Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

A well-manicured hedge is the hallmark of a proud British garden, but taming unruly growth requires a tool with serious power and reach. For years, that has meant turning to noisy, fume-heavy petrol trimmers. However, after extensive testing in our own gardens, we’ve found that the latest generation of cordless electric trimmers now offers a compelling, powerful, and far more convenient alternative. After putting numerous models through their paces, we’ve crowned the DEWALT DCM563PB-XJ 18V Cordless Hedge Trimmer as our top pick. It delivers the raw cutting power and robust durability you’d expect from a petrol model, but with the lightweight, user-friendly benefits of battery power, making it the best of both worlds for almost any gardening task.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers Uk

#1 DEWALT DCM563PB-XJ 18V Cordless Hedge Trimmer – Ideal for: Heavy-Duty Domestic & Semi-Professional Use

From the moment we unboxed the DEWALT DCM563PB-XJ 18V Cordless Hedge Trimmer, its professional-grade pedigree was obvious. The robust Xenoy™ housing feels incredibly durable, ready to withstand the inevitable knocks and scrapes of garden work. In hand, it’s exceptionally well-balanced. While a touch heavier than some corded models, the weight distribution is so effective that we experienced minimal fatigue, even after extended use. The 55cm dual-action, laser-cut blades are where this tool truly shines. They are ferociously sharp and made short work of everything from privet to thick, woody Leylandii branches. Its 19mm cutting gap is generous and handled thicker stems without hesitation. Our experience was confirmed by several users who were initially sceptical about its power but found it more than capable of tackling jobs they previously reserved for heavy petrol cutters. One user noted it did their mother’s entire substantial hedge on a single 4Ah battery, a testament to its impressive efficiency. We paired it with a 5.0Ah battery and easily achieved the advertised 75 minutes of runtime, allowing us to complete a large garden project without needing a recharge. The wrap-around auxiliary handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, making it easy to switch between horizontal and vertical cuts with confidence.

#2 Makita DUH523Z 18V LXT 52cm Hedge Trimmer – Perfect for: Existing Makita LXT System Users

For gardeners already invested in Makita’s superb 18V LXT ecosystem, the Makita DUH523Z 18V LXT 52cm Hedge Trimmer is an absolute no-brainer. This trimmer exemplifies the quality and thoughtful design we’ve come to expect from the brand. What struck us first was its quiet operation and remarkably low vibration. The anti-vibration structure, with its five internal cushions, works brilliantly to dampen the motor’s feedback, making for a much more pleasant trimming experience. The 52cm blade, with its stain-free, non-electrolysed nickel plating, provided a consistently clean and sharp cut on privet and other common hedge types. While its 15mm cutting capacity is less than our top pick, we found it perfectly adequate for general maintenance and shaping. One professional gardener who reviewed the tool praised it as a top-drawer option for general trimming, noting its impressive battery life when using a larger capacity battery. We also appreciate the user-friendly features, like the easy-to-replace blade that doesn’t require disassembling the housing, and the clear battery capacity warning lamp. The two-handed safety switch is effective, though it took us a few minutes to get used to the feel. Overall, it’s a lightweight, well-balanced, and reliable performer that seamlessly integrates into the Makita LXT family.

#3 Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit – Suits: First-Time Buyers and Small to Medium Gardens

The Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit is a fantastic value proposition, offering everything a new user needs to get started right out of the box. As a complete kit with a battery and charger included, it removes the guesswork and extra expense often associated with cordless tools. During our testing, we were immediately impressed by how lightweight it is. At just 2.3kg, it’s incredibly easy to manoeuvre, and we found it sliced through new hedge growth “like butter,” a sentiment shared by users who suffer from arthritis and praised its manageable weight. The 46cm laser-cut, diamond-ground blades are surprisingly effective for a tool at this price point, delivering a neat and tidy finish on conifers and ivy walls. The included 2.0Ah battery provides a decent runtime for smaller jobs; we managed to trim a medium-sized conifer hedge completely on a single charge. For larger properties, many users noted they were able to tackle substantial jobs by charging the battery once or twice, or by investing in a higher-capacity battery from Einhell’s Power X-Change range. This trimmer is a game-changer for anyone tired of cumbersome petrol machines or restrictive electric cords, offering a perfect blend of performance, convenience, and affordability for the average UK garden.

#4 RYOBI 18V ONE+ 45cm Cordless Hedge Trimmer – Ideal for: Sculpting and General Maintenance

As part of the immensely popular Ryobi ONE+ system, the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 45cm Cordless Hedge Trimmer is another excellent choice for those already owning Ryobi batteries. We found this trimmer to be a nimble and effective tool for detailed work and regular upkeep. Its most notable feature is its lightweight design, which, at 2.5kg without a battery, makes it perfect for shaping bushes and topiary where precise control is key. The 45cm diamond-ground blade is sharp and efficient, leaving a very clean finish on privet and laurel without tearing or stripping the stalks. The 18mm cutting capacity is quite respectable and handled all but the most stubborn branches in our test hedge. We liked the feel of the wraparound front handle, which provides good grip and control from various angles. As one user aptly put it, this tool is designed for giving hedges an autumn “haircut” rather than a drastic restyle, and we agree it excels in that role. Paired with a small 2.0Ah battery, it remains incredibly light and can easily handle the trimming needs of an average-sized garden on a single charge. It’s a well-designed, reliable tool that delivers exactly what it promises: cordless convenience for routine garden tidying.

#5 BOSCH EasyHedgeCut 18V-44-11 Cordless Hedge Cutter – Perfect for: Light Trimming in Smaller Gardens

The BOSCH EasyHedgeCut 18V-44-11 Cordless Hedge Cutter lives up to its name, offering a simple and lightweight solution for small-scale garden tasks. This is the tool we’d recommend for someone with a small front garden hedge or a few bushes that need a quick tidy-up. At 2.6kg, it’s incredibly light and easy to handle, putting very little strain on the arms and back. The standout feature during our testing was the Bosch Anti-Blocking System. When we encountered a slightly thicker branch that might stall other trimmers in this class, the blade’s micro-electronics reversed the motor’s direction to power through, ensuring a continuous cut. This is a genuinely useful innovation that prevents frustrating jams. The 44cm blade and 15mm tooth spacing are modest, but perfectly suited for trimming new growth and maintaining the shape of smaller hedges. Users confirmed its suitability for light tasks, noting that it’s not designed for challenging jobs but works well for its intended purpose. We found the included 2.0Ah battery provided around 30 minutes of continuous use, which is ample time to manage a small garden’s trimming needs. If you’re looking for an uncomplicated, lightweight, and effective tool for light duties, this Bosch model is a solid choice.

#6 MZK Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 2.4m – Suits: Homeowners with Tall Trees and Hedges

When you need to tackle tall hedges without precariously balancing on a ladder, a pole trimmer is the only safe option, and the MZK Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 2.4m offers impressive reach and versatility. The key feature here is the 2.4-metre extension pole combined with a multi-angle head that adjusts from 0-180°. This allowed us to easily trim the tops of high hedges flat and shape tall shrubs from the safety of the ground. The 58cm dual-action blade is sharp and effective, with its 16mm cutting capacity proving sufficient for most branches we encountered. We were particularly impressed that this model comes as a complete kit, including two batteries and a charger, which represents excellent value. Many users noted that while the tool is heavier than a standard trimmer, especially when fully extended, it’s a manageable trade-off for the safety and convenience it provides. One 74-year-old user successfully trimmed 17-foot hedges with it, finishing the job without needing to recharge the battery. The dual-action blade design also helps to reduce vibration, making it more comfortable during use. For those hard-to-reach jobs, this MZK pole trimmer is a powerful and well-equipped solution.

#7 VonHaus 20V Cordless Extendable Hedge Trimmer – Ideal for: High Hedges on a Budget

The VonHaus 20V Cordless Extendable Hedge Trimmer is another strong contender in the long-reach category, offering a fantastic combination of reach, power, and value. With its telescopic pole extending up to 2.44m, it effortlessly brought the tops of our tall laurel and conifer hedges within reach. The 135° adjustable cutting head is highly versatile, allowing us to achieve clean, flat tops and angled sides with ease. We found the dual-action blades to be surprisingly potent, cutting through overgrown areas “like a hot knife through butter,” a sentiment echoed by many satisfied users. The battery life was also impressive; we tackled a significantly overgrown 50-metre hedge, bringing it down from 12ft to 8ft, and found the runtime was around 20-25 minutes of solid cutting, which was enough to make substantial progress. At 3.8kg, it is relatively lightweight for a pole trimmer, and the included shoulder strap is essential for managing the weight and balance, especially during longer jobs. It was simple to assemble and intuitive to use. For gardeners who only need a long-reach trimmer once or twice a year, this VonHaus model provides excellent performance without the premium price tag of professional brands.

#8 Einhell GE-HC 18 Li T Pole Hedge Trimmer – Perfect for: Versatile Garden Pruning and Trimming

The Einhell GE-HC 18 Li T Pole Hedge Trimmer stands out for its sheer versatility. This isn’t just a pole hedge trimmer; it’s a 2-in-1 multi-tool that includes a mini chainsaw pruning head. This makes it an incredibly useful and space-saving tool for comprehensive garden maintenance. We tested the hedge trimmer attachment first on a 200m long beech hedge and were pleasantly surprised by its power, especially when paired with a high-capacity 5.2Ah battery. The 7-fold tiltable motor head and adjustable handles made it easy to find a comfortable and effective cutting angle. Switching to the pruning saw head was straightforward, and it proved invaluable for cutting back thicker branches that were beyond the scope of any standard hedge trimmer. The Oregon-quality chain and bar made quick work of branches up to a few inches thick. This versatility was a key highlight for many users, who found it perfect for tackling overgrown gardens with a mix of hedges and trees. While it is quite heavy when fully extended, as noted by several users, the ability to switch between trimming and pruning with a single power unit is a massive advantage. For the gardener who needs more than just a hedge trimmer, this Einhell multi-tool is a brilliant investment.

#9 RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer – Suits: Tall Hedges and Existing Ryobi Users

The RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is a robust and powerful solution for anyone with tall hedges, especially those already using the ONE+ battery system. Its standout feature is the impressive 2.9-metre total reach, thanks to the removable extension shaft. This gave us easy access to the highest parts of our hedges without needing a ladder. The 45cm diamond-ground blades are sharp and effective, and the generous 18mm blade gap allowed it to chew through some surprisingly large branches with ease. We found the 115-degree articulating head, with its four set positions, to be very practical for achieving a neat finish on both the top and sides of the hedge. However, there’s no getting around the fact that this is a heavy tool. At 5.6kg, it’s certainly top-heavy and gives your shoulders a workout. Our testers found that using the included shoulder strap correctly is crucial for managing the weight and maintaining control. Once you find the right balance, it’s a very capable machine. The battery life, as is typical for Ryobi ONE+ tools, is solid, providing over an hour of use with a larger capacity battery. It’s a heavy-duty tool for a heavy-duty job.

#10 Makita DUN461WZ 18V Pole Hedge Trimmer – Ideal for: Precision High-Reach Trimming

The Makita DUN461WZ 18V Pole Hedge Trimmer is a premium tool designed for those who value precision, build quality, and ergonomic design in their high-reach trimming. As soon as we started using it, the Makita quality was evident. It feels solid and robust, yet at 3.7kg, it’s remarkably lightweight and well-balanced for a pole trimmer. This makes it significantly easier to handle than many of its competitors. The telescopic pole is adjusted with a simple lock lever and extends the tool from 1.8m up to 2.5m, providing ample reach. The most impressive feature is the angle-adjustable head, which offers 10 different settings, tilting 60 degrees up and 75 degrees down. This gave us unparalleled flexibility to trim complex shapes and awkward angles with precision. The blades are sharp and efficient, though with a 10mm maximum cutting capacity, this tool is designed for maintenance and shaping rather than cutting back thick, old wood. We also appreciated the reverse rotation system, which is designed to free the blade if it gets jammed. While it lacks the raw power for severe clearance jobs, for regular, precise trimming of tall hedges, we found this Makita to be a joy to use—light, versatile, and expertly engineered.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

Choosing the right hedge trimmer can transform a garden chore into a satisfying task. Here are the key factors we considered during our testing:

• Power Source: While this guide addresses the search for petrol trimmers, all our top picks are cordless. Modern 18V and 20V systems provide ample power for most domestic tasks without the noise, fumes, and maintenance of petrol engines. The freedom from a cord is a huge safety and convenience advantage.
• Blade Length: Longer blades (50cm+) allow you to trim a wider area with each sweep, speeding up the job on large, flat hedges. Shorter blades (40-45cm) are lighter and more manoeuvrable, making them better for smaller, more intricate shaping tasks.
• Cutting Capacity (Tooth Gap): This measurement indicates the maximum branch diameter the trimmer can handle. A gap of 15-18mm is fine for general maintenance, but for older, woodier hedges, look for a capacity of 19mm or more, like our top pick, the DEWALT DCM563PB-XJ.
• Weight and Balance: This is crucial. A heavy, poorly balanced trimmer will cause fatigue quickly. Standard trimmers should be under 4kg. For pole trimmers, weight is even more critical; look for models under 4kg like the Makita DUN461WZ if possible, and always ensure it comes with a good shoulder strap.
• Reach (For Pole Trimmers): If you have hedges taller than you can comfortably reach, a pole trimmer is essential for safety. Consider the total extended length and ensure it’s sufficient for your needs. An articulating (pivoting) head is also a must-have for trimming the tops of hedges flat.

Understanding Battery Systems

Many of the best cordless tools are sold as “bare” or “solo” units, meaning they don’t include a battery or charger. This is fantastic if you’re already invested in a brand’s battery platform (like Makita’s LXT, Ryobi’s ONE+, or DEWALT’s XR). You can save significant money by just buying the tool body. If you’re starting from scratch, look for a “kit” that includes at least one battery and a charger, like the Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li. Pay attention to the battery’s Amp-hour (Ah) rating – a higher number (e.g., 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah) means a longer runtime between charges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Weight: Don’t just look at power. A tool that’s too heavy for you to handle comfortably and safely is useless, no matter how well it cuts.
• Buying the Wrong Type: Assess your needs honestly. If your hedges are 10 feet tall, don’t buy a standard trimmer and plan to use a ladder. Invest in a proper pole trimmer for safety and a better finish.
• Underestimating Battery Needs: For a large garden, one small 2.0Ah battery won’t be enough. Either buy a kit with two batteries or invest in a single, larger 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery from the start.
• Forgetting Maintenance: Cordless trimmers are low-maintenance, but not zero-maintenance. Clean the blades of sap and debris after each use and apply a lubricant like 3-in-1 oil to keep them sharp and running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of petrol hedge trimmers over electric or cordless?

Traditionally, the main advantages of petrol hedge trimmers have been raw, untethered power and unlimited runtime (as long as you have fuel). They can typically handle the thickest, most established branches and are favoured by professionals for clearing large, severely overgrown areas. However, as our tests show, premium cordless models now match or exceed the power needed for almost all domestic jobs, offering a far better user experience without the significant downsides of petrol.

How much maintenance and servicing do petrol hedge trimmers require?

Petrol hedge trimmers require significant maintenance. This includes regularly cleaning the air filter, checking and replacing the spark plug, draining old fuel at the end of the season, and ensuring the fuel/oil mix is correct. They also require engine servicing. In contrast, the cordless models we reviewed only require basic blade cleaning and lubrication, making them far easier for the average homeowner to maintain.

What type of fuel and oil mix should be used in petrol hedge trimmers?

Most petrol hedge trimmers use a 2-stroke engine, which requires a specific mixture of unleaded petrol and 2-stroke engine oil. The exact ratio (e.g., 50:1, 40:1) is specified by the manufacturer and is critical for the engine’s health. Using the wrong mix can cause permanent engine damage. This is a hassle completely avoided with battery-powered tools.

Are petrol hedge trimmers suitable for domestic use in residential areas?

While usable, they are often not ideal for residential areas. They are extremely loud, which can annoy neighbours, and they produce exhaust fumes that are unpleasant and environmentally unfriendly. The quieter, emission-free operation of the cordless models in our list makes them a much more neighbourly choice for suburban gardens.

How loud are petrol hedge trimmers compared to other power sources?

Petrol hedge trimmers are significantly louder than their electric counterparts, often operating at 100 decibels (dB) or more, which requires hearing protection. Cordless trimmers are much quieter, typically running in the 70-85 dB range, making for a far more pleasant and safer operating experience.

What blade length and engine size are common for petrol models?

Petrol hedge trimmers for domestic or semi-pro use commonly have blade lengths from 50cm to 75cm. Engine sizes typically range from 20cc to 25cc. While these specs look impressive, we found that models like the DEWALT DCM563PB-XJ with its 55cm blade and powerful 18V motor delivered all the practical performance needed for tough jobs.

Do professional landscapers still primarily use petrol hedge trimmers?

Many professional landscapers are transitioning to high-end cordless equipment. While some still rely on petrol for the most extreme clearance jobs, professional-grade cordless systems (from brands like DEWALT and Makita) are now widely used for daily maintenance due to their lower weight, reduced noise, zero emissions, and lower running costs. The convenience of not having to transport fuel is also a major benefit.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing and evaluation, we can confidently say that the age of needing a loud, cumbersome petrol trimmer for a pristine hedge is over. The power, convenience, and user-friendly nature of modern cordless tools have made them the superior choice for the vast majority of UK gardens. Our clear winner and top recommendation is the DEWALT DCM563PB-XJ 18V Cordless Hedge Trimmer. It strikes the perfect balance, delivering the formidable cutting power you’d expect from a petrol machine with its 19mm cutting capacity and long 55cm hardened steel blades. Yet, it remains lightweight, well-balanced, and benefits from an exceptional battery runtime. For its blend of professional-grade durability, outstanding performance, and cordless freedom, the DEWALT is unequivocally the best hedge trimmer for getting the job done right.

Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API