
What blade length do I need for a hedge trimmer?
A blade of 45 to 55 cm suits most garden hedges, as it balances reach and weight. Choose around 43 cm for small shrubs and detailed shaping. Go for 60 cm or more only if you trim long, straight hedges and are comfortable with the extra weight.
How do I keep hedge trimmer blades sharp?
Wipe off sap and debris after each use and apply a light blade oil to reduce friction and rust. Remove the battery or unplug the tool before cleaning. Blades that tear rather than cut, or that snag on twigs, usually need sharpening or replacement.
