Let’s face it: an overgrown hedge in your front yard is an eyesore. It isn’t, however, hard to fix.
Although hiring a gardener to do the job for you is the dream scenario, paying bi-weekly costs for hedging is unrealistic for most people’s budgets. Instead, investing in a high-quality hedge trimmer means you can trim, prune and scape to your heart’s desire without worrying about paying any invoices.
To help you out, we’ve got a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best hedge trimmer for your backyard and 5 of the top options on the market. Choose your favourite, and feel like a king with your mighty sword!
2025’s top hedge trimmers
- Husqvarna Aspire, $269, Husqvarna (here’s why)
- Makita, $199, Total Tools (here’s why)
- Bosch, $99, Amazon (here’s why)
Features to consider when buying a hedge trimmer
Weight and length
If you’re choosing a battery-operated hedge trimmer, consider the additional weight and balance of the tool. Additionally, if you opt for a hedger with a pole, you’ll have to manage a longer span and be able to balance your weight accordingly.
Blades and teeth gap
With any sort of power tool, there are slight difference in build depending on brand. For cutting thicker or tougher branches, you’ll need a more powerful model that has larger tooth gaps in it’s blade. This is so there is enough space for the branch to be cut off using the teeth.
Ergonomics
Hedge trimming is a heavy duty gardening activity, and it requires more than a bit of elbow grease. Make sure to think about the weight and length you’re able to carry for longer periods of time. Additionally, think about the handle. Choose a brand that has the maximum comfort for handling, so you don’t have to worry about callouses or sore wrists at the end of the day.
Safety
Finally, safety is key when landscaping. Not only should you always wear the proper PPE (safety glasses, enclosed shoes, gloves), but you should also consider the safety features on the hedge trimmer you’ve chosen. Having a hand guard and a tip protector (for when your trimmer is not in use) is always recommended to keep you out of harm’s way.
The best trimmers for your hedges and shrubs
01
Husqvarna Aspire hedge trimmer 18V kit
from $269, Husqvarna
Best for: keeping the garden spick and span
Trimming your hedges and shrubs is a tedious task. However, having a fun tool at your disposal can make the whole process much quicker, and more interesting to complete. The Aspire hedger from Husqvarna has got all the features you need rolled into one piece of equipment.
Ergonomic design and soft-grip handles will give you the ultimate comfort as you go about the garden. Plus, it’s extremely light weight, giving your wrists and back a break from any heavy lifting. Included in your kit is a charger and battery that will power your trimming with ease and enough power to cut up to 23mm thick branches.
Key features:
- Included 2.5Ah Battery and 2.5Ah Charger
- Compact performance: The compact size and light weight of each Husqvarna Aspire™ product improves maneuverability.
- Compact storage: Made for easy storage with its tailor-made hook and compact design.
- Intuitive handling: Sleek black design complemented by orange details that intuitively guide you to all interaction points.
- Soft-grip handle: The soft-grip handle ensures maximum comfort while you work.
- Aspire™ user-friendly digital interface: Enjoy total control and efficient work with the digital user interface. Start/stop button and battery status.
- Husqvarna Connect: With the smart Husqvarna Connect app, you can easily access tips, manuals and spare part recommendations.
02
Makita 18V 500mm hedge trimmer
from $199, Total Tools
Best for: scaping awkward spots
Stay light and on your toes when scaping with the Makita hedge trimmer, which weighs only 3 kg. A two-handed safety switch, along with the lightweight design, means that operating this tool on a ladder or awkward spot can be done safely.
The best part? The powerful motor and included battery can give you up to 77 minutes of use, which means completing those odd jobs around the garden can be done in no time. 2700 cutting strokes per minute will give you precise trimming results – neat and tidy hedges.
Key features:
- The machine weighs only 3kg with the battery installed, making it lightweight and easy to handle for extended periods.
- When equipped with the BL1830B battery, the device provides approximately 77 minutes of continuous runtime, allowing for completion of tasks without frequent recharging.
- It features a maximum cutting diameter of 15mm, enabling it to effectively trim branches and hedges of various thicknesses up to this size.
- For enhanced safety, the device is equipped with a two-handed safety switch that prevents accidental activation.
- The high-performance cutting mechanism delivers 2,700 cutting strokes per minute, ensuring efficient and precise trimming results.
03
Bosch 18V cordless shrub & grass shear kit
from $99, Amazon
Best for: affordable hedge trimming
One of the less expensive models on the market, the Bosch cordless kit is ideal for anyone that needs their hedges done without any added fuss. This price does not include a Bosch battery, so it is an ideal purchase for individuals that have already invested in other Bosch system tools.
An additional hedging head means you can trim smaller shrubs and grasses with ease, and get the perfect surface everytime.
Key features:
- The versatile design allows for shrubs, hedge and grass maintenance, enabling you to switch between tasks easily thanks to the simple “Multi-click” system that provides quick blade exchange.
- Experience no hassle with continuous cutting due to the Bosch patented “Anti-Blocking” System, which prevents jamming when encountering thicker branches.
- Achieve expert precision in your trimming tasks with high quality, dual-action, Swiss-made blades that deliver clean and accurate cuts.
04
Karcher battery-powered hedge trimmer HGE 18-50
from $209.90, Karcher
Best for: additional safety while landscaping
Karcher has got safety down pat with their battery-powered hedger. With both a control guard and a 2 handed safety circuit, you’ll be as secure as possible when setting up and completing your landscaping jobs. The included control guard comes with an integrated suspension, meaning you can store your hedge trimmer on the wall and out of harm’s way.
The diamond ground blade on this model makes for the most precise cutting result, giving you smooth front hedges. Nothing is better than seeing your neat front garden as you pull into the driveway.
Key features:
- Diamond-ground blade: The blade ensures a precise cutting result.
- Ergonomic handle design: For a pleasant and secure hold also during longer work periods.
- Control guard: Protects the blade and prevents damage to buildings and floors. With integrated suspension for practical wall storage.
- 2-hand safety circuit: Against unintentional start of the hedge trimmer.
- 18 V Kärcher Battery Power battery platform: Real Time Technology with LCD battery display: remaining running time, remaining charging time and battery capacity. Long-lasting and powerful thanks to lithium-ion cells. The exchangeable battery can be used in all other 18 V Kärcher Battery Power platform devices.
05
Ryobi 18V ONE + 40cm cordless hedge trimmer kit
from $299, Kogan
Best for: all-in-one trimming
Finally, Ryobi will most likely have the best hedge trimmers for all of the Dads out there, it’s their favourite brand! A 14mm cut capacity gives you chance to get those thicker branches on your Murraya hedge.
The included battery and charger is perfect to add to your ever-growing Ryobi kit, and makes recharging for your next use that much easier.
Key features:
- 40cm blade with 14mm cut capacity: The device features a 40cm blade that can efficiently cut through branches up to 14mm in diameter.
- Fixed rear handle with 2-point safety operation: The hedge trimmer is equipped with a fixed rear handle and incorporates a 2-point safety operation system for secure handling and accident prevention.
- Includes 2.0Ah ONE+ battery and charger: The package comes complete with a 2.0Ah ONE+ battery and charger, providing everything needed to begin operation right out of the box.
Different types of hedge trimmers
There are a few types of hedgers, so it can be tricky to work out which is best. There are a variety of power types for hedge trimmers, as well as functionality differences. Here are all the options and which one is suited for your garden.
Power options for hedging
- Battery: a battery-powered hedger will have a detachable battery that is charged before use. While many hedge trimmers come with a battery and charger when purchased, some are part of a tool system, and you will need to purchase the battery separately. Cordless battery hedgers will operate on full power until the battery is completely run out, in which you will then need to recharge or replace your battery with a spare.
- Petrol: petrol hedgers are usually fuelled by 2-stroke engines that require a lubricant and petrol mix. They are a great option for homeowners who have very tough hedges to maintain, as a petrol hedge trimmer is usually more powerful than an electric one.
- Electric: finally, electric options for hedgers usually come with a cord and will need to be plugged in for the duration of usage. They will have a constant power source, meaning you’ll never need to fill up on petrol or recharge a battery, however a cord can limit functionality. This is especially prevalent for hedges that are tall or far away from a source of electricity.
Hedger functionality
This refers to the type of blade and additional fixtures that are on your hedger.
- Double-sided: these have teeth edges on both sides of your hedge trimmer blade and are the optimal choice for shaping hedges. They will usually come with a rear handle for increased flexibility with use.
- Single-sided: a single-sided hedge blade is great for large areas and tougher branches that need to be trimmed. Large, straight sections of hedge is the easiest to maintain with a single-sided hedger.
- Pole hedge trimmers: these are exactly as they sound. Pole hedge trimmers have an additional length to them, and are ideal for trimming taller hedges with hard to reach spots.
