Hedge Trimmers
Hedge trimmers take the graft out of keeping boundaries, borders, and site frontages looking sharp. From cordless models to long reach pole trimmers, there's a tool here for every cut.
Whether you're a landscaper shaping privet all week, a property maintenance team tidying up before handover, or a groundworker clearing overgrown boundaries before the digger moves in, the right hedge trimmer makes a massive difference to your day. Cordless hedge trimmers run on the same 18V and 54V battery platforms you already use for your drills and circular saw blades, so there's no messing about with extra chargers. If you've already invested in Makita batteries or another platform, stick with what you know and save yourself the cost. Electric hedge trimmers suit smaller, regular jobs close to a power source, while petrol hedge trimmers deliver the raw grunt for heavy, all-day commercial clearance work. Long reach and pole hedge trimmers let you get at tall hedges and awkward tops without dragging a ladder around site. Browse the full range below and pick the right trimmer for the job.
What Jobs Are Hedge Trimmers Best At?
- Boundary Maintenance Keeping privet, laurel, and leylandii hedges in shape along property lines, driveways, and site perimeters before clients or inspectors arrive
- Pre-Build Site Clearance Hacking back overgrown hedgerows and scrub to clear access for plant, fencing, or new boundary walls before groundworks begin
- Tall Hedge Work Long reach and pole hedge trimmers let you shape the tops and backs of tall hedges from ground level, cutting out the risk and faff of working off ladders
- Estate and Grounds Upkeep Running through rows of formal hedging on commercial properties, schools, and housing estates where a neat finish matters and the work never stops
- End-of-Project Tidying Trimming back growth around new builds, extensions, and landscaped areas so the handover looks the part and the client signs off without a snag
Choosing the Right Hedge Trimmer
Match the trimmer to the hedge, not the other way around. A lightweight 18V model is overkill for nothing, but it won't last five minutes on a row of thick laurel. Here's how to sort the range.
1. Power Source: Cordless, Electric, or Petrol
Cordless hedge trimmers are the go-to for most trade users now. They're light, quiet enough for residential work, and run on the same 18V platforms as your other tools. Electric hedge trimmers are cheaper upfront and fine if you're always near a socket, but the cable is a pain on bigger jobs. Petrol hedge trimmers still win for all-day commercial clearance where there's no power and you need serious cutting stamina.
2. Blade Length
Shorter blades (around 450mm) give you more control for shaping and detailed work on box hedging or topiary. Longer blades (550mm to 750mm) cover more ground per pass and make light work of long, straight runs of privet or leylandii. If you're doing both, a mid-length blade around 500mm is the sensible compromise.
3. Standard vs Long Reach and Pole Trimmers
If your hedges are above head height, don't mess about with ladders. A long reach or pole hedge trimmer lets you cut the top and back from the ground. Look for an adjustable head angle so you can get a flat finish on the top without straining your arms. They're heavier, so only go long reach if you genuinely need the extra distance.
4. Tooth Gap and Cutting Capacity
The tooth gap tells you the maximum branch thickness the trimmer can handle cleanly. Most domestic hedges need around 15-20mm. If you're tackling established hedgerows with thicker stems, look for a wider tooth gap and a more powerful motor. Trying to force thick branches through a trimmer that's not built for it just chews up the blades and stalls the motor.
Who Uses Hedge Trimmers?
- Landscapers and grounds maintenance teams who are trimming hedges day in, day out across multiple properties and need a tool that keeps its edge
- Property maintenance crews tidying boundaries, car parks, and communal areas on housing estates, schools, and commercial sites
- Groundworkers and site labourers clearing overgrown hedgerows and vegetation before fencing, foundations, or access roads go in
- Self-employed gardeners and handymen running a van who need a reliable cordless hedge trimmer that shares batteries with the rest of their kit
- Facilities managers keeping the outside of offices, retail parks, and public buildings looking presentable without calling in a contractor every time
The Basics: Understanding Hedge Trimmers
Hedge trimmers all work on the same basic principle, but the differences between types matter when you're picking the right one for the job. Here's the simple breakdown.
1. How the Blades Work
Hedge trimmers use two long, flat blades with teeth that slide back and forth against each other at high speed, shearing through stems and foliage like a pair of scissors. Single-sided blades cut from one edge only, which is easier to control along a flat face. Double-sided blades cut from both edges, letting you sweep left and right without repositioning, which is faster on long runs.
2. Stroke Rate and Finish
Stroke rate, measured in strokes per minute, tells you how fast the blades move. A higher stroke rate gives a cleaner, neater cut with less tearing on soft growth. For professional hedge trimming where the finish matters, look for models with a high stroke rate and hardened steel blades that hold their sharpness over time.
3. Anti-Vibration and Ergonomics
If you're trimming hedges for hours at a stretch, vibration and weight matter more than you'd think. Professional hedge trimmers use rubber-mounted handles and balanced blade assemblies to reduce fatigue. A rotating rear handle lets you switch from cutting the side to cutting the top without twisting your wrist into an awkward position.
Hedge Trimmer Accessories Worth Having
A few extras keep your trimmer cutting cleanly and make the job less of a chore.
1. Spare Batteries
Running out of charge halfway through a long hedge run is a guaranteed way to lose half an hour. Keep a spare battery on the charger in the van so you can swap and carry on without breaking your rhythm. If you're on an 18V platform, a higher capacity 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah pack gives you noticeably more run time per charge.
2. Blade Lubricant and Cleaning Spray
Sap and resin build up on the blades fast, especially on conifer hedges. A quick spray of resin solvent and a wipe down at the end of each job stops the blades gumming up and keeps the cut clean. Neglect it and you'll notice the trimmer dragging and tearing instead of cutting.
3. Blade Sharpening File or Stone
Dull blades tear foliage instead of cutting it, leaving brown tips that make the hedge look rough. A quick touch-up with a flat file or diamond stone between jobs keeps the edge sharp and the finish professional. It takes two minutes and saves you replacing blades early.
4. Hedge Trimmer Blade Guard
A proper scabbard or blade guard protects the teeth when the trimmer is rattling around in the van or trailer. It also stops the blade chewing through tool bags, cables, and anything else it ends up next to. Most come with one, but replacements are cheap if yours has cracked or gone missing.
Why Shop for Hedge Trimmers at ITS?
We stock the full range of hedge trimmers from the brands trades actually trust, including cordless, electric, petrol, and long reach models in every blade length and power class. Whether you need an 18V cordless trimmer to match your existing battery platform or a professional pole trimmer for tall boundary work, it's all here. Everything is held in our own warehouse and ready for next day delivery, so you can order tonight and have the right trimmer on the van for tomorrow's job.
Hedge Trimmer FAQs
Do hedge trimmers come with batteries and chargers?
It depends on the model. Some cordless hedge trimmers are sold as complete kits with a battery and charger included, while others are sold as body only units. If you already own tools on the same battery platform, body only is usually the smarter buy because you can use the batteries you already have. Always check the product listing to see exactly what is in the box before ordering.
What is the difference between cordless and electric hedge trimmers?
Cordless hedge trimmers run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, so you can use them anywhere without trailing a cable. Electric hedge trimmers plug into the mains and give you unlimited run time, but you are tethered to a power source and need an extension lead on most jobs. For trade use, cordless is the standard now because you are often working on sites with no mains power or along long boundary lines where a cable is impractical and a trip hazard.
Can hedge trimmers cut thick branches?
Hedge trimmers are designed for trimming new growth and maintaining shape, not for cutting thick, woody branches. Most models handle stems up to about 15-25mm depending on the tooth gap and motor power. If you try to force anything thicker through, you will stall the motor or damage the blades. For established hedges with thick stems, cut the heavy stuff out first with loppers or a pruning saw, then use the trimmer to tidy up the rest.
Are long reach hedge trimmers better for tall hedges?
Yes, that is exactly what they are built for. Long reach and pole hedge trimmers extend your cutting reach by up to a metre or more, so you can trim the tops and backs of tall hedges from ground level without climbing a ladder. The adjustable head angle lets you get a flat, even finish across the top. They are heavier than standard trimmers though, so if your hedges are all at waist or chest height, a standard model is lighter and easier to handle.
How long does a cordless hedge trimmer
