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Hedge trimmer tooth spacing describes the gap between teeth along the cutting bar. It gives a clue to the growth a tool is designed to accept, but it is not the same as maximum cutting diameter. A 30mm tooth spacing does not mean a trimmer can safely cut a 30mm woody branch.
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Tooth spacing and cutting capacity
Check two separate specifications when comparing machines: tooth spacing and the manufacturer’s stated cutting capacity. Blade shape, motor power, gearing, sharpness and the hardness of the wood all affect the result. A stem fitting between the teeth is not proof that the motor can cut it.
Hedge trimmers are mainly for repeated passes through suitable young growth. Remove isolated thick stems with secateurs, loppers or a pruning saw instead of forcing them through the cutting bar.
Fine trimming and heavier growth
Manufacturers may distinguish shaping blades from pruning blades. Finer blade geometry can suit regular clipping and topiary; pruning designs may have larger openings and gearing suited to heavier growth. These are descriptions of a complete cutting system, not universal spacing bands shared by every brand.
Do not assume a letter in one maker’s model name means the same thing elsewhere. Read the product description for the precise version being sold, particularly when several machines share a similar name.
What to measure in your hedge
- Identify the growth you normally remove, rather than the thickest branch anywhere in the hedge.
- Measure a few representative stems and check whether they are soft new growth or woody stems.
- Compare them with the model’s documented cutting capacity, allowing for variation in the material.
- Plan to cut thicker individual branches separately with the appropriate hand tool.
If most of the job involves old, thick branches, it is a pruning or renovation task. Buying a hedge trimmer with a wider gap may not be the right answer.
When a trimmer tears or jams
Stop if the machine struggles. Blunt or damaged blades, resin build-up, excessive feed speed and unsuitable stems can all cause a poor finish; tooth spacing alone cannot diagnose the fault. Follow the manual to switch off, isolate the power and wait for all movement to stop before inspecting. Never pull trapped material from a powered cutting bar.
A clean, sharp, correctly maintained blade should be assessed on suitable growth before blaming its design. Arrange servicing if you cannot establish why it is cutting poorly.
Buying checks beyond the tooth gap
- Operating weight: compare with the intended battery fitted.
- Blade length: choose a length you can steer comfortably around your hedge.
- Controls: check handle span and access to both safety switches.
- Maintenance: find the manual, replacement parts and local servicing options.
Keep the blade clear of wire, masonry and other hidden obstacles. Neither a single-sided blade nor a wide tooth gap makes cutting against a fence safe. Check the hedge for active bird nests before each session.
Useful products for this job
The links below open Amazon UK product searches. Check the exact item, seller, current price and compatibility before buying.
- Pruning hedge trimmer: A pruning-oriented cutting system may suit heavier hedge growth within its documented limits. Check the exact model’s cutting capacity separately from tooth spacing, along with operating weight and permitted use. Search Amazon for Pruning hedge trimmer.
- Shrub shears: Ideal for those requiring the finest spacing for shaping small shrubs and topiary. Ensure the blade length is appropriate for the size of the shrubs to avoid over-trimming. Search Amazon for Shrub shears.
Related garden guides
- Best Long Handle Garden Shears UK (2026) – Reach Further, Cut Easier
- Best Garden Secateurs UK Reviews 2026: Top Picks for Every Gardener
- More garden tools guides
Sources and further guidance
Guidance researched in September 2026. The feature image is an AI-generated illustration. Product guidance is based on published information, not hands-on testing.