Cordless Hedge Trimmers and Garden Shears: For Hedges and Shrubs

Standard hedge trimmers suit hedges up to head height, pole trimmers reach 2.5–4 m hedges and tree crowns, and garden shears handle lawn edges and small ornamental shrubs. Many shears come with interchangeable grass and shrub blades. See how to choose a cordless tool.

Hedge trimmer blades are usually 40–60 cm long and shear blades 10–20 cm; a longer blade speeds up work on large hedges. A 14–20 mm tooth gap suits thin shoots, while 20–27 mm handles thicker branches. Double-sided, dual-action blades cut cleaner with less vibration.

Garden shears usually run at 3.6–12 V with a built-in battery, while hedge trimmers run at 18–20 V or 36–40 V. A 2–4 Ah battery is enough for a medium garden; for large hedges a spare battery is better. See cordless tool voltage (V) and battery capacity (Ah).

Blade stroke rate (typically 1300–3000 strokes/min) determines cut quality and work speed. A brushless motor runs longer per charge and copes better with thick branches. See brushed and brushless motor.

Hedge trimmers and pole models are often sold without a battery for the TOTAL, DYLLU, EMTOP, Makita or DeWalt platforms. If you have no battery, choose a kit with a battery and charger. Read what is a unified battery platform and how to choose a battery and charger.

Garden shears weigh about 0.5–1 kg, hedge trimmers 2.5–4 kg and pole models 3.5–5 kg. A rotating rear handle, a shoulder strap and low vibration reduce fatigue when working overhead or for long periods. See what is vibration level and tool ergonomics, weight, and safety systems.

Check for a two-hand switch system, fast blade stop and a hand guard. Wear goggles and gloves, carry the blade in its sheath and check the hedge for cables before starting. Read how to use cordless tools safely and tool safety systems and their purpose.