If you’ve ever tackled hedge trimming and ended up buried in garden waste, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, standing in the yard wondering how a quick trim turned into a full-blown yard cleanup project.
The good news? With the right garden equipment, you can turn all those clippings into nutrient-rich organic mulch that improves soil health, boosts moisture retention, and helps with weed control.
Here are the five tools I personally rely on to get the job done properly.
1. Stihl Petrol Chainsaw
I’ll be honest, before I started using a Stihl Petrol Chainsaw, hedge work used to take forever. Trying to manage thick branches with basic pruning tools just wasn’t cutting it, literally.
Once I switched to a proper chainsaw, everything changed. Cutting through dense growth and cutting branches down into manageable sizes became quick and almost effortless. It’s one of those power tools that makes you wonder why you didn’t invest sooner.
If you’re doing any serious landscaping or hedge reduction, a chainsaw is non-negotiable. Needed to cut the branches ready for mulching.
2. Hansa C7 Wood Chipper
The first time I used the Hansa C7 Wood Chipper, I remember thinking, this is where the magic happens.
Instead of piling up endless garden waste, I could feed it straight into the chipper and get usable wood chips out the other side. It completely changed how I approached garden maintenance.
This type of garden shredder is brilliant for eco-friendly gardening. You’re not just cleaning up, you’re creating mulch that actually improves your garden. I now use the mulch straight away around shrubs for better moisture retention and long-term soil health.
3. Trojan Shovel
I’ve used a few different shovels over time, but switching to a Trojan shovel made a noticeable difference.
When you’re dealing with piles of mulch, weight and balance really matter. The Trojan shovel feels solid without being too heavy, and it handles repeated scooping without wearing you out as quickly. I’ve used it for everything from moving fresh wood chips to spreading mulch evenly around shrubs.
It might seem like a small detail, but having a shovel you can rely on makes the whole process smoother. When you’re halfway through a big job, the last thing you want is a tool that slows you down.
4. Gorilla Garden Cart (Gorilla Cart)
Out of all the tools, the Gorilla Garden Cart, or gorilla cart as most people call it, has probably saved my back more than anything else.
Before using one, I was hauling loads by hand or using a wheelbarrow and making endless trips. Now, I can load up a full batch of mulch or branches and move it in one go.
When you’re dealing with heavy garden equipment and large amounts of material, this is a game changer. It makes yard cleanup faster, easier, and far less exhausting, especially when working across a bigger space.
5. STIHL Function Basic Chainsaw Helmet & Ear Muffs
This is one piece of gear I never skip anymore.
After a few noisy sessions with power tools, I quickly realised how important proper protection is. The STIHL Function Basic Chainsaw Helmet & Ear Muffs gives you full coverage, head, eyes, and hearing.
I also always wear a good pair of gloves, especially when handling rough branches, feeding the chipper, or moving mulch. It makes a big difference in comfort and helps prevent blisters and cuts over a long day.
When you’re working with heavy-duty tools like chainsaws and chippers, things can get loud and messy fast. Having proper safety gear means you can focus on the job without worrying about flying debris or long-term damage.
Final Thoughts
Mulching hedges isn’t just about tidying up, it’s about working smarter. Once I started using the right tools and treating the process as part of my regular garden maintenance, everything became easier.
With a chainsaw, chipper, shovel, and a gorilla cart, you can turn what used to be a chore into a streamlined system that supports composting, reduces waste, and improves your entire garden.
And honestly, there’s something really satisfying about turning a messy pile of branches into something your garden actually benefits from.
By John Milnes
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