Which hedge trimmer should I choose?

Publiseret 2025.12.08

You can choose between 3 types of hedge trimmers 

When deciding which hedge trimmer to choose, it's important to know that you can choose between three different types. You can choose between: 

• Battery-powered hedge trimmers. 

• Petrol hedge trimmers. 

• Electric hedge trimmers. 

There are pros and cons to all three types, and the choice will depend on your individual needs. We review the three models below to help you decide which hedge trimmer to choose for your next gardening project. 

Which hedge trimmer should I choose? What you need to consider  

When deciding which type of hedge trimmer to choose, there are some key factors to consider. We've gathered the most important ones here:   

• Power: First and foremost, think about the power of the hedge trimmer. A powerful hedge trimmer can handle larger hedges and thicker branches. The choice therefore depends on the size of your hedge.   

• Sound level: You should also consider the sound level of the hedge trimmer. If you live close to your neighbours, you may want to choose a quieter model. Battery-powered and electric hedge trimmers are quieter.   

• Corded: Do you like corded or cordless hedge trimmers? This requires you to have a power outlet near the hedge or have the extension cord for extra reach ready.    

• Weight: Weight is another important factor. A heavy hedge trimmer may be more stable and powerful, but it can also be more strenuous to use. So this is something you should weigh up.  

Choosing the right hedge trimmer is all about finding the right balance between the different factors so that you get a hedge trimmer that suits your hedge and your needs. 

Should you choose a battery hedge trimmer?  

Benefits and advantages  

• Flexible: A battery hedge trimmer is flexible. You are not bound by a cord that can restrict your freedom of movement. This means you can move freely around the garden with the cordless trimmers. And you won't have to worry about cutting the cord.  

• Lightweight: Another advantage is the light weight. Battery hedge trimmers and electric hedge trimmers are typically lighter than their gasoline or electric counterparts. This makes them easier to handle, so you'll experience less fatigue in your arms and shoulders, even after prolonged use.   

• Eco-friendly solution: If you care about the environment, a battery hedge trimmer is also an obvious choice. It emits no harmful gases, and the battery can often be recharged many times before it needs replacing.   

• Quiet: A battery hedge trimmer or electric hedge trimmer is also quieter than a petrol hedge trimmer. This means less noise nuisance for you and your neighbours when you cut the hedge.  

Disadvantages  

• Requires charging: One of the most obvious drawbacks is that the battery needs charging. If you have a large hedge, you may need to charge the battery along the way, and this can extend the time it takes to cut the hedge.   

• Less powerful: Another disadvantage is that a battery hedge trimmer is typically less powerful than a petrol or electric hedge trimmer. This means it may have a harder time dealing with those extra thick branches or larger hedges

What about a petrol hedge trimmer?  

Benefits and advantages  

• Not dependent on electricity: With a petrol hedge trimmer, you're not dependent on electricity. This means you don't need a cord, which means you can cut the hedge no matter how far away from the house it is. This gives you tremendous freedom and flexibility when trimming the hedge. 

• No charging: Another great advantage is that you don't need to charge the battery. When using a petrol hedge trimmer, you don't need to take breaks to charge the battery. You can cut the hedge in one go.    

• Powerful: If you're looking for a petrol hedge trimmer, one of the advantages is that it's powerful compared to other hedge trimmers. It has plenty of engine power, making it capable of tackling even the thickest branches. If you have a large hedge or a hedge with extra thick branches, a petrol hedge trimmer can therefore be a good choice.   

Disadvantages  

• Weight: Petrol hedge trimmers are often heavier than battery or electric hedge trimmers. This can make it more cumbersome to handle - especially if you're cutting hedges for long periods of time.   

• More expensive: Another disadvantage is that a petrol hedge trimmer is often more expensive than the other types - both to buy and to run, as you have to buy petrol on an ongoing basis. It's therefore important to consider whether the extra cost is worth it for you.  

When should you choose an electric hedge trimmer?  

Benefits and advantages  

• Easy to use: One of the great advantages of an electric hedge trimmer is that it's easy to use. Simply plug it into a power outlet and you're ready to go. This means you don't have to charge or refuel, as is the case with the other two models.  

• Eco-friendly: An electric hedge trimmer is also an environmentally friendly choice. Because it runs on electricity, it doesn't emit harmful gases like a gasoline-powered model.   

• Quiet: If you live close to your neighbours or if you prefer a quiet day in the garden, you'll appreciate that an electric hedge trimmer is quiet.   

• Lightweight: An electric hedge trimmer typically has a lower weight than a petrol model. This makes it easier to maneuver and less strain on your arms and shoulders. This is a big advantage if you have a large hedge to cut.   

Disadvantages  

• Cord: One of the drawbacks of an electric hedge trimmer is the cord. While it's convenient not to have to charge batteries or refuel, the cord can get in the way when you're trimming the hedge. It also requires a little extra attention to make sure you don't accidentally cut the cord.   

• Less powerful motor: Another disadvantage is that an electric hedge trimmer often has a less powerful motor than a petrol model. This means it can have a harder time dealing with thick branches. If you have a large hedge with thick branches, you may want to consider a petrol model instead.

Have you decided which hedge trimmer to choose?  

You now have an idea of what the different types of hedge trimmers have to offer and the pros and cons of each. But even if you've figured out which type of hedge trimmer you want, there are still a few other important considerations you need to make.    

• Ergonomics: Once you've decided which hedge trimmer to choose, you need to choose a model that is comfortable. It's important that the hedge trimmer feels good in your hands, is comfortable to work with and easy to manoeuvre - even for long periods of time.   

• Safety features: Safety features are another important factor. A good hedge trimmer should have a safety switch that stops the machine if you let go of the handle.   

• Hedge trimmer blades length and cutting strength: When deciding which hedge trimmer to choose, blade length and cutting strength are two other important considerations. A longer blade can cut more hedges in one go, but it can be harder to handle. Cutting force is about how powerful a cut the hedge trimmer can make. If you have a hedge with thick branches, it's important to choose a hedge trimmer with a high cutting force. 
   

So, which hedge trimmer should you choose? It depends on many different factors. It's important to consider both the type of hedge trimmer and a number of other factors before you buy. That way, you can find the hedge trimmer that best suits you and your needs. You can also get cordless models like pole hedge trimmers that make it easier to cut tall hedges.