Hedge Trimmers That Handle Thick Branches
Most hedge trimmers jam on anything thicker than a pencil. These cordless models cut branches up to 1 to 1.25 inches. Our picks for the best hedge trimmers for thick branches from Milwaukee, Ego, Husqvarna, Ryobi and Craftsman, with test notes.
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Our top picks at a glance
1 Best for thick branches
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 24-Inch Hedge Trimmer
About $270 (tool only)
The biggest cutting capacity in testing, 1.25 inches, and strong enough for woody branches that stop other trimmers. Read more
Pros
- 1.25-inch cut capacity
- Rotating handle
- One of the quieter models
Cons
- Heaviest tested
- Expensive with a battery
2 Best overall
Husqvarna 320iHD60 Hedge Trimmer
About $319
Never bogged down in testing, with low vibration and a reverse button that clears jams. Read more
Pros
- Never bogged down
- Low vibration
- Boost and reverse modes
Cons
- Expensive
- Few other tools share its battery
3 Most reach
Ego Power+ 26-Inch Hedge Trimmer HT2601
About $240 to $279
The longest blade tested and a 1.2-inch capacity, with fast charging. Read more
Pros
- Longest 26-inch blade
- 1.2-inch capacity
- About 50-minute recharge
Cons
- Loudest tested
- No debris sweeper
4 Best value
Ryobi 40V 24-Inch Hedge Trimmer
About $169
A light, well-balanced kit that cut cleanly and handles branches up to 1 inch. Read more
Pros
- Light and balanced
- Battery included
- Good cut quality
Cons
- Fewer teeth means slower work
- Noisy
Most hedge trimmers are designed for leafy growth and pencil-thin twigs. Push one into an older, woody shrub and it jams, chatters or stalls. If your hedges have gone a season or two without a trim, you need a trimmer with wide tooth spacing and a strong motor.
Even the toughest hedge trimmers top out at about 1 to 1.25 inches. For anything thicker, use loppers or a pole saw.
At a glance
| Trimmer | Cut capacity | Blade | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel 24” | 1.25” | 23.5” | 18V | Nearly 12 lb |
| Husqvarna 320iHD60 | 1” | 25” | 36V | Just over 11 lb |
| Ego HT2601 | 1.2” | 26.25” | 56V | 9.8 lb |
| Ryobi 40V 24” | 1” | 23.5” | 40V | 7.3 lb |
Test notes are from HGTV's hedge trimmer testing, which ran 11 battery trimmers through about 40 linear feet of mature yew and measured noise. Weights include the battery.
1. Milwaukee M18 Fuel 24-Inch Hedge Trimmer: Best for thick branches
Best for: Overgrown, woody hedges.
With a 1.25-inch capacity, the Milwaukee had the biggest bite of any trimmer HGTV tested, and testers called it a strong choice for aggressive cutting and woody branches that could stop lesser tools. It was also one of the quieter models. The handle locks in five positions, which helps when you’re cutting the sides and top, and it works well for left-handed users.
What bugs us: At nearly 12 pounds, it was the heaviest tested. It’s expensive unless you already own M18 batteries.
Skip it if: you mostly do light, regular trims.
2. Husqvarna 320iHD60 Hedge Trimmer: Best overall
Best for: Large hedges and long sessions.
HGTV’s best overall trimmer “never bogged down,” with little vibration. A reverse button clears jammed branches, and a boost mode speeds through finer growth. Double-sided teeth cut on three edges.
What bugs us: It’s expensive, few other tools use Husqvarna’s battery, and it’s the second heaviest and longest tested. The blade cover is flimsy.
Skip it if: you want a trimmer that shares batteries with other yard tools.
3. Ego Power+ 26-Inch Hedge Trimmer HT2601: Most reach
Best for: Tall shrubs and Ego battery owners.
The Ego has the longest blade HGTV tested and a 1.2-inch capacity, with the fastest stroke rate of any in normal mode. Testers were skeptical of its carbon fiber blade bar but found it cut yew branches quickly. A rotating handle and roughly 50-minute recharge are bonuses.
What bugs us: At just over 100 decibels, it was the loudest tested, and there’s no sweeper to clear clippings off the hedge top. The weight balance takes getting used to.
Skip it if: noise matters. Wear hearing protection either way.
4. Ryobi 40V 24-Inch Hedge Trimmer: Best value
Best for: Most homeowners on a budget.
HGTV’s value pick weighs just over 7 pounds with its battery, is well balanced and cut cleanly. It handles branches up to 1 inch and comes with a battery and charger.
What bugs us: Fewer teeth mean you have to move more slowly through thick growth. It’s noisy and not as smooth as pricier trimmers.
Skip it if: your hedges are badly overgrown.
Where these picks come from
We relied on HGTV’s hands-on hedge trimmer testing, which scored ease of use, ergonomics, noise and cut quality on mature yew. We prioritized cutting capacity for thick branches. We left out HGTV’s budget Craftsman because its 0.75-inch capacity is too small for this job.
- Cut capacity
- Power without bogging down
- Weight and balance
- Noise
We haven’t tested these trimmers ourselves. Read more about how we pick products.
Tips for cutting thick growth
- Cut thick stems separately. Snip anything over about half an inch with pruning shears or loppers first, then trim.
- Work in small bites. Let the teeth do the work instead of forcing the blade.
- Oil the blades after each use with a lubricant spray to keep them cutting smoothly.
- Wear eye and ear protection.
Quick answers
How thick a branch can a hedge trimmer cut? Most handle about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Heavy-duty models reach 1 to 1.25 inches.
Gas or battery for thick branches? Today’s top battery trimmers, like the Milwaukee and Husqvarna, handle thick branches well without gas engine noise and upkeep.
What’s tooth spacing? The gap between teeth. Wider spacing fits thicker branches.
Finishing the edges too? Here is how to restring a string trimmer.