Keeping a garden looking its best is a breeze with the right garden power tools. But, with so many to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for your needs?

This guide tells you everything you need to know about three of the most used garden power tools: lawn mowers, grass trimmers and hedge trimmers. 

It covers how lawn mowers work, the different types, and what to look for when buying a lawn mower. In addition, we look at grass trimmer and hedge trimmer features and highlight some things to consider when buying these garden power tools.  

Finally, we give tips on the maintenance, cleaning and storage of garden power tools and answer your frequently asked questions. 

Lawn mowers come in many types, shapes and sizes, but they have the same two key components:

• The deck is the part of the mower that’s close to the ground and contains the cutting blade. On a rotary mower, the blade is a disc that rotates horizontally. A cylinder mower has several blades formed into a cylinder shape.
• The engine can be either electric or petrol powered. If it’s petrol powered, there will also be a fuel tank. If it’s a cordless electric mower, there will also be a battery. The only lawn mowers without an engine are cylinder lawn mowers.

In addition to these two parts, lawn mowers will all have a handle to push it with. There will be some kind of start mechanism (excludes cylinder mowers) – whether that’s a push button or a pull cord on some petrol models. Most lawn mowers have wheels, and some have a grass collection box.

Lawn mowers can also be self-propelled (SP) or hand-propelled (HP). Self-propelled mowers have a built-in drive that pushes the mower forward without having to push it. So, less effort is needed because all you have to do is steer. This is ideal for large gardens and gardens with a slope. Hand-propelled lawn mowers must be pushed to make them move, so they’re better for smaller, flat lawns.

In September 2021, E10 fuel replaced E5 fuel as the most common petrol type in the UK. E10 fuel contains 10% ethanol, whereas E5 fuel contains only 5%.

E10 fuel is fine in petrol garden power tools, but it can cause problems if the tool isn’t properly maintained. The higher ethanol content can attract moisture that causes corrosion if the fuel is left in the tank for long periods. It can also block the carburettor and block pipes.

To avoid problems, don’t use fuel that’s more than 30 days old and don’t leave petrol in the tank if the garden power tool is going to be stored for more than 30 days.

We’ve covered the most essential information about lawn mowers above. But here are some other things to consider before you buy:

1. Cutting height
   The majority of lawn mowers allow you to adjust the grass cutting height. This is ideal for several reasons. First, it’s recommended that the first cut of the season or very long grass isn’t cut too low as that can damage the lawn. And it’s also useful for bumpy ground, where a low cut might be fine in some areas but take the top of the lawn off in others.
   The minimum and maximum height and the amount of cutting levels each lawn mower has varies. And on some mowers, adjusting the cutting height involves taking the blade off to add or remove spacers. But most have more convenient levers that make it easy to move the blades up or down.

2. Handle types and adjustment
   Some lawn mowers come with ergonomic handles, which help minimise discomfort, such as backache and muscle strain, while you’re mowing. This is particularly ideal if you’re cutting a large lawn or have a heavy mower.
   Also, consider the handle length. Some have a fixed length handle, which may be suitable for people of average height. But if you’re taller or shorter than average, an adjustable handle length is better because you can extend or shorten it to a comfortable height for you.
   Finally, if storage space is tight, look for a mower with a folding handle that makes it more compact.

3. Length of cable
   The cables on electric lawn mowers come in a variety of lengths. So, when choosing a lawn mower, consider how long the cable needs to be to reach comfortably between the power source and the furthest corners of the lawn. You can, of course, add an external extension lead if necessary.  

4. Rear rollers
   If you want a striped lawn effect, look for a mower with a rear roller. It works by flattening the grass as you mow, and each strip must be mowed in the opposite direction to the one next to it to get the effect. Heavy lawn mowers will give the best result.

5. Starting mechanism
   This point relates to petrol mowers which come with different types of starting mechanisms. Some come with a traditional pull cord that requires a strong, sharp tug to get the engine started. But they can be difficult to start, particularly for anyone with restricted mobility. So, many petrol mowers now have easy to start push buttons or keys instead.

6. Lawn edges
   Lawn mowers vary greatly when it comes to cutting close to edges. But, buying one that doesn’t get close means more time will be spent on trimming afterwards. So, look for mowers with grass combs and inset front wheels.

7. Grass collection boxes
   Grass collection boxes come attached to the back of lawn mowers to collect grass as they mow. This saves a great deal of time and energy compared to raking up the grass by hand separately. Grass collection boxes come in different sizes, measured in litres. The larger the capacity of the box, the fewer times you’ll need to stop and empty it. 

We’ve covered the most important information about grass trimmers above. But here are some other things to consider before you buy:

1. Cutting width - Grass trimmers are available in a variety of cutting widths. The wider the cutting width, the more grass and weeds it will get through in a faster time. But a wider cutting width isn’t always the best, as grass trimmers with small cutting widths are more able to get into tight areas. As a guide, a cutting width of 2-3cm is ideal for light grass and small to medium lawns. A 3-4cm cutting width is suitable for thick grass and medium to large lawns. And any cutting width above 4cm is best for thick grass and large gardens. 

2. Weight and adjustability - If you’ll be using a grass trimmer for long periods, it’s essential to get one that’s comfortable and doesn’t put a strain on your back and muscles. First, think about the weight. Petrol grass trimmers tend to be the heaviest, so look for one with a second handle. Some heavy models also come with a strap to strap it over your shoulder. Next, think about the length of the pole. Some grass trimmers have telescopic handles that allow you to adjust the length to one that suits your height.

3. Flower guards - If you’re using a grass trimmer near flower beds, opt for one with a flower guard. This provides a barrier between the line or blade and the flowers to prevent them from getting cut.

4. Adjustable heads - Some grass trimmers have adjustable heads that can be swivelled at different angles. This can be useful if you need to trim in hard-to-reach areas. And they can also turn the grass trimmer into an edger to give the sides of the lawn a neat finish.

Hedge trimmers are an essential piece of equipment for keeping hedges tidy. They consist of the main body, housing the engine, and a long set of metal blades with sharp teeth on either side. When the hedge trimmer is switched on, the metal blades move back and forth to create a cutting action. 

Hedge trimmers are available in different power options:

Corded electric hedge trimmers are powered by a mains cable, so they need to be used where there’s a socket close by. They’re lightweight and easy to use. But the cable can be a hindrance while you’re working.

Petrol hedge trimmers can be used anywhere, and there’s no cable to accidentally cut through. They’re more powerful than electric hedge trimmers but are heavier and noisier. They also require more maintenance, incur ongoing fuel costs and emit CO2 gases. 

Cordless electric hedge trimmers are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is an eco-friendly alternative to petrol hedge trimmers. They give you the same freedom as a petrol one but are lighter and quieter. The only limit on a cordless model is the battery running time, so we’d recommend buying a spare battery.

When buying a hedge trimmer, it’s important to consider how powerful it needs to be depending on the type of hedge you’re cutting. The power in electric hedge trimmers is measured in watts (w) and ranges from 400w to 900w. The power in a cordless battery powered model is measured in volts (v) and ranges from 18v to 36v. And petrol models are measured by their engine’s cubic capacity (cc), which tends to be around 22-26cc. Generally, the higher the wattage/volts/cubic capacity, the more powerful the hedge trimmer. A high-powered hedge trimmer will cut through tougher and thicker branches more easily and quickly than a low-powered one.

However, tooth opening - the space between the cutting teeth - is also a factor in how well a hedge trimmer will cut. Narrow tooth openings of around 15-20mm are fine for small, neat hedges. But for a hedge that’s more overgrown or that has thick branches, a tooth opening of 30mm, or more is ideal.

We’ve covered the most important information about hedge trimmers above. But here are some other things to consider before you buy:

1. Blade length - The length of blades on hedge trimmers varies significantly, with the shortest blades available being around 12cm and the longest being 75cm. The size you need will depend on the size of hedges it needs to cut. A short blade is fine for small hedges, while a long blade makes cutting a large hedge quick work. Also, if you can only access a hedge from one side, you’ll need to ensure the blade is long enough to cover its width so you can trim the top.

2. Safety features - Hedge trimmers can cause nasty injuries, so look for models with safety features, such as wrap around handles and a dual-safety switch that stops it from turning on accidentally.

3. Height - If you need to cut tall hedges, look for a long reach hedge trimmer. They’re designed to cut hedges high up, safely and easily, without the use of a ladder. They’re also useful for trimming shrubs and low hedges without the need to bend down.

4. Accessories - Some garden power tools have detachable heads and come with multiple tools that allow you to complete many garden maintenance tasks. They are called garden multi-tools. The extra tool heads they come with vary but can include hedge trimmers, grass trimmers, brush cutters and pole saws.  

To get the best out of your garden power tools and extend their life, it’s important to keep them well maintained. Of course, every garden power tool is different, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. But here are a few general tips:

Lawn mowers:

• Clean grass out of the cutting area after each use
• Sharpen the blades after every 20-25 hours of use and replace them if they’re damaged
• Store it in a dry place, such as a garage or shed, and use a protective cover

Grass trimmers:

• Clean grass and any other debris out of the cutting area after each use
• On grass trimmers, inspect the nylon line and replace it if it’s damaged
• On brush cutters, sharpen the blade regularly

Hedge trimmers:

• Clean debris out of the cutting area after each use
• Sharpen the blades regularly
• Spray the blades with care oil or maintenance spray after every use 

All petrol garden power tools:

Petrol garden power tools should be serviced annually by a garden machinery specialist, but you should also regularly:

• Check oil and fuel levels
• Lubricate the cables
• Clean the air filters
• Clean the spark plugs
• Clean the carburettor with a spray of WD-40. Remove obstructions with a carburettor cleaning brush and a spray of compressed air
• Don’t use fuel that’s more than 30 days old, and don’t leave petrol in the tank if the tool is going to be stored for 30 days or more
• For tools with an electric start engine, disconnect the batteries to the engine when storing over winter