Hedge trimmer set? (2023)

What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter?

What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter? Usually, hedge trimmers are used for 'light work' on branches and bushes. Tidying up and shaping shrubs is another of their functions. However, heavy-duty work is more suited to hedge cutters, for example, breaking down big branches and thicker bushes.

They're worth buying if you have overgrowth that's too thick for a string trimmer but using a chainsaw would be overkill. Hedge trimmers can cut branches as thick as about an inch. They do that with an oscillating bar of a fixed length, with precut grooves on either side of the blade.

The three main kinds are corded electric, cordless battery-powered and petrol hedgetrimmers, each of which will suit the needs of different users. Corded Electric Hedgetrimmers: Corded hedgetrimmers are generally best suited to use in smaller gardens because they require access to a mains power source.

Shear the interior and other obvious problem areas first, then use a power trimmer to refine the shape. Snip overgrown branches and limbs inside each bush. Clear enough space for sunlight and air to pass through and stimulate healthy growth. Make sure to prune the base near the roots as well.

In general, for gardens with lots of hedging and shrubs that need to be looked after, the corded electric hedge trimmer would get the job done that much quicker. For smaller areas and areas of the yard that corded models could't reach, the cordless model would do the job very well.

Double-sided hedgetrimmers are usually easier to handle than their single-sided equivalents, especially as you can quickly change the direction of cut when working on tricky corners or unusually shaped shrubs.

Follow our guide below to make sure you comply with DEFRA rules. You should not cut or trim hedges or trees between the dates of March 1st and September 1st without a derogation. You may only apply for a derogation if you plan to cut hedges before any new grass ley or oil seed rape is sown in the Autumn.

A hedge trimmer can generally cut branches that are about an inch thick. The thickest branch that a hedge trimmer can cut is roughly 2.5 inches, which would be about the maximum reach of their blades.

Formative pruning is usually carried out in winter or early spring. After this, maintenance trimming is carried out, usually once a year for informal hedges and twice a year for formal hedges. Some formal hedges may need three cuts a year. Maintenance trimming is generally carried out between spring and summer.

Does trimming the top of a hedge make it grow thicker?

Trimming the top encourages the sides to grow out further, thickening your hedge.

The blade length of a trimmer will determine the width of hedge you can cut with it. For a smaller hedge, blades between 30cm to 40cm should be sufficient, but if you're regularly cutting more mature hedges, look for models with longer blades of 50cm plus.

Even the heavy-duty hedge trimmers with wider grooves don't have the horsepower to cut through tree branches. Fact is, hedge trimmers can't do the job of more suitable trimming tools like pruning shears or loppers. For the best results, use one of these three essential tools for trimming trees.

Depending on the model and the brand, they have a runtime between 40 and 60 minutes. The latest GTech hedge trimmer HT50, for example, lasts up to 60 minutes, depending on the types of hedges you have to trim.

We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting.

Winter is usually the best time.

Dormant pruning is usually done in late winter, six to 10 weeks before the average last frost in your area. You can prune shrubs at any time of year if it's necessary—for example, to remove broken branches or dead or diseased wood, or to remove growth that is obstructing a walkway.

Ideally, hedge sides are trimmed wider at the base so that the light from the sun can penetrate the leaves at the bottom. Trim chest-high hedges on the sides first. To trim chest-high hedges, cut the sides vertically using an arc-shaped sweeping motion. Start at the back moving forward.

Voltage: Most battery-powered hedge trimmers have an 18 to 80-volt battery. However, most high-performing hedge trimmer batteries are at least 40 volts.

Types of batteries and models

Most hedge trimmers are powered either by 20V or 40V batteries. While 40V batteries are obviously the most powerful type, 20V is adequate for most hedge trimming. You might be surprised to learn that the 20V battery lasts a very long time, around 40 minutes of use.

Are gas hedge trimmers more powerful than electric or battery-powered ones? Most gas-powered engines are more powerful than electric motors. For hedge trimmers, this means a gas-powered trimmer can cut through larger branches and denser vegetation more quickly than electric models.

How thick can a Stihl hedge trimmer cut?

It has a built-in battery so it's very easy to use, and is perfectly suited to trimming back annual growth around 8mm thick. It's packed full of features, with a double-sided 20”/50 cm trimmer blade length, integrated cut protection and a screw-on tip protector.

There is no law that compels your neighbour to cut their side of the hedge should they not want or be able to. If the boundary is in the middle of the hedge, this will technically be their property so they will not have to trim it if they do not want to.

Your neighbour can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don't like the way it looks, it's up to you whether you do the work.

Legally, homeowners are allowed to trim back any branches or roots that cross into their property. But, crucially, you can only trim up to the boundary of your property - not over on to your neighbour's side. So it's important to find out who owns the of the hedge and where the boundaries lie.

Trees or hedges that overhang your property

If a neighbour's tree or hedge is growing over into your garden, you cannot make them cut it back. However, you do have the right to remove overgrowing branches yourself, but only back to the common boundary. Any cuttings must be offered back to the tree or hedge owner.

You must NEVER overstretch or stand on tip-toes to cut high twigs and branches. In fact, as a rule, your hedgetrimmer should never be raised above head height. If you decide to use a ladder or step-ladder PLEASE make sure it is stable.

Hedge Trimmers. This DeWalt battery-powered hedge trimmer was overall an excellent performer. It excelled at trimming bamboo branches in our testing, only slowing down when cutting the thickest of stalks, while being a noticeably light unit. This DeWalt battery-powered hedge trimmer was overall an excellent performer.

As such, we recommend sharpening after every 50 hours of use or so, to ensure consistent cutting performance and to enable you to enjoy your hedge trimmer for a long time to come. You can also find all the important information you need about sharpening your hedge trimmer in the operating instructions.

Lubricating your hedge trimmer

For best operation and longer blade life, lubricate the hedge trimmer blade with a lightweight machine oil before and after each use.

Is it illegal to cut hedges in summer?

Wildlife Protection

The months of March through to the end of July is the breeding season for birds and as far as hedge cutting is concerned is considered a closed season and unless there exists unavoidable health and safety concerns hedge cutting during this season should be avoided.

A hedge should last at least 30 years, and some gardens have hedges 100 years old or more. Partly it depends on the plants used – if they can be trimmed hard back they can have a longer life – but it also depends on the maintenance given, and how the hedge was developed when young.

If a hedge is old and seriously overgrown, you'll need to do some rejuvenation pruning using the three-year rule. Remove up to one-third of the thickest stems down at the base of the plant, stimulating new growth; repeat the next year, and the year after.

Compost (garden or spent mushroom), leaf mould, well-rotted manure, wood or bark chippings or even seaweed all make excellent mulches for use not only under hedges but across the garden.

Ideally, sharpening should be done before the blades show too many visible signs of wear, we recommend sharpening every 50 hours of use or so, this is to ensure consistent cutting performance and to enable you to enjoy your Hedge Trimmer for as long as possible.

Cutting Capabilities

A hedge trimmer is designed for trimming and shaping hedges, shrubs, and other plants with woody stem up to about 5/8 of an inch thick. A chainsaw, on the other hand, is much more powerful and can cut through much thicker material, making it better suited for felling trees or cutting firewood.

Hedge trimmers are multi-purpose instruments that may be used for more than just shaping hedges. They're also useful for getting rid of overgrown grass, weeds, shrubs, and bushes.

Hands down, gas powered hedge trimmers are more powerful, making them better for larger jobs. You also don't have to worry about having extra batteries while you are on a bigger hedge trimming project. Simply keep gas and oil on hand and you can trim for hours and hours on end.

Lubricating the Hedge Trimmer Blades with WD-40. After you are done cleaning your hedge trimmer and have thoroughly dried off any residue, you should also remember to lubricate the blades. To do so, get your hands on a dry cloth and use it to reapply a coat of WD-40 on the blades with an even distribution.

An established hedge quickly re-establishes when cut back hard, but it is really a waste of its height and it takes extra time to re-grow, so hedges are usually only cut back part-way. The sides can be cut back too - a process known as "splitting" a hedge.

Which hedge trimmer cuts the thickest branches?

Trimming techniques

Hand-held hedge shears are fine for smaller hedges, but for large hedges you'll probably find it easier to use an electric or petrol hedge trimmer. No matter what you use always make sure the equipment is sharp and well lubricated. Always think of your safety when using a powered hedge trimmer.

Use a ladder or extension ladder to reach the branches. Make sure the ladder is stable and set it up against the tree in such a way that you will have a good grip on the tree limb when you cut it. Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes. Use a saw with a sharp blade to make the cuts.

We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting.

Late spring, early fall, or winter (when the hedges are fully dormant) are the best times for pruning hedges. Don't prune hedges during very hot, dry weather, and prune well before your first frost date.

We recommend starting with the sides of the hedge first and working your way to the top. Cut flat along the tops of hedges up to 10ft tall, with our HT50 Hedge Trimmer using its adjustable cutting head.

A hedge trimmer can generally cut branches that are about an inch thick. The thickest branch that a hedge trimmer can cut is roughly 2.5 inches, which would be about the maximum reach of their blades.