If you're hunting for the best hedge trimmer for thick branches, we've got you covered right here.
When it comes to deciding which hedge trimmer to go for, there are a couple of key measures that can help you to pick one for those thicker branches - blade length and cutting width.
As a general rule, bigger is better for both of these, as you'll be able to tackle longer and wider branches in one fell swoop. A length of 45 to 55cm is generally enough for most people to cut smaller hedges and can give them the option for any thicker ones, although you can get ones with up to 75cm for any especially heavy jobs.
The same also goes for cutting width. A width of 20mm is going to be a good spot to begin with for cutting a range of hedges, apart from the thickest ones. For that, you may wish to go upwards of 30mm or higher. Some hedge trimmers can even come with attachments to make their width even wider.
You'll also want to consider the way in which the trimmer is going to be powered. A cordless trimmer is likely to offer a good blend of power and convenience, as well as being less noisy than a petrol trimmer, although the latter may well offer you a little bit more power. For those who want a constant flow of charge though, you may want to take a look at a corded trimmer.
Based on all of this and more, we've taken a look at what's available on the market today that aligns with what we think makes a brilliant hedge trimmer for thick branches, and selected a number of options based on everything from specs to reviews.
So, let’s get to it – here are some recommendations for the best hedge trimmer for long branches out there today.
Best Hedge Trimmer For Thick Branches
Best All-Round Hedge Trimmer For Thick Branches - Bosch AHS 55-20 Li
The Bosch AHS 55-20 Li looks to be an excellent all-rounder when it comes to the world of hedge trimmers for thicker branches.
It features a 55cm blade length, which is on the larger side for a hedge trimmer for most people, but that'll mean you'll be able to get deep into the plant to cut it and trim it down as best you can.
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The Bosch AHS 55-20 Li also utilises a wider 20mm cutting width which is going to allow you to tackle larger hedges such as laurels or conifers, as well as any more medium-sized ones too, and will be an especially great trimmer if you've got a larger garden.
It works with Bosch's 2.5Ah 18V 'Power For All' battery, which will also work with any other products within the same range. This is particularly handy if you've got any other products in the same ecosystem, as it'll mean you can use the same battery within this trimmer.
Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer For Thick Branches - Karcher HGE 18-50
A cordless hedge trimmer is going to keep things convenient so you don't have to worry about cables, and the Karcher HGE 18-50 should be a marvellous choice for sorting out larger branches.
A 50cm blade length is a nice sweet spot for tackling either smaller hedges or some larger thicker branches, and means this trimmer will be quite a useful all-rounder.
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In addition, the fact that the Karcher HGE 18-50 features a max cutting width of 22mm means you'll be able to tackle everything from overgrown conifers to hornbeam, and keep your garden in tip-top condition.
This trimmer also has a clever mechanism where you can rotate the blade by twisting around the top handle to get a different, and possibly more comfortable, blade angle. This can be adjusted as you work on different parts of the hedge so you can get an optimum cut.
Best Heavy-Duty Hedge Trimmer For Thick Branches - Makita DUH751Z
The Makita DUH751Z looks to be an immense heavy duty hedge trimmer that should be able to power through even the thickest branches.
It features a massive 75cm blade that should be able to reach incredibly far in so you can trim nearly every part of a hedge, and a total length of 1.2 metres does mean this is on the larger side, and a good fit for serious gardeners.
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In addition, the fact this Makita DUH751Z features a 23.5mm cutting width is reflective of its heavy-duty nature and that you should be able to power through even the toughest material with protruding branches not being an issue.
You also get three speeds to choose from for different sorts of hedges, as well as a convenient rotating handle for either vertical or horizontal trimming, and an 18V Li battery that should allow you to keep cutting for up to 90 minutes.
Best Petrol Hedge Trimmer For Thick Branches - McCulloch Superlite 4528
lf it's a powerful petrol trimmer you're after, then the McCulloch Superlite 4528 looks to be a brilliant choice.
A 45cm blade length may be on the smaller side compared to the options above, but the fact this is a petrol trimmer with a 22cc motor, which is traditionally more powerful than its electric counterpart, means this will be able to power through even some of the largest branches.
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This is backed up by the fact that the McCulloch Superlite 4528 has a branch width of 20mm, which will mean you're able to cut through thicker hedges with no issue at all.
You also get other useful features such as safety guards as well as OxyPower technology to help reduce fuel consumption, and a quiet-running motor which means other people should be able to be left in peace while you're trimming.
Best Corded Hedge Trimmer For Thick Branches - BLACK+DECKER BEHTS501
The BLACK+DECKER BEHTS501 is an immense choice if you don't want to worry about changing batteries, and you just want to have a trimmer with a lot of power.
It comes as a 600W unit, which with its cutting width of 25mm, should be able to blitz through thicker branches, and the fact it features an additional saw blade at the end can allow you to cut even thicker branches by giving you a 35mm width.
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In addition, the BLACK+DECKER BEHTS501 features a compact body that's said to be 10% lighter than previous trimmers within BLACK+DECKER'S range, and at 2.7kg, it is one of the lighter trimmers on this list.
You do also get a blade length of 60cm, which should allow you to go quite deep and cut some larger hedges with no real issue at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hedge trimmer for thicker branches worth it?
In short, yes. Getting a hedge trimmer to deal with thicker branches and shrubbery is likely to make your life a lot easier, given the power they hold and how much quicker they'll be able to cut down branches than if you were do it manually, for instance.
Moreover, a hedge trimmer for thicker branches is also likely to be a more premium product than those designed to deal with smaller tasks, and as such, may be longer-lasting and more durable, so you can have a tool for a good while that should remain reliable.
How much should I spend on a hedge trimmer for thick branches?
As a general rule of thumb, we'd say that spending around $150 is likely to get you a trimmer that will be a good all-rounder with a decent cutting width and blade length. At this price, it's more likely to be cordless, so will also offer you an added form of convenience.
For any more heavy-duty options, you may want to set your sights a little higher at between $250-$300, and for petrol-powered trimmers for larger jobs, they clock in at around the same price.
How thick a branch can a hedge trimmer cut?
This all depends on the trimmer you've got and the respective cutting width.
Most hedge trimmers are likely to be able to cut branches up to 20mm in width, although more heavy duty options, like some of the ones we've featured above, can cut up to 35mm with the right attachment.
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