The 6 Best String Trimmers for Thick Weeds and Overgrown Lots
We looked at string trimmers for thick weeds and overgrown lots using manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. Each pick lists what it does well and where it falls short, so you can match it to how you'll use it.
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Quick picks
Key specs: 28cc 2-cycle gas engine, 17-inch cutting swath, Straight shaft with Tap 'n Go head.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 28cc 2-cycle gas engine
- 17-inch cutting swath
- Straight shaft with Tap 'n Go head
- Smart Start recoil system
- Accepts click-on brush cutter attachments
Strengths
- 28cc engine holds RPM through woody stems and dense brush that stalls smaller trimmers
- No battery to run down during an extended clearing session
- Click-on attachment compatibility allows swapping to a brush cutter blade for the thickest growth
Limitations
- Requires mixed 2-cycle fuel and periodic carburetor maintenance
- Heavier and louder than any battery model in this list
- Manual pull start each time versus instant trigger start on electric models
Key specs: 15-inch cutting swath, accepts 0.095-inch line, 56V ARC Lithium battery, 2.5Ah included, Brushless motor.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 15-inch cutting swath, accepts 0.095-inch line
- 56V ARC Lithium battery, 2.5Ah included
- Brushless motor
- Carbon fiber split shaft
- POWERLOAD auto-feed
Strengths
- 56V brushless motor holds line speed noticeably better than 40V competitors under thick growth
- Accepts 0.095-inch line, thick enough for woody weeds without stalling
- Runtime on the included 2.5Ah battery is adequate for a typical overgrown-patch session
Limitations
- Larger battery packs (5.0Ah or more) cost extra and are sold separately
- Still not a substitute for a brush cutter blade on truly woody brush
- 56V battery doesn't interchange with more common 40V tool lines
3.Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer
Brand: Greenworks · Best for: thick weeds
ASIN: B01GEW1AJC
Key specs: 12-inch cutting swath, 40V lithium battery, 2.0Ah included, Dual line auto-feed.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 12-inch cutting swath
- 40V lithium battery, 2.0Ah included
- Dual line auto-feed
- Variable speed trigger
- 3-year warranty
Strengths
- Handles moderate weeds and overgrown grass reasonably well for the price
- Variable speed trigger lets you dial up power only when needed, saving battery
- 3-year warranty is longer than most trimmers at this price point
Limitations
- 2.0Ah battery bogs down noticeably faster than 4.0Ah or larger packs in dense material
- 12-inch swath and narrower line struggle with truly woody stems
- Not a realistic substitute for a gas trimmer on genuinely overgrown lots
Key specs: 13-inch dual-exit cutting head, 40V PowerShare, 2 x 2.0Ah batteries included, Auto-feed line advance.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 13-inch dual-exit cutting head
- 40V PowerShare, 2 x 2.0Ah batteries included
- Auto-feed line advance
- Under 5 pounds
- Pivoting head
Strengths
- Two batteries extend total runtime across a larger overgrown area
- Light weight reduces fatigue compared with heavier gas trimmers on long clearing sessions
- Dual-exit head keeps decent cutting efficiency for grass and light weeds
Limitations
- Least motor torque in this list, struggles once growth turns genuinely woody
- 13-inch swath means more passes across a large overgrown lot
- Not designed for brush-cutter blade attachments
Strengths
- Gas-like power for thick weeds
- PowerLoad winds line automatically
- Telescopic shaft
- Battery and charger included
Limitations
- Heavier than 20V trimmers
- EGO battery platform lock-in
- Premium price
Strengths
- POWERLOAD winds line automatically
- Light carbon fiber telescopic shaft
- Strong 56V power
- 16-inch cutting swath
Limitations
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Premium price
- EGO battery platform lock-in
How we chose
- Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. We don't claim our own testing.
- We do not list prices or star ratings because they change. Check Amazon for current details.