Best Tool to Tackle an Ackward Hedge

[DIYWell]

I've a conifer hedge I want to trim back with extreme prejudice. It's about 4m long and 3m high. I want to trim it right back to the trunks. It's next door's hedge so I'm going back to the boundary and having a fence built so I can reclaim about 1m of driveway.

Now from the way it's positioned, I reckon I can only tackle it working from the right hand side and work to the left. Also with the way conifer branches are, I think it better to work from the bottom upwards. Problem is I don't really know what power tool is the appropriate weapon of choice. I had though of a small chainsaw, but it could be ackward to handle especially at height. Or one of those 3-in-1 chainsaw/hedge trimmer/strimmer things perhaps?

Has anyone got any recommendations based on experience?

 

[Nige F]

No power tools - a bow saw, pruning saw and a small hand axe are all you need and you'll keep all your limbs

 

[r896neo]

nige is right. a good pruning saw like a silky will be almost as fast as a chainsaw, cheaper and much much safer. Be wary and check each branch before cutting or you may leave a massive hole in their side by cutting something.

 

[DIYWell]

I was hoping for something with an engine. It's a big, dense hedge and will take a lot of elbow grease and time doing it old school. In my want-it-now mind I was optimistically planning to get the gig done in a morning.

 

[joe-90]

A reciprocating saw with a proper blade works well.

 

[r896neo]

Using a chainsaw in a confined space such as inside a conifer is a very dangerous thing to do if your not experienced with one.

If you must use a petrol tool use a long-reach pole saw. Then there is little risk of kickback injuring you or maiming you. work methodically and remove the branches to keep your work area clear.

you may need a chipper/ shredder if its more than 15m, the volume of waste will be much higher than you expect.