Choosing the right hedge trimmer for your garden

What is it with us Kiwis and our gardens? Tidy hedges, thick, green lawns, and weed-free flower beds give us such satisfaction, but keeping those shrubs and hedges looking their best can be a tough job if you don’t have the right hedge trimmer. So, which is the right hedge trimmer for your shrubs and hedges?

Different types of hedge trimmers by power source

Hedge trimmers are available with three different power source options: electric, battery-powered, and petrol, and each has their own pros and cons.

Electric hedge trimmers

Pros: Electric hedge trimmers are powered by an electric cord. They’re generally light and easy to use, without the hassle of mixing fuel or struggling with the fuel cord. Noise level is another pro, as they’re a lot quieter than most petrol-powered machines.

Cons: The obvious disadvantage of an electric hedge trimmer is that your operation is limited to the length of the power cable and power socket placement. Another is safety – ensuring the area you are working in is completely dry and that you’re always aware of where the cable lies so as not to trip over or worse, cut the cord.

Battery-powered hedge trimmers

Pros: Battery or cordless hedge trimmers are growing in popularity for their ease of use, light weight, and eco-friendliness. There’s no mixing of fuels, you simply press the ‘on’ button and go. They’re also very quiet and low maintenance, and without a cable, you’re free to roam.

Cons: Limitations arise in run time and as the charge runs out, cutting performance fades. Once the charge is depleted, the battery requires charging, so always opt for a fast charger!

Petrol-powered hedge trimmers

Pros: The biggest advantage of petrol hedge trimmers are their higher power and cutting speeds, allowing you to cut a good amount of shrubbery/vegetation in a shorter period of time. Refuelling is quick, especially with pre-mixed petrol and two-stroke oil, and these machines are generally durable and easy to use.

Cons: Petrol-powered hedge trimmers emit exhaust fumes, can be very noisy, and tend to be a bit heavier than the above types of trimmers.

Key features to consider

Blade length

The longer your hedge trimmer blade length, the more you can cut and the neater your finish will be. But with longer blades comes a heavier machine with less manoeuvrability in tight spaces.

A rough guideline when looking at which blade length to choose for your garden is:

• Small to medium jobs = 50cm and less
• Medium to large jobs = 50-75cm
• Large jobs = 60cm and more

Weight and ergonomics

Whether you plan on using your hedge trimmer for short bursts or long afternoons, you want to choose a trimmer that’s comfortable for you. Trimming higher hedges will use and fatigue a different set of muscles than holding the machine at a lower angle, so your strength and capability need to be considered.

Cutting capacity

What and how much your hedge trimmer will cut is based on teeth spacing. The bigger the teeth spacing, the larger material the blade can cut. Starting at around 15mm to 20mm spacing is fine for smaller hedges, but mature hedges may require a 30mm gap or more.

Safety features

Hedge trimmers can be dangerous instruments, so safety features like blade guards, dual switches, and anti-jamming technology are important.

Matching the hedge trimmer to your garden’s needs

The kind of hedge trimmer you buy will be dictated by what you’ll use it for. When it comes to considering your garden size and layout, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you trimming high or low hedges and shrubs?
• How long are the hedges?
• Are you planning a quick tidy or a more elaborate shape?
• Is your garden wide and open or will you be manoeuvring in tight spaces?
• Where are the closest power sources?

Choosing the right hedge trimmer for your garden is more than just picking a tool - it’s about getting the best tool for the job. Whether you prefer the quiet efficiency of an electric or battery-powered model, or the robust power of a petrol hedge trimmer, the right choice will make all the difference in maintaining those tidy hedges and lush green lawns we Kiwis take so much pride in.

When it comes to hedge trimmers, Solo NZ’s got you covered. Check out our petrol-powered and battery-powered hedge trimmers here.