Short answer
A blade of roughly 45-55 cm suits small to medium garden hedges, 55-65 cm suits most medium hedges, and 65-75 cm or more suits large, long, flat-topped hedges. Longer blades cover more per pass but weigh more and are harder to control.
| Hedge type | Suggested blade length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small formal hedge or low border | About 45 cm or shorter | Easier to control for detail |
| Typical garden boundary hedge | About 50-60 cm | Best all-round compromise |
| Long or tall flat-topped hedge | About 60-75 cm | More coverage per pass; heavier |
| Very large or farm-style hedge | Longer blades or professional models | Consider petrol or professional tools |
These are general rules of thumb, not standards; models vary.
Trade-offs
- Longer blade: faster on straight runs, but heavier and harder to hold at height.
- Shorter blade: lighter and more precise, but more passes.
- Rotating handle: helps with vertical cuts and awkward angles.
For tall hedges, a pole trimmer is another option: see long reach trimmers.