The experts make the tough job look easy, but the truth is, a few pro tips and a relaxed, patient approach will make all the difference. And some practice, of course!
You’ll already have decided whether you want a formal hedge or an informal look.
- A formal hedge is one with clean lines and geometric angles and curves. It can be cut straight up and down or wider at the top to allow light to permeate the lower area.
- An informal hedge is where the gardener has worked to retain a natural-looking shape while keeping it tidy and healthy.
First - check for birds!
In EU law, it’s illegal to intentionally kill, catch or disturb native birds, including any act that will destroy their breeding, feeding and roosting habitats. This includes nests made in hedges.
Wait until the birds have fledged. Be cautious - even after the summer, some species may be building nests for new families.
Top tips - or tips for the top
- Sides come first - Use your cordless hedge trimmer to cut the sides first to give yourself clean lines to work with - new growth on the sides of a hedge can obscure the shape and, importantly, height.
- Use guides - Formal or informal, when it comes to trimming the top, you might want to consider utilising the tools of the formal hedge - canes and string. This will help you keep a uniform height and a level shape. Put stakes at the corners of the hedge and run a string line around.
- Use an arcing motion - sweep the hedge trimmer from its furthest point towards the edge in an arc. Sweep the blade across to your side, not directly at yourself, for safety reasons.
- Line up the edges - the blades should be facing the edge of the hedge.
- Tilt and level - give the blade a slight downward tilt in the direction you’re moving - and also keep it level across its length.
- No dip or dig - be careful not to dip the blade towards the edge unless you intend to shape it - leave this until your finishing touches. And don’t dig the blades into the foliage.
- Tidy by hand and blower - clear cuttings off the top regularly to keep your workspace neat and safe. Use a blower across the top of the hedge to tidy up any remaining cuttings.
- Finishing touches - make a final, light pass to achieve a finer, neater cut and to chamfer or soften the edges if you want.
See our guide on how to trim a hedge straight for more tips on cutting the edges, plus some information about the different types of hedge plants.
Health and safety
Safe operation
- Remember - working at height is a hazard - cuts and falls are the most common accidents you can have in your garden.
- If your hedge is high, use the multi tool telescopic pole and hedge trimmer attachment (which can reach up to 4m) or work with a friend who can foot your ladder. Please don’t overreach and use the size of hedge trimmer appropriate to your task.
- Read your manual for safe operation and maintenance of your cordless hedge trimmer and always wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses.
Safe equipment
EGO battery-powered hedge trimmers are light, ergonomic and durable. They are also quieter, give off less vibration and have no emissions.
See our range of cordless hedge trimmers, which includes models with cutting lengths between 51cm to 75cm - one to suit every hedge!