Hedge Trimmers

If you have any shrubs or hedges on your property you probably use a hedge trimmer  to prune them so that they stay looking neat and clean. Some people like using them to make topiaries.  There are two main types, electric and gas-powered. You can also use hedge clippers  to get the job done under your own power, but if you have a lot to do, a powered hedge trimmer will save you time. You should always plan to have a sturdy step ladder,  a pair of safety goggles,  work gloves,  and some kind of ear protection  handy when you use a powered hedge trimmer. (You might also want to read up on hedge trimming as an art form; look for books about topiaries. ) 

• Non-powered hedge trimmers,  also known as hedge clippers,  are used at home and by professional gardeners for small jobs that need very exact trimming. They are precise, safe, lightweight, quiet, and require little maintenance. On the other hand, they are simply not meant for major pruning, either on large jobs or on hedges with thick branches.
• Electric models  are usually preferred by consumers who do a lot of trimming and who have thicker branches to deal with. They are relatively quiet compared to gas-powered trimmers.
• Gasoline powered trimmers  are typically geared towards professionals and commercial trimming. They may also be preferred by consumers with large and/or extensive hedges or shrubs.

Recommendations

These models were recommended by ConsumerSearch as top picks among reviewers.

Corded Electric Little Wonder 2420	Cordless Electric Black & Decker NHT518	Gas Powered Echo HC160

• Other Manufacturers: Husqvarna,  Poulan,  Craftsman,  Makita,  Weed Eater 

Electric Hedge Trimmers

• Pros
• Electric hedge trimmers  are lightweight, quiet, easy to start and easy to care for.
• They don't produce any exhaust, which is better for the environment and your health.
• They are less expensive than gas models.
• Consistent power source -- you don't have to worry about charging or refueling.
• Cons
• The main drawback is limited mobility because your range is restricted by the length of the cord.
• Cordless trimmers
• There are less powerful (but equally expensive) battery-powered  trimmers that eliminate the cord.
• They aren't able to cut branches more than 1/4" thick and they do eventually run out of juice. 
• Keep in mind that the battery will usually need anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to recharge fully and won't get that much done per charge.
• Cordless trimmers  are good for light maintenance and small projects.
• Price
• $20-$300

Gasoline-Powered Hedge Trimmers

• Pros
• Can reach anywhere without a cord.
• Much more powerful than electric models. 
• Can handle sawing through thicker branches and foliage.
• Cons
• Louder, heavier, and produce fumes.
• Require more maintenance, including mixing gas and oil and winterizing at the end of the season. 
• Harder to start.
• Tend to be more expensive, although there is a lot of overlap in price ranges. More expensive to maintain and fuel.
• Price
• $50-$400

Features To Look For In Powered Trimmers

• Blade length -- what you need depends on what size plants you are trimming.
• For small 3-5 foots shrubs, keep the blade length shorter (under 20 inches), otherwise it will be difficult to maneuver.
• For commercial jobs and anything larger than 6 feet, choose a longer blade, up to 30 inches long.
• Hedges from 10-15 ft. may need something 30-40 inches long.
• Blade gaps should be as large as possible to make cutting through smaller branches easier and to increase the trimmer's capacity for slicing through stronger, thick branches. This is especially important for commercial trimmers.
• Double-sided blades are more convenient than single-sided blades  because they cut from both directions and they are usually longer so they cover a larger area.
• That means that if you are on a ladder you can cut in any direction you want without having to climb down, move the ladder, and climb back up.
• The downside is that double-sided blades  increase your chances of injuring yourself since you aren't restricted to cutting away from your body.
• Choose a double-sided blade if you plan to trim 10-15 foot hedges.
• For maximum safety at home on smaller shrubs, stick to a single-sided blade.
• Dual-action blades  will reduce the vibration emitted from the trimmer for a smoother, more stable cut. Single-action blades  only vibrate from the top, making for a shaky trimming process.
• The best handle design depends on what you prefer: comfort and mobility or safety.
• If you want the ability to move around in odd angles, opt for a wrap-around front handle  which will give you optimum mobility in different holding positions.
• If you prefer to protect your hands, go for a design with a front-handle shield. 

Safety & Maintenance

Hedge trimmers aren't exactly the safest tool around (they are sharp even when turned off) so you should always take the necessary precautions to make sure you stay safe.

• Look for the UL label (Underwriters Laboratory) to confirm that the trimmer has the required safety features.
• Always wear protective work gloves,  eye protection,  and good shoes.
• If you are using a gas-powered trimmer, make sure to have hearing protection. 
• Always verify the stability of your ladder  if you are using one.
• Make sure that the cord flows away from the trimmer at all times.
• Anti-vibration features may help improve a user's control over the trimmer, making it safer. It will also reduce arm fatigue.
• A lock on the throttle switch keeps the trimmer from being turned on accidentally.
• Kill switches are an invaluable safety feature, but are not found on all models.
• Look for blade locks that keep them from moving while the engine idles.

Trimmers are mostly metal and therefore prone to rusting. Protect them from the elements and store in a cool, dry place. Gas-powered trimmers should never be stored inside the house.

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External Links

• ConsumerSearch -- meta-review of hedge trimmers.
• HowStuffWorks.com -- more information on buying a hedge trimmer. 

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