Hedges help homeowners have privacy and style, but they become an eyesore when overgrown. So, we searched the shelves of Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart to find the best gas-powered hedge trimmers.
To find our top picks, we carefully compared each model’s performance, usability, and price. We found elite handheld and pole trimmers to fit any budget. Choose the perfect product for your yard with our hedge trimmer reviews and buying guide.
Our top picks
Top 3 Gas-Powered Handheld Hedge Trimmers – Reviews
1. ECHO HC-2020 – Best overall
The best gas-powered hedge trimmer is the ECHO HC-2020. It combines pro-grade performance with a user-friendly design, making landscaping manicures manageable. The 20-inch trimmer is lightweight, reasonably priced, and frilled with fancy features.
Cutting action: It makes quick, clean cuts through branches up to 1 inch thick. The 20-inch RazerEdge blades are double-sided with three sharp edges. They have a support bar for precision and a tip guard to stay sharper longer.
Engine: The pro-grade 21.2 cc 2-stroke engine is potent and reliable. It’s also easy to maintain with a two-stage air filtration system that doesn’t require tools for service.
Comfort: At just 10 pounds, it’s the lightest gas-powered hedge trimmer we found. It’s also easy to control with two large, comfortable handles. For safety, the front handle has a safety guard, and the rear handle has a throttle lock-out.
Specifications
- Blade length: 20 in.
- Engine displacement: 21.2 cc
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 fl. oz.
- Max cut diameter: 1 in.
- Speed: 3,600 cut strokes / min.
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 10 lbs.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Potent cutting power ✓ Reasonable price ✓ User-friendly ✓ Easy to start ✓ Reliable ✓ Ergonomic | ✗The fixed handle makes it harder to maneuver ✗Short blade |
Where to buy:
2. Shindaiwa DH232 – Best for pros
The Shindaiwa DH232 is the best handheld hedge trimmer for residential landscapers. Pros appreciate the trimmer’s speed and agility. Its 22-inch blades are lighter than most commercial trimmers but the perfect size for subdivisions.
Cutting action: The DH232 perfectly pairs potent power with precision. Its double-sided blades are lightning-fast, exceptionally sharp, and durable. An aluminum bar supports the nickel-plated blades. With fast cutting action, a rotating rear handle, and a .75-inch max cut width, the trimmer excels at sculpting.
Engine: The pro-grade engine is durable and efficient. With an advanced cooling system, the 21.2 cc 2-stroke engine produces extraordinary power for its weight and displacement. Its two-stage air filtration system is accessed toollessly, and the trimmer starts on a dime.
Comfort: It’s ergonomic, with two large handles and sturdy grips. It also has a forward facing exhaust.
Specifications
- Blade length: 22 in.
- Engine displacement: 21.2 cc
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.5 fl. oz.
- Max cut diameter: .75 in.
- Speed: 4,670 cut strokes / min.
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 11 lbs.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Excellent at sculpting ✓ Extremely durable ✓ Fast cutting action ✓ Efficient engine ✓ Easy to start ✓ Ergonomic | ✗ Expensive ✗ Not good for thick branches |
Where to buy:
3. SENIX HT4QL-L – Best Budget Buy
The SENIX HT4QL-L is the best gas-powered handheld for buyers on a budget. It’s fuel-efficient, affordable, and bursting with brawn. Costing less than half as much as most gas-powered handhelds, it turns bulky bushes into shapely shrubbery.
Cutting action: The trimmer’s 22-inch dual-action blades break through branches up to 1.125 inches thick. It’s easy to trim in any direction with a rotating rear handle.
Engine: The trimmer has a 26.5 cc 4-cycle full crank engine. Although 2-stroke engines provide a more potent punch, 4-stroke engines consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions. You don’t have to mix gas with oil, because 4-strokes have a separate oil intake. And they don’t make that annoying high-pitched buzz that 2-stroke engines are known for.
Comfort: It’s lightweight and comfortable to carry.
Specifications
- Blade length: 22 in.
- Engine displacement: 26.5 cc
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.46 fl. oz.
- Max cut diameter: 1.125 in.
- Speed: 2,000 cut strokes / min.
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 11 lbs.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Ergonomic ✓ Fuel efficient ✓ Low emissions ✓ Cuts through thick branches | ✗ Cuts too slow to accurately sculpt ✗ Its gearbox head is a little loud ✗ The engine takes time to warm up ✗ Small fuel tank |
Where to buy:
Top 3 Gas-Powered Pole Trimmers – Reviews
1. Echo HCA-2620 – Best overall
The best pole-style hedge trimmer is the Echo HCA-2620. It cuts quicker than any other trimmer on our list. Although heavier than a handheld, its weight’s wispy for a high-power pole trimmer with a 59-inch shaft. It’s also comfortably cushioned and easy to maneuver.
Cutting action: It crisply cuts with precision. The 21-inch double-sided blades have three sharp edges to smoothly trim branches up to 1 inch thick.
Engine: Its pro-grade 25.4 cc 2-cycle engine is reliable and robust. It features bellows-style fuel transfer, heavy-duty two-stage air filtration, and toolless air filter access. It also has a hefty translucent fuel tank, so you rarely stop to refuel.
Comfort: The Echo HCA-2620 makes trimming hard-to-reach branches and odd-shaped bushes stress-free. Its long shaft rotates 135 degrees and has 10 possible positions. It has a comfortably cushioned front handle, and the offset gearcase creates cozy space between the user and the hedge.
Specifications
- Blade length: 21 in.
- Engine displacement: 25.4 cc
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.6 fl. oz.
- Max cut diameter: 1 in.
- Speed: 5,000 cut strokes / min.
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 14.3 lbs.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Potent cutting power ✓ Long rotating shaft ✓ Easy to start ✓ Reliable ✓ Ergonomic ✓ Includes a shoulder harness | ✗ Expensive ✗ A bit heavy ✗ The long shaft may be cumbersome for some users |
Where to buy:
2. CRAFTSMAN HT2200 – Best Budget Buy
The best budget pole trimmer is the CRAFTSMAN HT2200. It costs less than half as much as the average gas-powered pole trimmer. Using CRAFTSMAN’s Multi Yard Tool attachments, homeowners turn the trimmer into additional tools, saving even more money.
Cutting action: The 22-inch dual-action blades can cut softwood branches up to 1.125 inches thick. However, the trimmer lacks the might to hack through hardwood hedges.
Engine: Its 25 cc 2-stroke engine is less efficient than other models on our list, resulting in reduced cutting power. However, it has the heft to handle most residential shrubs.
Comfort: The handle has a soft grip, and the shaft articulates 135-degrees.
Specifications
- Blade length: 22 in.
- Engine displacement: 25 cc
- Max cut diameter: 1.125 in.
- Speed: 3,000 cut strokes / min.
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 13.5 lbs.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Ergonomic ✓ Cuts thick branches ✓ Attachment capable ✓ Includes a shoulder harness | ✗ Heavy vibration ✗ Not enough cutting power to handle hardwood shrubs |
Where to buy:
3. Husqvarna 128PS – Best pole saw
The best gas-powered pole saw is the Husqvarna 128PS. Its long, detachable shaft provides extended reach while fitting compactly in storage. With a ⅜ inch pitch, it picturesquely prunes hedges, crape myrtles, and small trees. Additionally, it’s easy to start and attachment-capable.
Cutting action: With an 8-inch guide bar, it smoothly trims branches up to 6 inches thick.
Engine: The dependable 28 cc 2-cycle engine is a powerhouse, outputting up to 1 horsepower at speeds up to 8,000 rpm. Starting the engine is a cinch with Husqarvarna’s advanced Smart Start technology, which includes an automatically resetting stop switch, air purge from the carburetor/fuel system, and a digital ignition.
Comfort: It’s a little heavy, but the shoulder strap helps homeowners handle the weight.
Specifications
- Bar length: 8 in.
- Cutting capacity: 6 in.
- Engine displacement: 28 cc
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.53 fl. oz.
- Pitch: 3/8″
- Warranty: 2 years*
- Weight: 14.9 lbs.
* Extend the tool’s warranty to 5 years by purchasing at least 96 fl. oz. of 50:1 pre-mixed fuel. The fuel must be on the same receipt as the pole saw and submitted for registration on Husqvarna’s website.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Extends reach by about 8 feet ✓ Potent cutting power ✓ Easy to start ✓ Reliable ✓ Includes a shoulder harness | ✗The fixed handle makes it harder to maneuver ✗ Husqvarna attachments are pricey ✗ A bit heavy |
Where to buy:
Buyer’s guide
To buy the best gas hedge trimmer, please consider the following:
Blades
There are several blade specs to consider:
- Blade length: Most gas hedge trimmers have an 18- to 38-inch blade. A longer blade gets the job done quicker but is more cumbersome to maneuver. Trimmers with blades over 30 inches are typically reserved for pros.
- Blade material: Quality hedge trimmer blades are typically stainless, carbon, or hardened steel. Nickel plating makes steel blades less vulnerable to corrosion.
- Cutting capacity: A trimmers’ cutting capacity (or max cut diameter) describes the space between its teeth. Trimmers with a larger cutting capacity can cut thicker branches, but trimmers with short, narrowly spaced teeth are better for precision.
- Double-sided vs. single-sided: Most homeowners prefer double-sided blades. They’re more efficient, better at shaping shrubbery, and more comfortable for left-handed users. However, even though trimming takes longer, single-sided blades are safer and better for thick branches.
- Dual-action blades: They make cleaner cuts, vibrate less, and are more comfortable for extended use.
The table below shows typical blade specs for gas hedge trimmers.
| Average blade length | 25 in. |
| Typical blade length range | 18 – 38 in. |
| Typical cutting capacity | 0.5 – 1.2 in. |
Engine power
Savvy shoppers know what to look for in a gas engine:
- Two-stroke engines run on a mixture of oil and gas because the same system fuels and lubricates the engine. They’re lighter, quieter, lower maintenance, and easier to start.
- Four-stroke engines run on straight gas and have a separate lubrication system for the oil (like a car). They’re more fuel-efficient than 2-stroke engines and burn less toxic emissions.
- Engine displacement measures the air volume that moves through a gas engine in cubic centimeters (cc). Engines with higher air volume have greater power potential, but a 4-cycle engine needs more to reach the same potency as a 2-cycle engine. In fair competitions, 250-cc 2-stroke bikes race against 450-cc 4-stroke bikes.
- Full-crank engines run smoother, are better balanced, and are easier to start.
| Average displacement for gas hedge trimmer | 23 cc |
| Typical range | 21 – 27 cc |
Cutting speed
Measured in strokes per minute (SPM), most gas hedge trimmers have a cutting speed of 2,000 to 5,000 SPM. Trimmers with a cutting speed of 3,000 SPM or less are better for tough jobs, and faster trimmers are better for sculpting.
| Average cutting speed of a gas hedge trimmer | 3,850 SPM |
| Typical range | 2,000 – 5,000 SPM |
Weight
Most gas-powered hedge trimmers weigh 10 to 14 pounds and the average gas trimmer weighs about 12 pounds. Lightweight trimmers are more comfortable and easier to maneuver.
| Average weight of a gas hedge trimmer | 12 lb. |
| Typical range | 10 – 14 lb. |
Additional features
When shopping for a gas-powered hedge trimmer, look out for these handy features:
- Ergonomic handles improve comfort, especially for prolonged use. Vibration-dampening grips and front handle shields reduce fatigue and improve control. Some handheld trimmers come with a shoulder strap for added support.
- Adjustable or rotating handles make a trimmer more comfortable and allow you to cut at multiple angles.
- Pole trimmers have an extended reach, making them ideal for tall hedges. Using a pole trimmer is much safer than maneuvering a handheld trimmer from a ladder.
- Transparent gas tanks make it easier to monitor the fuel level.
- Forward-facing exhaust tubes won’t damage your plants.
- Blade brakes enhance safety by stopping the blade when the user moves their finger off the trigger.
- Blade sheaths protect the blades while the trimmer is in storage and prevent blade injuries and accidents while the trimmer’s in transit.
Cost
The average gas-powered hedge trimmer costs about $450, but some models are as cheap as $130, while others cost more than $600. Pole trimmers tend to be more affordable than handheld hedge trimmers.
| Average cost of a gas hedge trimmer | $450 |
| Typical price range | $130 – $600 |
FAQ about gas-powered hedge trimmers
What are the three types of hedge trimmers?
Hedge trimmers are typically classified by power source:
- Manual hedge trimmers are affordable, lightweight, and eco-friendly. However, they require the most elbow grease. The best hedge clippers/shears are ideal for small bushes.
- Electric hedge trimmers are slower and less potent than gas trimmers but are quieter and require less maintenance. The best battery-powered hedge trimmers are cordless and convenient, but corded electric models are more affordable and have unlimited runtime.
- Gas hedge trimmers are the most powerful, but also the most expensive.
What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a string trimmer?
Hedge trimmers cut branches on shrubbery, including bushes, hedges, and small trees. In contrast, string trimmers cut tall grass and weeds, helping homeowners maintain crisp edges. The best gas string trimmers slice thick weeds like a hot knife through butter.
Can you cut a neighbor’s hedge without permission?
The standard guidelines for trimming a neighbor’s hedges are as follows:
- Branches on your side: If branches have grown over to your property, you have the right to trim what’s on your side.
- Branches on their side: You DO NOT have the right to trim anything on your neighbor’s property.
- Accidental damage: If you accidentally trim on their side, unless you can prove you made a reasonable attempt to avoid doing so, you may be held liable.
- Local laws: Check state, local, and HOA guidelines, as the rules may differ from the national standard.
- Communication is key: It’s best to have a friendly chat before acting. When I lived in South Florida, my neighbor’s tree was overgrown, invading my yard, and producing tons of debris. After a friendly chat, we agreed to split the cost of tree removal. The problem was solved without creating bad blood on the block.
When to call a pro
Before you buy a powerful tool with razor sharp blades, consider the risks. Accidental contact with a trimmer blade can cause severe injury. Keep you and your family safe by hiring a pro.
Lawn Love is your one-stop shop for lawn care solutions. We connect you to expert landscapers with affordable rates. In addition to bush trimming, our pros offer several services including mowing, gutter cleaning, and lawn treatments. Our no-hassle service starts with a quick, free online quote.
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
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