If you want to maintain the beauty of your yard, one of the things you shouldn’t neglect is trimming your hedges. Many homeowners buy their own hedge trimmers and do the trimming themselves instead of hiring a lawn care company. On average, a hedge trimmer costs between $33 and $227, depending on the type of trimmer.
On the lower end, a manual hedge trimmer costs around $24 to $42 on average, while on the higher end, a gas hedge trimmer can cost between $185 and $268.
Average costs of hedge trimmers in 2025
| Average manual hedge trimmer cost | $33 |
| Average corded electric trimmer cost | $52 |
| Average battery-powered trimmer cost | $83 |
| Average gas hedge trimmer cost | $227 |
While the average cost of a hedge trimmer can vary depending on the type, other factors can affect the price as well. For instance, the brand of the hedge trimmer you choose can affect how much it costs. Higher-end brands like Stihl or Black+Decker cost more than lower-end brands.
The most affordable option is the manual hedge trimmer, with an average price of $33, followed by corded electric and battery-powered hedge trimmers, which cost $52 and $83, respectively.
For homeowners with more money to spare, the gas-powered hedge trimmer can be another option. While it costs around $227 on average, gas hedge trimmers are more convenient to use.
Cost estimator by type of hedge trimmer
The price of a hedge trimmer varies widely depending on the type of trimmer you need. If you have tall hedges, you’ll need the more powerful and expensive gas hedge trimmer. For smaller hedges, a manual or cordless electric trimmer can often do the trick.
Manual hedge trimmers
| Average cost of manual trimmers | $33 |
| Typical price range of manual trimmers | $24 – $42 |
| Extreme low-end cost of manual trimmers | $9 |
| Extreme high-end cost of manual trimmers | $120 |
Manual hedge trimmers, better known as hedge shears or hedge clippers, are the most affordable option, costing between $24 and $42 on average. They’re also the lightest and easiest to maneuver, making them a good choice for smaller hedges.
Note: The difference between hedge shears and grass shears is that hedge shears have longer handles to give you more leverage to cut through thick branches.
Pros of manual hedge trimmers
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Low maintenance
Cons of manual hedge trimmers
- Can be tiring to use for tall hedges
Corded electric hedge trimmers
| Average cost of corded electric trimmers | 52 |
| Typical price range of corded electric trimmers | $48 – $57 |
| Extreme low-end cost of corded hedge trimmers | 30 |
| Extreme high-end cost of corded hedge trimmers | 100 |
These electric trimmers are more powerful than manual trimmers and can cost between $48 and $57 on average. They’re a good choice for larger hedges, but you’ll need to be mindful of the length of the cord, as well as the distance from your hedge to the nearest power outlet.
Pros of corded electric hedge trimmers
- More powerful than manual trimmers
- Can be used for larger hedges
- Unlimited runtime
- Easy to use
Cons of corded electric hedge trimmers
- Not as portable as battery-powered or gas-powered trimmers
- Homeowners can trip over the cord or extension cord
- Less powerful than gas hedge trimmers
Battery-powered hedge trimmers
| Average cost of battery-powered trimmers | $83 |
| Typical price range of battery-powered trimmers | $49 – $118 |
| Extreme low-end cost of battery-powered trimmers | $23 |
| Extreme high-end cost of battery-powered trimmers | $399 |
This type of hedge trimmer is similar to corded electric trimmers in terms of power. However, it costs a bit more, between $49 and $118 on average. But battery-powered trimmers offer the added benefit of being cordless, so you don’t have to worry about the length of the cord or needing to use an extension cord (or tripping over them).
Pros of battery-powered hedge trimmers
- Cordless
- Rechargeable
- Relatively quiet
- Low maintenance
- Most models have a long battery life
Cons of battery-powered hedge trimmers
- Some models can be heavy
- Need to keep an eye on the battery life
- Lithium-ion battery needs to be charged regularly
Gas hedge trimmers
| Average cost of gas trimmers | $227 |
| Typical price range of gas trimmers | $185 – $268 |
| Extreme low-end cost of gas trimmers | $115 |
| Extreme high-end cost of gas trimmers | $620 |
Gas-powered trimmers, which can cost between $185 and $268 on average, are the most powerful type of trimmer. They’re a good choice for large hedges, but they’re also the heaviest, the most difficult to use, and require the most maintenance.
Pros of gas hedge trimmers
- They’re the most powerful type of trimmer
- Can be used for tall hedges
- Faster cutting speed
Cons of gas hedge trimmers
- Heavier than other types of trimmers
- Can be very loud to operate
- Higher maintenance costs
- Exhaust fuel emissions
Note: While gas-powered trimmers are the most powerful type of dual-action hedge trimmers, they also make the most noise. So, you need to wear ear protection when using one of these trimmers. Gas power tools also produce emissions harmful to the environment, so they’re banned in some places, like California.
Other factors that affect cost
Apart from the type of power source, other factors can affect the cost of a hedge trimmer. For example, to save money, you might consider renting a trimmer for a day or buying a used one.
Renting a hedge trimmer
If you only need to use the trimmer once, you may want to rent instead of buying one. The average cost to rent a trimmer for four hours is around $38. Renting the equipment for a day can cost around $54, while one week costs around $216.
So, if you need to use the trimmer for more than one day or on more than one occasion, it might be more cost-effective to buy one instead.
Buying a used hedge trimmer
From time to time, you may be able to find a used trimmer for sale. The cost of a used trimmer will depend on the make and model, as well as the condition of the equipment.
You can expect to pay as little as $15 to as much as $120 for a used trimmer. However, it’s important to test out the tool and ensure it’s in good working condition before you pay for it.
Hedge trimmer maintenance
Once you have a trimmer, there will be maintenance and operational costs associated with it. Just like with other power tools, trimmers need to be maintained to keep them running properly.
The good news is that trimmer maintenance isn’t particularly expensive. It can be as low as $88 per year. This cost includes things like keeping the blades sharp, as well as replacing any parts that may break or wear out over time.
| Maintenance | Typical cost |
| Blade sharpening | $28 – $59 per service |
| Tune-up | $50 – $90 per year |
| Lubrication | $8 – $31 per bottle |
| Operation costs (gas or electricity) | $0.25 – $0.70 per hour of use |
Blade sharpening
The most common type of maintenance you’ll need for your trimmer is sharpening the blades. This process is usually very straightforward and affordable.
Most homeowners pay anywhere from $28 to $59 to have the blades on their trimmer sharpened. This is a very reasonable cost, considering that sharpening the blades will help to keep your trimmer running efficiently.
Engine maintenance (tune-up)
If you have a gas-powered hedge trimmer, you’ll also need to maintain its engine. The maintenance or tune-up includes things like changing the oil and filters. Tune-ups can cost around $81 on average, but most homeowners spend anywhere from $50 to $90 per year.
Lubrication
Another crucial thing to do is to keep all the moving parts on your trimmer lubricated. Doing this will help keep the trimmer running smoothly. Plus, you also can prevent any premature wear and tear.
The average cost of trimmer lubricant is $8 to $31 per bottle. The good thing is that electric trimmers with brushless motors don’t require any lubrication.
Operational costs
The most significant operational cost is the cost of gas or electricity. On average, it costs around $0.25 to $0.70 per hour to operate a trimmer. This cost will vary depending on the type of trimmer you have, as well as the price of gas or electricity in your area.
Trimmer design
While all trimmers function with the same end goal in mind, there are different designs suited for different needs. The main design types you should know are power, pole, and single-sided trimmers.
Power hedge trimmers
Buying a gas or battery-powered trimmer is going to set you back a bit more than other types. This is because they offer more power and are typically more durable than manual options. If you have a lot of hedges to trim or if the hedges are particularly thick, power trimmers are your best bet.
Pole hedge trimmers
Pole hedge trimmers are a great option if you have tall hedges that are difficult to reach. These types of trimmers typically have a long pole that can be extended, making it easy to reach those high-up branches.
Single-sided hedge trimmers
Single-sided trimmers can be more expensive than trimmers with dual-action blades, but they offer many advantages. Since single-sided trimmers are more lightweight, they’re easier to use. Plus, they can accommodate a larger cutting blade – making them ideal for trimming large hedges, bushes, or shrubbery.
There are a few other tools and pieces of equipment that homeowners need to care for their gardens properly.
Lawn mower
A lawn mower is a necessity if you have a lawn that needs to be mowed on a regular basis. The average lawn mower cost will depend on the type and size of mower you need. See the average costs in the table below.
| Type of mower | Average cost |
| Reel mower | $123 |
| Walk-behind mower | $386 |
| Riding mower | $2,547 |
| Robotic mower | $1,468 |
String trimmer
If you need to trim the grass around your patio or deck, you will have to purchase a string trimmer. This handy little tool makes it easy to get into tight spaces and trim the grass without using a lawn mower.
Leaf blower
A leaf blower is a great tool to have for clearing leaves and other debris from your yard. The average cost of a leaf blower will depend on the type and power of the blower.
Cost of professional lawn care services
If you don’t have the time or the inclination to do lawn care yourself, you can always hire a professional lawn care or landscaping service. While these services may cost more than doing the job yourself, they can be well worth the money if you want to keep your yard looking its best without lifting a finger.
Hedge trimming
If you don’t want to trim your own hedges, you can always hire a professional hedge-trimming service. On average, hedge trimming costs around $317 to $936. While this may seem like a lot, it’s actually very reasonable when you consider the time and effort it takes to trim hedges properly.
Hedge removal
Do you want to remove your existing hedges to make way for a new landscaping design or for other reasons? You may try hacking at them yourself, but you may be left with unsightly stumps on the ground and cuts and bruises on your hands. The better option would be to hire a pro for hedge removal services, which usually involves cutting down or uprooting the hedges.
Bush trimming
Just like with hedges, you can hire a landscaping company to do the bush trimming on your behalf. Keep in mind that bush trimming costs will depend on the size and number of bushes to be trimmed.
Lawn mowing
The average cost of professional lawn mowing is around $35 to $100 per visit. This price will depend on the size of your lawn and the frequency with which it needs to be mowed.
Tree trimming
If you have trees on your property, you also may need to have them trimmed on a regular basis. The average cost of tree trimming will depend on the number and size of the trees that need to be trimmed, as well as the frequency with which they need to be trimmed.
Leaf removal
If you have a lot of trees on your property, you may need to hire a professional leaf removal service every fall. The cost of leaf removal will depend on the size of your property and the amount of leaves that need to be removed.
FAQ
Which hedge trimmer is best for use in residential properties?
A versatile and lightweight cordless hedge trimmer is often the best choice for residential properties. Trimmers with ergonomic designs and adjustable blades are user-friendly, making them suitable for maintaining hedges of various shapes and sizes. Additionally, they offer freedom of movement without the hassle and limitations of cords.
Some homeowners opt for hedge trimmer kits like the Ryobi One+ 18v shear and shrub trimmer with a 2.0 Ah battery (charger included). Another option would be the Milwaukee M18 fuel 18-volt cordless hedge trimmer. Other choices include trimmers from Black+Decker, Dewalt, Toro, and Stihl.
Note: Remember to choose a trimmer with the right blade length, optimal maneuverability, adequate cutting capacity, warranty, and all the hedge trimmer features you need.
Is it better to trim my own hedges?
While the initial investment in a trimmer may be more than hiring a professional, it will be cheaper to trim your own hedges over time. But keep in mind that it takes time and effort to learn how to trim hedges properly, so it may not be worth it if you’re short on time.
Is it dangerous to trim hedges?
If you don’t have the proper safety equipment or don’t know what you’re doing, then yes, it can be dangerous to trim hedges. Working with outdoor power equipment is always risky, so take safety precautions, such as wearing work gloves, safety goggles, closed-toe shoes, and hearing protection.
Keep your hedges tidy year-round
While a hedge trimmer costs as low as $33 to as high as $227, it’s a great addition to your tool collection if you want to keep your hedges neat and tidy. But before you buy one, remember to consider all the cost factors along with the time and effort it takes to learn how to use it properly.
If you don’t have the skills for DIY hedge trimming or want to spend your weekends with your family, it would be better to hire a professional to do the job for you. It all depends on your needs and budget.
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Main Photo by: Mark Hunter | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0
