
Although the cordless alternatives are more popular, petrol hedge trimmers benefit from the fact that the runtime of a battery doesn’t restrict them. Therefore, petrol machines are the best option for professionals or those who need to tackle many hedges with thick branches.
It’s worth pointing out that compared to petrol-powered hedge trimmers of the past, the latest offerings now emit less emissions and are much lighter, making them easier to handle for your “average gardener”.
To assist you in selecting a petrol hedge trimmer, our handpicked selection lists top-performing models, chosen based on our first-hand experience using multiple petrol machines to cut an array of hedges. Our testing and up-to-date research further ensure the quality of our recommendations.
Our Top Picks At A Glance:
How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates Petrol Hedge Trimmers
Over the years, we’ve tackled a range of overgrown hedges (conifers, bamboo, cherry laurel and many others) in our garden and various other properties.
To cut the hedges, we’ve tried and tested multiple hedge trimmers that included electric and petrol machines. Although petrol-powered hedge trimmers are the preferred choice of many professionals and enthusiasts, they’ve come down in price quite significantly and are now a more viable option for domestic use.
One of our most satisfying experiences using a petrol hedge trimmer involved shaping a huge conifer hedge and we were able to do so without the restriction of a power cable or battery (as shown in the images below).


During our ongoing testing, we analyse the machine’s performance, ease of use and starting, build quality and ergonomics.
To keep up our commitment to reviewing and testing the latest petrol hedge trimmers (for this article), we are continually testing the latest offerings from top brands in the UK. This means that when we notice a brand has released a new and improved machine, we will attempt to buy it and put it to the test where applicable.
As well as our testing and experience using multiple petrol hedge trimmers, we also based our recommendations on the latest research and several factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the engine, cutting performance, blade size, additional features, weight, warranty and value for money.