Trimming hedges

Trimming is the job of cutting your hedge regularly to encourage strong growth for a full, dense, hedge. Trimming maintains shape and keeps the hedge at a manageable height and width. There are four main types of manual tools for trimming hedges and a wide range of electric hedge trimmers.

Conventional hedge shears Watch for neck, back and arm atrain when using these tools. Try not to over stretch and work with the shears just below chest height and as close to your body as possible. Carry secateurs with you to cut material that is too thick for the shears and only work for short periods to avoid strain. Keep the shears sharp, clean, well oiled and adjusted. Lightweight telescopic hedge shears can make the job easier but check that the handle adjustment mechanism is easy to use.

One-handed shears These smaller tools can be used for light trimming, such as topiary, and are useful for grass and foliage. There are models with fixed blades and models with swivel blades to allow vertical and horizontal trimming - choose a model on which the swivel mechanism is covered to help prevent jamming and to protects your hands.

Classic English shears Old-fashioned shears do the same job as modern one-handed shears but do not have a safety catch and do not swivel for cutting vertical edges. They are worth looking at if you don't need these features as the sprung blades are very easy to operate and require no maintenance.

Powered hedge trimmers These are very effective tools but require some skill and care in use. Always use a residual circuit breaker with electric models and consider wearing safety glasses. Options include battery powered trimmers with long handles, telescopic cordless trimmers, and battery powered shears with an optional extension handle.

You can look at equipment and tools for trimming hedges in two ways.

The full list of products is shown below, or you can use the Equipment and tool finder to look at products which might be useful if you: are gardening after a stroke or with heart disease; garden sitting down or from a wheelchair; have sight loss; have with a weak grip; use one hand; can't bend easily.