5 Best Hedge Trimmers For Topiary in 2023

An untidy backyard can be transformed into a well-groomed extension of your house with the help of a well-maintained hedge.

A good hedge trimmer is still a good investment even if you don’t have the time to build the perfect box topiary.

Most hedges can be kept looking their best by trimming them two to three times a year.

A hedge trimmer is vital if you have a large hedge.

Still, an electric, petrol, or cordless trimmer can save you time and energy by allowing you to manage hedges of various shapes and sizes.

We’ve outlined the most essential facts you should know about hedge trimmers below, or you can jump directly to our list of the top models currently on the market.

Last update on 2024-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Hedge Trimmer for Topiary

1. COBRA H50-24V

Last update on 2024-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for an affordable cordless hedge trimmer with a good cutting length (50cm) and a long run time (up to 50 minutes), this winner is a must-have.

The H50-24V has a 24-volt lithium-ion battery and charger, as well as a plastic sheath that may be included in the packing.

Whatever the case, it’s a pain to turn back on once it’s been turned off therefore it’s best to store the trimmer securely.

This is an ideal trimmer for urban hedges that are head-height.

It’s simple to use and, like Cobra’s grass strimmer, it features two speeds: Eco for extended life and Turbo for thicker branches up to roughly 1cm in diameter.

The Cobra is comfortable to hold. The motor housing is really compact and discreet.

Also, we love the battery-saving two-speed mode and the long two-sided cutting blade for straightforward hedge trimming. It’s also reasonably priced.

What we like

• Pruning hedges efficiently
• Two economical speeds

What we don’t like

• The blade cover is fiddly

2. STIHL HSA 56 Hedge Trimmer

Last update on 2024-08-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

By their sheer nature, hedges are frequently found towards the boundaries of gardens and other regions, which means they are the furthest thing from electrical outlets.

Cordless hedge trimmers eliminate this difficulty, as well as the safety concerns associated with having a cable protruding from an electric cutting tool.

Nonetheless, because hedges are frequently rather large in length and width, you must ensure that the batteries are adequate for the work.

Stihl’s AK10 battery (included) provides 40 minutes of run time, while the optional AK20 and AK30 batteries provide 80 and 120 minutes of run time, respectively.

Stihl is well-known for its professional saws and other tools. This is a safe, solid cutter with minimal weight and noise, backed by Stihl’s standard high-end build quality.

What we don’t like

• Great performance
• High-quality

What we like

• The blade is smaller than many others.
• The battery is not the finest

3. NETTA 500W Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer

This lightweight hedge trimmer is extremely pleasant to operate and maneuver, making it a perfect alternative for individuals with smaller lawns.

It offers a clean, precise cut for small to medium-sized hedges.

In addition, the ingenious safety features such as a two-way safety switch and a hand-protecting guard keep you safe while using (and storing) it.

While you may be hesitant to choose a corded hedge trimmer due to the experience of being attached to a power line!

Netta has addressed this issue by including a six-meter power cable with this model.

This inherently gives you far more flexibility when using it, decreasing the need for excessive stretching while working.

In general, if you’re searching for a reasonable and cheery answer to your out-of-control bushes, you can’t go wrong with this budget-friendly model.

What we like

• Excellent value for money 
• Lightweight
• Convenient to use

What we don’t like

• Not recommended for bigger hedges 

4. Cobra LRH5024V 24V Cordless Longreach Hedge Trimmer

Suppose you’re looking for a telescopic pole hedge trimmer for a small or medium-sized garden with high hedges.

In that case, this one has 2.5m of reach with an articulating head that can flip between 0 and 90 degrees.

In addition to being more powerful and cutting better than ordinary 18v hedge trimmers, the cordless design of this hedge trimmer naturally makes it easier to maneuver.

The battery lasts around an hour when used continually, but you can extend its life by charging a second battery.

The Cobra P20X cordless pole pruner attachment may also be used to change it into a pruning saw! It is handy if you need to cut down some trees.

We found the buttons to be a little difficult to press at times, but we’ll put up with it, given the hedge trimmer’s cost and versatility.

What we like

• Strongly constructed
• It can tackle more challenging tasks
• Price-to-quality

What we don’t like

• Switches off after 30 seconds of inactivity.
• Stiffness of the button

5. Black & Decker BEHTS501

This Black & Decker 600W cordless hedge trimmer is an excellent option if you need a bit more power or want to use it for extended periods.

However, a saw blade at the end of the trimming blades permits cutting of wood up to 35mm wide, despite its ability to handle branches as small as 25mm in diameter.

The trimmer’s small design has been developed to be 10% lighter than previous models in the line.

The 600W motor provides increased cutting power, especially with thicker or tougher branches, in exchange for the additional weight.

You must, however, measure this against the necessity of cutting while holding an extension reel.

What we like

• It is compact and straightforward to assemble.

What we don’t like

• A bigger blade may be more efficient for larger projects.

Here is an article I wrote on the best hedge trimmers for leylandii

Buyers Guide: Things to Look Out for Before Making a Purchase

Are you having difficulty deciding on the best hedge trimmer for your needs?

Your selection is determined by the size of your garden and the sort of shrub you choose to prune.

Consider the following points.

• Corded vs. cordless 

When working in the rear hedges of a large garden, you won’t need extension cords if you use a cordless model.

Even though the battery life isn’t infinite, you’ll want to check it out and see whether it can handle your reduction in usage.

If you’re covering a vast region, you may also want to consider the cost of a second spare battery.

• Battery power

If you choose a cordless device, check if the battery and charger are included!

Occasionally, trimmers are supplied without batteries and chargers, and you’ll need to purchase them separately.

If you already own cordless tools, consider purchasing a hedge trimmer from the same brand, as several manufacturers’ power tools feature interchangeable batteries.

• Blade size

It is critical to ensure that the blades on your selected hedge trimmer are robust enough to take on the plants you wish to prune.

Most will specify a maximum branch thickness – any greater than that, and you risk damaging the blades.

Conclusion

If putting your yard in shape is at the top of your to-do list, you’ll need a hedge trimmer.

When it comes to purchasing a hedge trimmer, it all comes down to the amount of space you have to work with, whether or not you prefer an electric cord and your budget.

Once you’ve figured that out, you may start chopping away!

Our favorite from this list is the COBRA H50-24V. It can last up to minutes with a cutting length of about 50cm.