A blade guard (10) for a hedge trimmer (12,200) that can cut trimmings (16) from a hedge (18) includes a cutting arm member (52,212) with a first set (60,202) of the cutting blades (20,204) that extends laterally from the cutting arm member (52,212). The blade guard (10) generally includes a first housing member (40) and a second housing member (42) movable between an open condition and a closed condition. A connecting member (104) on the blade guard member (10) that is operable to releasably couple to the cutting arm member (52,212). The first housing member (40) and the second housing member (42) in the open condition establish an opening (32) between the first housing member (40) and the second housing member (42). The blade guard (10) in the open condition is operable to catch the trimmings (16) in the opening between the first housing member (42) and the second housing member (42). The blade guard (10) in the closed condition is operable to cover the first set (60,202) of the cutting blades (20,204).