Best Hedge Trimmer for Overgrown Hedges

Hedges make a wonderful privacy fence around your home, but they require care and maintenance to look nice and stay healthy. A hedge trimmer is a must-have tool for anyone who has large or small hedges on or around their property. You can get them in a broad range of sizes, weights, and power levels. It’s important that you match your hedge trimmer to your needs or you can find yourself not using it as much because it’s a hassle. With so many brands available, it can be a challenge to narrow down the best pick for your needs. This is where this guide comes in. 

I’ve picked out the 10 best hedge trimmers available from reputable brands, and you can ship them straight to your door. Each one will get a short review that allows you to compare the products side-by-side to help narrow down your choices. If you get stuck, you can glance at the buyer’s guide to see which things are and are not important to consider when you shop. Since this can be a relatively expensive investment, you want something that will last for years after you purchase it. Let’s dive in below. 

A quality hedge trimmer can make all of your routine hedge and shrub maintenance sessions quick and easy, especially if you’ve taken the time to research products that match your wants and needs.

1. Makita XHU02M1 Cordless Hedge Trimmer – Top Pick

The first hedge trimmer on our list and our top pick is perfect for trimming your Boxwoods or shaping them throughout the season, and you get 120-minutes of runtime when you have it on the lowest setting on a single charge. The 22-inch blade on this product gives you an impressive 1,350 strokes every minute, and this is enough to cut through a host of hedge thicknesses without it stalling out. Since this tool weighs in at just over seven-pounds, it’s a lightweight choice that is very easy to carry around or use for extended periods without feeling fatigue in your hands or arms. 

There is also a nice anti-vibration design on this hedge trimmer with cushions strategically placed in the motor housing to make it more comfortable to use. This also makes it quieter to run at just 87-decibels, and this allows you to use it around your neighbors without interrupting their day. There are quick-change blades on this product to make it easy to switch from project to project without losing your momentum, and you also get an electric brake, battery capacity warning system, and a battery that will charge in less than an hour to let you finish your work quicker. There are zero emissions with this tool to make it healthier for the environment, and the cordless design gives you greater range of motion.

Benefits:

• 22-inch cutting blade 
• Lightweight and portable 
• 1,350 strokes every minute
• Battery charges in an hour 
• Quieter operation 
• Anti-vibration design 
• Ergonomic grip 

Drawbacks:

• Doesn’t specify a cut capacity 

2. EGO Power+ Hedge Trimmer – Step-Up Pick

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Most standard hedge trimmers will give you a 20 or 22-inch blade to work with, but this model comes with a larger 24-inch dual-action blade that helps you finish your project much more efficiently. You get a one-inch cut capacity that gives you an impressive 3,000 strokes per minute to make fast but neat cuts, and the hardened steel blades will withstand heavy usage without a lot of wear and tear. They also stay sharp as you work, and you pair them with a high-efficiency brushless motor that extends how long this product works per charge. 

There is an electric brake system on this product that will quickly stop the blade action when you apply it, and the blades on this hedge trimmer are 100% serviceable to make it much quicker, safer, and easier to sharpen them. The tool weighs in at just six-pounds to make it very lightweight and portable, and this allows you to use it for hours without fatigue. This model is compatible with every Ego Power+ ARC lithium battery so you can swap them out to increase your runtime for bigger projects. You also get a very ergonomic handle with an enclosed design and a rubberized grip to keep you comfortable as you work. 

Benefits:

• Larger 24-inch blade 
• Fully serviceable blades
• Can swap the battery
• Has an electric brake built in
• Ergonomic handle 
• Doesn’t vibrate a lot 
• 3,000 strokes per minute 

Drawbacks:

• Requires two handed operation

3. WORX WG261 Cordless Hedge Trimmer – Mid-End Budget Pick

A lot of your standard hedge trimmers can have a heavier design to them, and this makes them challenging to use for more lightweight tasks like trimming your hydrangea bushes. It also makes it hard to use them for longer periods of time, but this model weighs in at just 5.5-pounds. You get a dual-action blade that measures 22-inches long, and this allows it to slice through branches that are up to 3/4-inches thick without getting stuck or stalling out mid-cut to help your projects go smoothly. It also has a very ergonomic design to it that increases the user safety and comfort when you use it, no matter if it’s for a small or large-scale project. 

This hedge trimmer will run on a 2.0Ah battery, and you get a nice built-in safety guard that will shield you from flying debris as it cuts the branches. There is also a soft rear handle that helps to reduce how much vibration you feel as you work, and this can keep you more comfortable. The front D-grip on this product allows you to cut from virtually any angle, and it’s a budget-friendly option that includes both the charger and battery in a single order. 

Benefits:

• Can cut multiple angles with the D-grip
• Has a safety guard built in
• Lightweight design
• Very affordable without sacrificing power
• From a reputable brand 
• Excellent reach 
• Can cut from a range of angles

Drawbacks:

• Sticks on thicker branches

4. Craftsman CMCSS800C1 Hedge Trimmer – Bargain Budget Pick

If you just have shrubs dotted in your yard, you most likely won’t need a full-sized hedge trimmer. For this case, you can get away with using the compact model from Craftsman that’s excellent for smaller projects and comes with a lower price tag for those on a budget. You get dual blade attachments when you buy it, including a four-inch grass shear blade and an eight-inch shrubber blade. The lightweight design with the smaller size lets you use it one-handed without a problem, and it’s great for getting into tighter spaces to really give your hedges a shaped and neat look. 

The shrub blade on this hedge trimmer can slice through branches that are up to 5/16-inches in diameter, and the blade swapping system is very easy to use as your needs change because it doesn’t need any additional tools. It weighs in at five-pounds, and this is light enough for you to operate for extended periods without worrying about hand or arm fatigue. Also, it won’t take up a huge amount of space in your shed or workshop when you store it between uses. You get a durable battery with a cordless design with this product that extends your reach, and you can swap out the battery with any other Craftsman V20 tools or outdoor equipment without a problem. 

Benefits:

• Able to swap out batteries 
• Comes with dual blades 
• Lightweight design 
• Very compact 
• Easy to store 
• Has bright red coloring 
• Fits into tight spaces  

Drawbacks:

• Battery can run out quickly 

5. Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer – Best For Trimming Young Trees

If you have younger trees around your yard that you recently planted and want to trim or shape like younger maple trees, this hedge trimmer can be a nice choice. It comes equipped with a 2.7-amp engine that gives it enough power to slice through branches that are up to ⅜-inches thick, and it weighs in at just over six-pounds to prevent you from having to control or operate a heavier trimmer and put a lot of strain on your body. You get dual-action steel blades that are 18-inches long to give you a decent reach, and it’s a nice choice for moderate or light trimming projects around the house. 

This is a corded model, but it gives you a consistent flow of power from start to finish to ensure you can complete your project all in one go without having to stop. This is a zero emission product that won’t add pollutants to the environment when you use it, and this makes it healthier for you to be around too. The design also reduces the overall maintenance you need to perform on this product between uses, and it has a bright green color scheme that is very easy to pick out on the jobsite. 

Benefits:

• 2.7-amp engine 
• 18-inch blades 
• Consistent power flow 
• Reduced maintenance needs 
• Bright green coloring
• Produces zero emissions 
• Lightweight and portable 

Drawbacks:

• Needs an extension cord to run

6. Poulan Pro PR2322 Hedge Trimmer – Best For Large-Scale Projects

For large scale projects, you need a heavy-duty hedge trimmer with a wider cutting capacity, and this is what you get when you choose this product. It has a one-inch cutting capacity with gas power that enables you to maintain well-established bushes, hedges, and smaller trees quickly and easily. It is slightly heavier at 11.1-pounds, but this is still on the light side for a gas model. The additional weight comes from the 23 cc engine that powers the 22-inch blade. It’s a dual-action blade that will run for up to an hour on a 13-ounce tank of gas, and you’ll need to mix a 40:1 gas-to-oil mixture to keep this hedge trimmer going. 

You also need to hold the safety switch down on this hedge trimmer before it’ll start to prevent it from accidentally starting. There is a cushioned grip with a rotating handle on this model that gives you excellent control and maneuverability as you work, and the grip helps to reduce the amount of vibrations you feel to keep you more comfortable. It works well to trim lower hedges around the property, and you get a two-year warranty from the date of purchase with this model. 

Benefits:

• Has a cushioned grip 
• Rotating rear handle 
• Runs for an hour on a tank of gas 
• 23 cc engine 
• Reduced vibrations 
• Two-year warranty included 
• Quieter operation 

Drawbacks:

• Have to mix a 40:1 gas-to-oil ratio

7. BLACK+DECKER HH2455 – Best For Overgrown Shrubbery

The Hedge Hog electric trimmer makes a wonderful gift for any gardener on your list, and it’s powerful enough that overgrown shrubbery won’t stand a chance once you bring it out to trim and shape them. You get hardened steel blades that are extra-long at 24-inches, and this makes them ideal for cutting through tall, wide hedges to make clean cuts easily and quickly. The dual-action on the blades also reduces the vibration levels by up to 40%, and this can help to keep you more comfortable as you work. This hedge trimmer can cut through branches that are 0.5-inches thick without stalling, and you can oil the blades to make it cut smoother if you run into problems. 

There is a very balanced feel to this hedge trimmer with a lighter 6.5-pound weight that allows you to work for longer periods without a problem, and the rear handle will rotate up to 180-degrees to help you change your hand positions as needed to trim vertically, horizontally, or for creating decorative topiaries. The built-in cord on this model helps prevent you from accidentally unplugging it, and there are lock-on and lock-off switches to ensure you get uninterrupted operation with no accidental starts. 

Benefits:

• Up to 40% less vibration 
• 6.5-pound weight 
• Cuts branches up to 0.5-inches thick 
• Handle will rotate 180-degrees 
• Built-in cord included
• Lock-on and lock-off switches 
• From a well-known brand

Drawbacks:

• Cutting bar is flimsy 

8. Sun Joe HJ22HTE Hedge Trimmer – Best For Light Projects

Sun Joe’s hedge trimmer comes with a push-button start that is very user-friendly, and it makes tidying up your shrubs or bushes much simpler and easier. You get a very ergonomic handle on this  model that is a full wrap-around handle design that allows you to swap your grip as you see fit. There are 22-inch dual-action blades on this tool that are made out of hardened steel blades that resist rust and corrosion with heavy use or use in wet environments. It has a 3.5-amp motor on it that makes less noise than a lot of traditional hedge trimmers, and this allows you to use it at your leisure without disturbing your neighbors. 

This hedge trimmer weighs five-pounds, and this makes it lightweight enough to easily maneuver around your yard without having your arms get tired or sore. There is a two-handed safety switch on this model that prevents the hedge trimmer from accidentally starting by itself, and it has a cord attached that is on the shorter side. You will need a heavy-duty extension cord to extend your reach with this model, but it can slice through thick and thin branches without a problem. 

Benefits:

• 22-inch dual-action blades
• Blades are hardened steel 
• Weighs five-pounds
• Two-handed safety switch 
• Wrap-around handle 
• Runs quieter 
• Has a push-button start

Drawbacks:

• Has a very short cord

9. Husqvarna 122HD60 Hedge Trimmer – Best For Thick Branches

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This is another gas-powered hedge trimmer that you can use to cut overhanging branches to keep all of your walkways tidy in your yard. You get a Smart Start engine on this model that allows you to power it up without having to struggle with it, and it has a carburetor air purge system equipped that clears air from the fuel system to make it even easier to start.You get 24-inch, dual-action blades that help lower the amount of vibrations you feel, and it has LowVib technology with dampeners that will absorb the excess vibrations to prevent arm fatigue as you work. 

You’ll get an adjustable rear handle grip, and this allows you to hold it from the angle that feels best for you. In turn, you can easily cut horizontally and vertically without an issue. The auto-return stop switch will reset the hedge trimmer to the on position to make it easier to start each time, and you get a cutting speed of 4,050 cuts per minute to cut more on each pass to speed your projects up. It weighs 10.8-pounds, and this is a decently lightweight option. You also get a sleek black and grey color scheme that looks sharp while making it easier to see. 

Benefits:

• Offers less vibrations 
• Runs quieter
• Has an easy engine startup
• Comes with a carburetor air purge system
• LowVib technology
• Adjustable rear grip
• 4,050 cuts per minute 

Drawbacks:

• More expensive price

10. Toro 51490 Hedge Trimmer – Best For Yard Work 

The final hedge trimmer on the list comes from Toro, and this product offers hardened steel blades that are powerful and dual-action to help you tackle more projects around the house. They deliver up to 40% less vibrations when you work with this tool to prevent hand, wrist, and arm fatigue to allow you to work longer, and you get 22-inch blades that extend your reach when you cut through thinner branches or shrubbery. This is a lightweight model that allows you to use it for extended periods without a problem, and you get a very ergonomic handle that is comfortable and safe to grip, even in unfavorable weather conditions. 

This hedge trimmer comes equipped with a four-amp motor to make it a middle-grade product in terms of power, and it has a cord lock on it to prevent it from accidentally unplugging as you work to keep your projects moving along smoothly from start to finish. It’ll cut through branches that are up to 9/16-inches thick without stalling out, and it has a compact design to make it easy to store between uses. Also, you get a two-year warranty from the date of purchase to help protect your initial investment. 

Benefits:

• Has a cord lock system 
• Come with a three-sided support handle 
• Has a powerful motor 
• Up to 40% less vibrations 
• Two sizes available 
• Has a two-year warranty 
• Hardened steel blades

Drawbacks:

• No lock-on feature 

Hedge Trimmer Buyer’s Guide 

When it comes time to purchase your new hedge trimmer, there are several buying criteria you want to keep in mind. If you don’t, you could end up buying a gardening tool that you don’t use a lot. It can also hamper your ability to complete all of the projects you have on your list. 

Blade Type 

You’ll quickly notice that most hedge trimmers have blades that are rated to be either single or dual-action. Dual-action blades usually have much fewer vibrations than single-action blades, and this can keep you comfortable as you work. Dual-action blades also cut each portion of the branches in your hedges or shrubs twice in one pass to help you get more efficient cuts. 

Electric or Gas 

One of the first things you want to consider with your trimmer is whether you want an electric or gas model. Both can work well for your projects like trimming your cherry tree if it starts dying or keeping your hedges tidy. 

• Electric – Many people choose to buy an electric trimmer for use around their homes because all they’re going to do with it is routine trimming and maintenance for their shrubs, hedges, or trees. Electric models give you a shorter runtime, but you don’t have to worry about fumes, oil, gas, and a lot of the maintenance with them. 

• Gas – If you need more power, you’ll most likely want to go with a gas trimmer. They do require more maintenance, but you get a much longer runtime with more power behind it to tackle those thicker branches, bigger trees, and more unruly shrubs. You see a lot of gas trimmers in commercial operations. 

Buying this tool can help you care for every aspect of your lawn and garden. You can easily shape your shrubs and trees however you like, and it makes it quick and easy to go back and routinely trim the branches to keep everything looking tidy all season long. 

Length 

Your trimmer can come in a variety of lengths, and you want something that is going to reach all of your desired areas to trim the top, bottom, and middle of your hedges. The saw length can range from a few inches up to 24 and 26-inches long. Ideally, you’ll have a good idea of the length you need before you start to shop. If you don’t, you could buy one  that is too long or too small for you to use comfortably. 

Handle Design 

Ideally, your hedge trimmer will come with a wrap-around handle design on it that allows you to easily change up where you grip the tool as you use it. A rotating handle is another option, and this allows you to turn the handle to cut vertically or horizontally easily and comfortably. You also want a softer grip to help improve how manageable your hedge trimmer is each time you use it. 

Weight 

How much weight can you comfortably carry around and lift for extended periods? Generally speaking, trimmers can be very lightweight if you go with an electric model. Gas models tend to be much heavier because they can take on bigger jobs like keeping your fruit trees neat and trimmed. Keep an eye on the weight of the trimmers you  look at and consider who is going to be using them the most. 

Nicely manicured hedges can create a natural privacy screen around your yard, but they do require the correct tools to keep them looking sharp. A trimmer can easily tackle small and large projects for you in a small amount of time. 

Safety 

You want to stay safe any time you use a powertool, and many trimmers come with built-in safety features. Things like a hand guard that allows you to see what you’re doing while forming a barrier between the blade and your hand is nice. Some have child safety locks while others come with a trigger that won’t activate unless you squeeze it with both hands. Consider the safety features you want to see when you shop because this can help you narrow down your final choice right away. 

Cutting Capacity

Usually, hedge trimmers have a cutting capacity that gets measured in fractions of inches. This is the cutting capacity. Gas trimmers can take on branches that are an inch thick without any problem, and electric hedge trimmers can usually cut through branches that are ¼ to ¾-of an inch thick without stalling. Think about the size of the branches in your yard before you choose one hedge trimmer. You don’t want to get something that can’t handle everything you throw at it. 

Noise

Where do you plan to use your new trimmer the most? If you live in the suburbs or have close neighbors, you’re going to want to be more cautious with how loud your trimmer is. If you’re out in the country, you don’t have to worry as much. Anyone who lives in a crowded area should look for a tool that puts out less noise to be conscious of your neighbors. 

Bottom Line

Picking out a high-quality hedge trimmer shouldn’t be a long, involved process. However, you should take at least a little time to get a good understanding on how this tool works and what you want to accomplish with it. I’ve picked out 10 high-quality options from reputable brands for you, and the short buying guide can help you make your final choice.