How much does it cost to run a hedge trimmer?
A hedge trimmer costs about 9.0¢ per hour, 0.6¢ a day, $0.20 a month and $1 a year at typical use (30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 5 months a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. Corded hedge trimmers draw 3-5 A (400-600 W) and are used occasionally, so annual cost is minimal.
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Cost by hours of use
| Hours per day | kWh/day | Per day | Per month | Per year (all year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.07 | 1.3¢ | $0.39 | $5 |
| 2 hours | 0.14 | 2.6¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| 4 hours | 0.29 | 5.1¢ | $1.56 | $19 |
| 8 hours | 0.57 | 10¢ | $3.13 | $38 |
| 12 hours | 0.86 | 15¢ | $4.69 | $56 |
| 24 hours | 1.71 | 31¢ | $9.39 | $113 |
Cost to run a hedge trimmer in every state
The same hedge trimmer costs $1 a year in North Dakota and $2 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | 6.2¢ | $0.13 | $1 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 6.3¢ | $0.14 | $1 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 6.4¢ | $0.14 | $1 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 6.5¢ | $0.14 | $1 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 6.7¢ | $0.14 | $1 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 6.7¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 6.7¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 6.8¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 6.8¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 6.9¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 7.0¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 7.0¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 7.0¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 7.1¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 7.1¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 7.1¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 7.4¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 7.4¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 7.5¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 7.6¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 7.7¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 7.7¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 7.7¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 7.7¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 7.8¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 7.8¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 8.0¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 8.1¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 8.2¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 8.2¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 8.3¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 8.5¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 8.9¢ | $0.19 | $1 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 9.1¢ | $0.20 | $1 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 9.4¢ | $0.20 | $1 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 9.4¢ | $0.20 | $1 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 10¢ | $0.23 | $1 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 11¢ | $0.23 | $1 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 11¢ | $0.23 | $1 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 12¢ | $0.26 | $1 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 12¢ | $0.26 | $1 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 12¢ | $0.26 | $1 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 13¢ | $0.29 | $1 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 13¢ | $0.29 | $1 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 14¢ | $0.30 | $2 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 14¢ | $0.31 | $2 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 15¢ | $0.32 | $2 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 15¢ | $0.32 | $2 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 15¢ | $0.33 | $2 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 16¢ | $0.36 | $2 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 22¢ | $0.47 | $2 |
How to cut the cost
- Keep blades sharp and lubricated to reduce motor load.
- Trim regularly so cuts are lighter.
- Use battery models for small hedges.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Short charging sessions only when needed.
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Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hedge trimmer | 500 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 5 months a year | $0.20 | $1 |
| String trimmer | 500 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year | $0.20 | $1 |
| Electric chainsaw | 1,800 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year | $0.70 | $4 |
| Leaf blower | 1,200 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year | $0.47 | $3 |
| Battery lawn mower | 300 | 1.5 hours a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year | $0.48 | $3 |
| Electric lawn mower (corded) | 1,400 | 45 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year | $0.82 | $6 |
| Electric snow blower | 1,700 | 45 minutes a day, 2 days a week for 4 months a year | $1.99 | $8 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a hedge trimmer per hour?
A hedge trimmer drawing 500 watts uses 0.50 kWh per hour. At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 9.0¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 6.2¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 22¢.
How much does it cost to run a hedge trimmer per month?
At typical use (30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 5 months a year), a hedge trimmer costs about $0.20 a month while in use and $1 a year over the 5 months it's typically used, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does a hedge trimmer use?
Most hedge trimmers use 300 to 700 watts. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a hedge trimmer use?
About 0.04 kWh a day and 5 kWh a year at typical use (30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 5 months a year).
Does a hedge trimmer use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 5 kWh a year it's a small share (0.1%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run a hedge trimmer or a string trimmer?
At typical use, a hedge trimmer costs about $1 a year versus $1 for a string trimmer. So the hedge trimmer is cheaper by about $0 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a hedge trimmer?
- Keep blades sharp and lubricated to reduce motor load.
- Trim regularly so cuts are lighter.
- Use battery models for small hedges.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.