Keep your garden neat with a hedge trimmer

If you have a garden, you probably also have hedges you wish to keep trimmed and beautiful. With a hedge trimmer, trimming your hedges will be a walk in the park. A hedge trimmer will get the job done fast and as cleanly as this job can be done. Trust us, investing in a hedge trimmer will be worth it. It will transform your unkempt hedge into a perfectly preened outdoor feature in your garden. At vidaXL, we offer a wide range of hedge trimmers, so we probably have one that suits your needs as well. Browse the full collection online on this page.

Things to consider when choosing a hedge trimmer

As with any other tool, there are a few things that are important to consider when purchasing a hedge trimmer. For instance, you need to consider things such as hedge height, the proximity of power sockets to your garden and so on. Below, we take a look at some of the factors we recommend considering before buying your new hedge trimmer.

The very first thing you need to do is take a good look at your garden. Here you will need to consider the type of hedges you will be using the hedge trimmer on, the height and thickness of the hedges, the size of your garden, and how accessible your hedges are. For instance, if your hedges are close to a wall or a fence, that is something you need to take into consideration. These factors will play a significant role in determining which size your hedge trimmer should have, and how much power it needs. For instance, if you have big, thick hedges and a lot of them, you will need a powerful hedge trimmer to get the job done. If your hedges are close to a fence or similar, you will probably prefer a shorter hedge trimmer, as this makes manoeuvring in narrow spaces easier.

Once you have taken a good look at your yard, you need to consider factors such as power, cost, length, blade type, and weight. As mentioned above, the thicker and bigger the hedge, the more power you need. We will dive a little bit deeper into this when talking about electric versus gas hedge trimmers. 

Naturally, you also need to consider your budget. At vidaXL, you will find affordable hedge trimmers, but you will still find them in different price ranges, so decide how much – or little – you are willing to spend on your new hedge trimmer. 

Length is another key factor to consider. If you are working in tight spaces, a short hedge trimmer will be handy, whereas long hedge trimmers make trimming your hedges evenly easier. Hedge trimmers can be both light and heavy. If it is your first hedge trimmer, we recommend opting for a light model. Lastly, you need to consider the blade types, which is how far apart the blade teeth are – also called blade gap. For most home users, a smaller blade gap will suffice.

Explore the different types of hedge trimmers

Now that you have a better idea of what your needs are, let uss take a closer look at which types of hedge trimmers are available on the market.

• Electric hedge trimmer. The most popular choice when it comes to hedge trimmers is the electric one. Electric hedge trimmers are usually more lightweight than other types making them easier to use. Furthermore, they are usually more affordable and they are generally quieter. They are also easier to start and maintain than gas hedge trimmers. However, they tend to be a tad less powerful than gas hedge trimmers. Electric hedge trimmers come with both corded and cordless options. 
• Gas hedge trimmer. Gas hedge trimmers weigh more, and they are slightly harder to use than electric hedge trimmers. However, they are faster to use, and they are more powerful than electric models. This makes gas hedge trimmers ideal for commercial use.

Generally speaking, if you are planning on using your hedge trimmer at your own home, an electrical model will, in all likelihood, be the best option for you.

When to use a hedge trimmer – and when to not use it

We recommend that you do not use your hedge trimmer on tree branches unless they are very thin. If you need to cut through thick tree branches, you will need a more powerful tool, such as a hedge cutter. If, on the other hand, you are trimming thin branches, hedges, or bushes, a hedge trimmer is an ideal choice. If you are new to gardening, it can be challenging to know exactly which tool to use and when. For instance, when do you need a hedge cutter versus a hedge trimmer? When do you need a pole saw?

This is a big topic to cover, so for now, we will keep our focus on hedge trimmers. We generally recommend that you avoid using your hedge trimmer on branches or trees unless they are very thin. They simply just do not have the power to cut through branches. Instead, we recommend you opt for a pole saw for tree limbs.

How to trim an overgrown hedge without killing it

Of course, you want to keep your garden and hedges looking beautiful. That means pruning and trimming are essential gardening skills. By trimming and pruning, you encourage thicker, healthier and more symmetrical growth of your plants and hedges, which is something most garden owners want. It is also important to note that hedges that flower will have prolonged flowering when they are trimmed and pruned.

Hedge trimmers certainly require a little bit of skill, time, and knowledge to perfect but fear not – you can do it. Here, we have gathered a little guide to help you do the prop properly without risking hurting your hedges in the process.

Make a trimming plan

As with everything else, if you have a plan, it will be much easier to trim your hedges. First of all, you need to know what plant you are dealing with so you know what time of year is best to trim it. Generally, it is best to trim your hedges when there are limited humidity levels, the weather is cool, and the sky is clear. This will reduce the risk of infection or disease killing your hedges. If you see new buds on your hedges, this is probably a good time to dig out your hedge trimmer. When trimming, try to make as few cuts as possible to avoid fungi and bacteria entering the open wounds.

The first thing you need to do is cut out any dead wood. We also recommend that you, as much as possible, mimic the natural shape of your hedges, as this will result in less trimming, pruning and shaping in the long run. When using your hedge trimmer, start at the base and make large sweeping cuts in an upward motion. 

When should you prune and trim your hedges?

As mentioned above, this will differ from plant to plant. However, there is a general rule of thumb. Generally, the best time to trim and prune is the dormant period over winter. However, there is no optimal time for removing dead wood and smaller branches. It is recommended not to trim your hedges in early to late autumn if you live in a temperate area, as there is an abundance of fungi spores this time of year. Late winter and early spring are usually the best times to get out your hedge trimmer. If the trimming is for maintaining shape and height, summer is the best time to do so.

Hedge trimmers: Maintenance and safety

Maintenance and safety are key factors to educate yourself about regarding hedge trimmers. No matter which hedge trimmer you choose to purchase, it is important that you read and follow the instructions. This will ensure safe use and a long life for your new hedge trimmer. With gas trimmers, you will need to refill them when needed, and you need to use the proper fuel for your model. You will also need to replace the spark plug every once in a while, and ensure that the intake vent is clear. 

You should also always keep an eye on the blades to ensure that they are still sharp - this applies to every type of hedge trimmer. You may need to replace or sharpen your blades every once in a while. Lastly, it is important that you clean your hedge trimmer after using it.

Safety is always an important factor when dealing with tools. A hedge trimmer is a powerful tool, so you need to have safety as a top priority. You do not want to take the high-powered blades lightly. Follow the instructions carefully, and if it is your first time using a hedge trimmer, we strongly recommend you opt for a lightweight model. Always treat the blades with the utmost care. Some hedge trimmers come with safety features, such as tooth extensions which make it easier to keep the blades away from your body. You will also find hedge trimmers that automatically cut power to the blade when you release the trigger. Lastly, we recommend that you use safety eyewear and gloves while using your hedge trimmer. Earplugs or hearing protection may also be a good investment if your hedge trimmer is rather loud.

If you need help choosing your hedge trimmer, you are welcome to contact our customer service so we can assist you.