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Picking a hedge trimmer might feel as simple as grabbing the first tool on the shelf, but your choice shapes how tidy your garden looks and how comfortable the job feels. A good trimmer is like a reliable pair of scissors for your greenery — precise, balanced, and suited to the job. Whether you want neat formal hedges or to tame a wild boundary, the right kit saves time, protects plants and keeps you from lugging heavy kit around the yard.
Think of your hedges like a haircut: the wrong tool can tug, leave uneven bits and frustrate you. With the correct blade length, tooth spacing and power source, a one-hour session can look like a professional job. You’ll end up enjoying gardening more, not dreading it.
There are four main kinds of hedge trimmers available across UK retailers: cordless (battery), corded electric, petrol and manual shears. Each has strengths and trade-offs — some are quiet and light, others deliver raw power for tall, thick hedges. Below I’ll break them down so you can match the tool to your garden.
Cordless trimmers are the crowd-pleasers for most homeowners. They’re lightweight, quiet and offer great manoeuvrability without a trailing lead. Expect blade lengths from about 16 to 24 inches and weights in the 4–8 lb range. Modern lithium batteries give decent runtime, and if you buy from a branded ecosystem (like Ryobi, Makita or Bosch) you can swap batteries between tools.
If you’ve got a small to medium garden and a nearby power outlet, corded electric trimmers are cheap, light and maintenance-free. They typically sport 18–24 inch blades and weigh around 5–7 lb. The cord limits reach, but for quick tidy-ups they’re hard to beat on value.
When power matters — long hedges, thick growth, or professional use — petrol trimmers win. They deliver raw torque and often come with 20–28 inch blades. Expect them to weigh more (8–15 lb) and be louder, but they’ll chew through tough stems without bogging down. Brands like Stihl and Husqvarna dominate this space.
Don’t dismiss manual shears. For fine shaping, small hedges, and ecological gardening, a sharp pair of shears gives the best precision. They’re lightweight and quiet, though obviously slower on large jobs. Gardeners who prize detail work often keep shears on hand alongside a powered trimmer.
When browsing stores, don’t just look at price. Focus on blade length, tooth spacing, cutting speed, weight and safety features. These factors together tell you if a trimmer will be comfortable and effective in your hands.
Blade length affects reach and speed. A 20-inch blade helps cover wide hedges faster; a 16-inch blade is better for detail and tighter spaces. Tooth spacing matters for the thickness of branches you’ll cut — tight spacing (under 0.5 inch) suits fine trimming, while wider spacing handles thicker stems.
Battery trimmers are typically rated in volts, and runtime in amp-hours. In practice, a higher voltage often gives better cut-through and speed. If you see runtime quoted in minutes, compare realistic workloads — a 40-minute runtime might sound enough until you factor cooling breaks and heavy cutting.
Your comfort matters. A 7–8 lb trimmer can feel heavy after 30 minutes of overhead work. Look for models with balanced weight distribution, anti-vibration handles and an easy front handle rotation. Try holding a demo unit if you can — it’s the quickest way to tell if it’ll fatigue your arms.
Look for dual-switch operation (so it won’t start if you bump it), blade guards, and a handy lock-off button. For petrol models, a kill switch and easy-to-reach choke are useful. Never underestimate comfort grips and a secure hand guard — they cut down accidents when working on awkward shapes.
Several well-known UK shops stock a wide range of hedge trimmers, from budget electrics to pro-grade petrol rigs. Below are retailers worth checking depending on your priorities: price, warranty, selection, or quick local pickup.
B&Q stocks a mix of cordless and corded trimmers from brands like Bosch, Black+Decker and Ryobi. They often have seasonal discounts and a broad range ideal for household gardeners. If you want a reliable mid-range model and easy returns, B&Q is a solid starting point.
Screwfix is a favourite with tradespeople and serious DIYers. You’ll find more heavy-duty and corded models, plus professional battery systems from Makita and DeWalt. Screwfix offers quick local collection and often stocks more specialised batteries and spare parts.
Wickes targets homeowners with simple, reliable tools. Their selection often includes affordable electric and cordless models that suit small to medium gardens. You’ll get solid value, especially during seasonal promotions.
Homebase balances value and variety with brands like Flymo, Bosch and Ryobi available. Watch for end-of-season sales where you can pick up good cordless trimmers bundled with batteries or extras at a discount.
Argos is convenient for quick purchases and often lists popular budget-friendly trimmers from Bosch, Black+Decker and Hyundai. Their catalogue approach makes price comparisons easy, and click-and-collect is handy if you need a tool fast.
Amazon gives you the broadest marketplace, from inexpensive corded trimmers to high-end petrol units. The review system is helpful but do read verified-buy reviews and watch for knock-off battery compatibility issues. Prime delivery can be useful for last-minute jobs.
Toolstation and Machine Mart cater to trade and hobbyists who want robust, longer-life kit. You’ll find heavy-duty electric and petrol trimmers, plus specialist accessories like telescopic poles and replacement blades. These stores are ideal for durability-focused shoppers.
Brand choice affects parts availability, warranty and battery compatibility. Some brands offer broad power-tool ecosystems so batteries and chargers fit multiple tools.
Stihl and Husqvarna lead the petrol market with reliable engines and service networks. Their machines are built for hard use and often have longer service intervals. If you need power and longevity for large hedges, these brands are top choices.
These brands have mature battery platforms and robust electric kit. Makita and DeWalt, in particular, supply trade-level cordless trimmers with good balance and runtime. Bosch offers strong mid-range options with good ergonomics for home gardeners.
Ryobi’s One+ system and Black+Decker’s battery range suit homeowners who want to spread a single battery across drills, saws and trimmers. They’re great for casual users who appreciate value, solid warranties and easy-to-find spares.
Not all hedges are equal. A compact city garden needs a different tool than an acre of boundary hedging. Let’s match trimmer types to garden scale so you aren’t over- or under-equipped.
For hedges under 6 ft tall and a handful of shrubs, lightweight cordless or corded trimmers with 16–20 inch blades are perfect. They’re easy to manoeuvre between tight spaces and won’t tire you out. Battery models with quick swap batteries are particularly useful for quick tidy-ups.
If your hedges are around 6–10 ft and you manage a medium-sized garden, aim for a 20–24 inch cordless or petrol trimmer. These deliver a good balance of reach and control. Consider telescopic poles if you need to reach higher sections without a ladder.
Big jobs demand power. For hedges taller than 10 ft, thick growth or commercial work, choose a petrol trimmer or a high-voltage cordless pro system with a long blade (24–28 inches). The extra reach and torque make the job faster and protect the tool from stalling.
Hedge trimmer pricing reflects type, build quality and battery systems. Here’s a rough guide to what you’ll find in UK stores.
At this level you’ll find basic corded trimmers and small cordless models from entry-level brands. They’re fine for light hedges and occasional use but may lack power for thick branches. Consider them a starter tool rather than a long-term investment.
This is the sweet spot for most homeowners. You can get quality cordless kits (often battery included), better ergonomics and longer blades. Mid-range models tend to balance power and weight well and come from reputable brands like Ryobi, Bosch and Black+Decker.
Expect petrol trimmers and pro-grade battery systems here. These machines offer durable construction, powerful motors and longer warranties. They’re ideal for frequent use, large gardens or professional landscapers who need a tool that lasts season after season.
Finding the right trimmer at the right price is part timing and part research. Keep an eye out for seasonal discounts and compare warranty details between retailers.
Late spring and early autumn are peak times for hedge trimmer sales in the UK. Retailers often mark down last year’s models when a new line arrives. Black Friday and bank holiday sales can also yield solid savings — just make sure the model meets your needs, not just the price tag.
Warranty length and what it covers (battery, motor, labour) is crucial. Some retailers bundle spare batteries, chargers or blade covers which add value. Also check for accessible spare parts and blade sharpening services — a cheaper upfront price can cost you more if parts are expensive later.
Good maintenance keeps a trimmer cutting like new and prevents accidents. A few habits make all the difference: clean after use, keep blades sharp and store batteries properly.
Clean sap and debris from blades after each use with a brush and a rag. If blades get sticky, wipe with a little oil or a dedicated cleaner. Sharpening can be done with a flat file or sent to a specialist — sharp blades are safer and cut cleaner.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them fully drained. Charge them partially if storing for long periods and keep them off concrete floors if possible. For petrol trimmers, run the engine dry or stabilise the fuel before long storage to avoid carburettor issues.
Wear eye protection, gloves and sturdy footwear. Keep both hands on the trimmer handles, don’t overreach, and work with the hedge at waist height when possible. Never cut above shoulder height without a proper ladder or pole attachment, and be mindful of hidden wires or obstacles in dense hedges.
Choosing the right hedge trimmer comes down to matching the tool to your garden and your stamina. For most UK homeowners, a mid-range cordless model from a reputable retailer like B&Q, Screwfix, Wickes or Homebase offers the best balance of convenience and power. If you manage large or tough hedges, look to petrol or professional battery systems from Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita or DeWalt. Shop smart by checking blade length, weight and safety features, compare warranties, and time your purchase around seasonal sales for the best deal. With the right trimmer and a little care, your hedges will look sharp and your gardening chores will feel a lot less like hard work and more like a satisfying weekend hobby.
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