The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

Manual Hedge trimmers are well suited for cutting box trees and other topiary trees and for trimming back individual trees or smaller hedges. This model from the brand manufacturer Gardena has two broad blades made of hardened steel with a serrated edge. This has the advantage that even harder branches are better gripped when cutting and do not slip out as quickly. In addition, this model has an integrated branch cutter, which can also be used to shorten thick branches. The handles are made of light but sturdy aluminum and are covered with soft plastic for a better feel. So the hedge trimmer sits comfortably in the hand.

If, on the other hand, a long and high hedge is to be trimmed, a battery-powered one is used Hedge trimmer(€ 77.00 at Amazon *) makes more sense. After all, this work requires a lot of muscle power, and it is also possible with a batteryHedge trimmer simply faster. This Bosch model also has a height-adjustable telescopic handle with an integrated swivel head, which makes it possible to use a ladder even with high hedges unnecessary - with this telescopic hedge trimmer you have a range of up to 2.6 meters and can work the hedge from the sides as well as effortlessly above cut. The powerful 18 V lithium-ion battery with charger is included in the delivery and enables continuous work for up to 2.5 hours.

If the hedge is long but not particularly high, a cordless hedge trimmer without a telescope is recommended. This can also be used for topiary pruning of individual trees. According to the manufacturer's description, this model from Bosch is perfect for medium-sized hedges and cuts branches up to 25 millimeters thick neatly and precisely. The sharpness of the Saw knife is secured by the laser beam cut as well as the diamond cut. The anti-lock system ensures continuous work without interruptions, the Quick-Cut technology ensures efficient and fast hedge trimming. An 18-volt lithium-ion battery and charger are included in the delivery.

Purchase criteria

purpose of use

There are innumerable varieties of hedge trimmers. Which one you choose largely depends on what exactly you want to cut with it. Hedge trimmers are suitable for cutting topiary trees (such as boxwood) as well as for trimming small, low, medium-sized or long and high hedges. You should note that most models can cut branches and twigs up to a diameter of - depending on the model - only a few centimeters. Hedge trimmers are more suitable for thin than thick wood.

Drive type

Manual hedge trimmer: Manual resp. mechanical hedge trimmers are very suitable for smaller shrubs and hedges, and they are also perfect for topiary cutting. With such a tool you can make very precise and clean cuts, it is also quiet and requires neither electricity nor petrol.

Cordless hedge trimmers: If, on the other hand, longer hedges need to be trimmed, it might make sense to purchase a cordless hedge trimmer. With this you save a lot of tedious work and you can also make rapid progress. In addition, cordless hedge trimmers do not have a cable that could cut you significantly and which would hinder you when working. The battery only lasts for one to 2.5 hours and then has to be recharged or replaced.

Electric hedge trimmers: Electric hedge trimmers need a power connection to operate. However, you can compensate for the missing socket in the garden with an extension, but you have to keep an eye on the cable when cutting. Electric models are very suitable for cutting long hedges and thick branches that battery-powered models cannot handle.

Petrol hedge trimmers: Gasoline-powered hedge trimmers are the best choice for extensive hedges, and they also cut old wood with thick branches best. However, filigree work is not possible with these models, and they are also very loud. In return, you are independent of muscle strength, rechargeable batteries and power cables that have to be recharged over and over again.

Telescopic function

Telescopic hedge trimmers are equipped with an extendable handle and allow you to cut tall hedges without having to climb a ladder. There are different models with both mechanical and motorized drives that work with batteries, electricity or petrol. When buying, make sure that the model you prefer has the required length. Movable telescopic handles that can be set at different angles are also particularly practical.

Knife length / cutting length

Especially if you buy motorized hedge trimmers, pay attention to the information on the cutting length. Many users confuse the sword length with the actual cutting length. Both details are not identical, because the cutting sword is basically longer than the actual cutting length. Therefore, the information relevant to your purchase is not the length of the sword, but the question of how long a cut can be made.

Knife type

Serrated edge / straight edge: Manual hedge trimmers can have blades with a straight cut or with a wave cut. A wave cut has the advantage that the tool can grip and hold even hard branches better. In return, blades with a straight grind leave cleaner cutting edges and are also easier to sharpen.

Single / double counter-rotating: If the blades are simply counter-rotating, only one moves and performs the cut, while the other remains rigid. With double counter-rotating knives, on the other hand, both move, which usually leads to a cleaner and easier cut.

weight

The weight of the hedge trimmer is also an important purchase criterion, after all you not only have to hold it for a long time, but also be able to guide it. If the device is too heavy, this inevitably leads to symptoms of fatigue. In principle, mechanical hedge cutters are particularly light, but require a completely different amount of force. Battery-operated devices are usually a little heavier than electric models. Petrol hedge trimmers, however, are significantly heavier and can easily weigh five to six kilograms - without the petrol, which of course you also have to fill up.

frequently asked Questions

What does a good hedge trimmer cost?

How much you do for your Hedge trimmers output depends mainly on the type of drive. Good manual hedge trimmers are available for prices starting at approx. 20 EUR, while an electrically powered model costs around 50 EUR upwards. Cordless hedge trimmers including battery and charger cost at least twice as much. High-quality petrol scissors, for which you have to budget at least 150 EUR, are particularly cost-intensive.

When can you prune hedges?

According to the regulation of § 39 Abs. 5 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) Cutting measuresthat are about gentle Care and shape cuts go out, in the period between 01. March and 30. September prohibited. This is to protect breeding birds. In addition, cutting measures should only be carried out outside of the rest periods, provided that noise is associated with them. This means that you can only use motorized hedge trimmers Monday to Saturday between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. - and you have to take a break between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at lunchtime.

What safety measures do you have to take when cutting with a hedge trimmer?

For safety reasons, you should always have one when cutting, especially with motorized hedge trimmers Wear protective goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from sharp splinters and knots protection. For particularly loud models (v. a. with petrol scissors) hearing protection is also useful. When buying, make sure that your motorized hedge trimmer has a two-hand control to prevent accidental start-up.

Which brand manufacturers offer good hedge trimmers?

You can get hedge trimmers from all well-known brand manufacturers. Gardena, the manufacturer of garden tools, offers a wide range of manual hedge trimmers, battery packs and electric drives. You can also get good mechanical hedge trimmers from Fiskars or Grüntek. High-quality tool manufacturers such as Bosch, Black & Decker, Makita or DeWalt also have various battery and electric-powered hedge trimmers on offer. Gasoline-powered models are also available from brands such as Stihl or Einhell.

equipment

Shrub shears

Compared to a hedge trimmer, one has Shrub shears(€ 107.03 at Amazon *) a much smaller cutting length and is therefore very suitable for precise cuts. For this reason, shrub shears are often used for shape cuts that require accuracy. When it comes to cutting fine trees, shrubs and grasses, shrub shears are the right choice.