Uncomely, jagged, shabby, scruffy, grungy. No, I’m not taking a roll call. This is what most people would call the perfect description of a miserable-looking garden. But giving your scrawny-looking yard a complete makeover isn’t that hard if you do things right.
First, you need a pole hedge trimmer that can cut through the hedges without running out of juice or not having a powerful enough motor. And there’s the issue of back pain too.
It’s clear that finding the best pole hedge trimmer isn’t the easiest task on the planet. But I’ve taken the responsibility to give you the ultimate guide to buying a top-notch hedge trimmer for you.
Along with the honest reviews, I’ll get in deep about what factors you need to consider when buying a trimmer. But if you don’t want to wait, the best you’ll find is the Greenworks 40V.
But you should take a look at the competitors to see what they’re offering. So, let’s dive in-
A Quick Comparison of the Top 5 Pole Hedge Trimmers
| Product Image | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best overall Greenworks 20-Inch 40V Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer | • 3 Position pivoting head adjusts • 40V Lithium-Ion Batteries • 20-inch steel dual action blade | Price Please |
 | Best for variable trimming Earthwise Corded Convertible Pole Hedge Trimmer | • 18" Blade for quick & clean cuts • 6 Position adjustable trimming • Maximum reach of up to 8'8" | Price Please |
 | Best for high-speed cuts Black Decker Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer | • Effectively trims up to 10 Feet • 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery • 18-inch dual-action blades | Price Please |
 | Best for Lightweight Sun Joe Electric Telescoping Pole Hedge Trimmer | • Overhead reach up to 13 ft • Powerful 4-amp motor • Pole extends reach to up to 7.9 ft | Price Please |
 | Best for large bushes Garcare Corded Pole Hedge Trimmer | • 6 Position pivoting head • Blade Cutting Length = 20 inch • Dual action blade for fast & clean cut | Price Please |
 | Best for battery life Dewalt DCPH820M1 Pole Hedge Trimmer | • 7 Position cutting head • Blade Cutting Length = 22 inch • Up to 12 ft. max reach | Price Please |
Navigate Quickly
- What’s a Pole Trimmer?
- Types of Pole Hedge Trimmers (Based on Power Source)
- Best Pole Hedge Trimmer 2022
- 1. Greenworks 20-Inch 40V Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer – Best Overall
- 2. Earthwise CVPH43018 Corded Convertible Pole Hedge Trimmer – Best for Variable Trimming
- 3. Black Decker Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer – Best for High-Speed Cuts
- 4. Sun Joe SJH902E – Electric Telescoping Pole Hedge Trimmer – Best for Lightweight
- 5. Garcare Corded Pole Hedge Trimmer- 4.8Amp Electric Hedge Trimmer Corded Hedge Clippers- Best for Large Bushes
- 6. Dewalt DCPH820M1 Pole Hedge Trimmer – Best for Battery Life
- How to Choose the Best Pole Hedge Trimmer?
- The Bottom Line
What’s a Pole Trimmer?
Pole trimmers are a mix of pole pruners and traditional hedge trimmers. Because of the motor and trimming head attached at the top, pole trimmers give you full control of what you’re doing at higher heights.
While most of them can reach up to 8-feet in length, the adjustability is somewhat limited. The added height and easy maneuvering make it much easier to trim down medium-sized trees and shrubs.
The best part is using a pole hedge trimmer eliminates the need of using a ladder. Even then some people use ladders for bigger trees. No matter how you see it, you don’t have full control when you’re on a ladder. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I’d advise you against it.
Types of Pole Hedge Trimmers (Based on Power Source)
Pole hedge trimmers come with two types of power sources. Well, it’s three types if you include battery-powered trimmers as a type. Before I get into the other details, figure out what type of pole trimmer you need-
Electric Based/Corded Hedge Trimmer
Electric-based or corded hedge trimmers are the best option for most homeowners. As they’re quite lightweight using them is the easiest of the bunch. Along with that, they create a lot less noise than other powerful hedge trimmers.
But the best part is, they’re the most affordable out of all three types. And you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance and everything.
Be that as it may, corded hedge trimmers lag behind when it’s about power. That’s why these are not ideal for mammoth-sized trimming jobs.
While you can get the job done, it’ll take a lot of extra effort and time. On top of that, you’d have limited range because of the extension cords.
Gas Powered Hedge Trimmers
Do you have a gigantic yard with huge hedges? Then, a gas-powered hedge trimmer will be worth your time. Even though they weigh more and are rather expensive, they pack in a lot of power.
If you’ll be using it for commercial purposes or you have a huge area to cover, they can get the job done in less time with more efficiency.
However, if this is your first hedge trimmer, I’d say go with electric hedge trimmers. The easy usage and maneuverability will help you get the hang of things. And you always have the option to upgrade if you think electric trimmers can’t deliver enough power for you.
Battery-powered/Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Cordless or battery-powered hedge trimmers are a sub-type of electric trimmers. The only difference is they use direct current instead of alternating current.
And when it’s about portability, cordless hedge trimmers will always stay one step ahead. Even with an attached battery, they’re lightweight.
However, you can’t rely on them for heavy-duty tasks as they can’t run for more than 1-2 hours. Moreover, they don’t come with the most powerful motors in the market.
Best Pole Hedge Trimmer 2022
1. Greenworks 20-Inch 40V Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer – Best Overall
Looking for an all-rounder hedge trimmer that can fulfill your basic trimming needs? The Greenworks 40V is the ideal hedge trimmer for people who don’t want all the bells and whistles.
This robust machine with its 180-degree rotating handle packs in enough power to get most trimming jobs within minutes. You need cordless hedge trimmers to be fast as they don’t have enough battery juice to last you all day.
Inside the trimmer, you get a 40V lithium-ion battery that lasts almost around 30 minutes or so. The interesting part is you can use the battery with other Greenworks tools as it’s quite versatile.
Don’t get disheartened by the 30-minute timeframe. Half an hour is more than enough for the 3000 SPM blades. And thanks to the 1-hour fast charging, you could start again if you want.
With a weight of around 4 kgs, the Greenworks 40V will keep away the infamous sore arms every gardener hates. To put a cherry on the top, they’ve put padded foams on the handle.
- Lightweight trimmer weighs only about 4 kgs
- 3000 SPM blades cut hedges in no time
- 180-degree rotating handle
- Charges in only 1-hour
- Lacks an off-lock feature
2. Earthwise CVPH43018 Corded Convertible Pole Hedge Trimmer – Best for Variable Trimming
Are you a little short on budget? But you don’t want to compromise even a little bit on the quality. Then, let me introduce you to the Earthwise CVPH43018. Unlike the previous model, this one’s a 2-in-1 convertible hedge trimmer.
Whether it’s short hedges or long, this powerful machine can handle it well. However, there’s a reason for the price drop.
You won’t get the convenience of a cordless model, meaning you’ll have to carry around the extension cord wherever you go. But corded models have their own benefits. You won’t ever have to worry about your batteries running.
No matter how big your yard is, get a long cable and you can rely on it to get the job done.
Nevertheless, the 4.5 amp motor with its 18-inch blades can cut through stubborn branches and messy bushes within minutes. On the flip side, the head rotates in 6 different positions, saving you from the hassle of bending or squatting which leads to back problems for many people.
- 6-position rotating handle
- Blade cover provides extra safety when working
- Comes with a comfortable fiberglass pole
- Durable double-sided blades cuts through most branches and bushes
- Could’ve been lighter as it doesn’t come with a battery
3. Black Decker Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer – Best for High-Speed Cuts
The Black & Decker 20V Cordless trimmer is no doubt my most favorite hedge trimmer after the Greenworks 40V. The only major difference it has is the battery. It comes with a 20V instead of a 40V. This means there are fewer cells packed in the battery, leading to a lower battery time.
While the Greenworks 40V comes with a decent battery life of 30-40 minutes, the Black & Decker 20V should provide you with 20-25 minutes. But unlike the Greenworks model, the manufacturer offers different sized batteries so you can upgrade whenever you want.
Be that as it may, there’s one thing that bugs me with this product. Greenworks includes a fast charger right in the package whereas this model requires you to buy the super-charger separately. They did name the included one as a ‘smart’ charger but it’s not as smart as you’d expect it to be.
When you think about value for money, this is kind of a bummer. But there’s no compromise when it comes to the power delivery of this mighty powerful machine.
The double-action 18-inch blades slice through 7/16-inch branches in a jiff. And like most modern pole hedge trimmers, you don’t have to torture your back to cut at different angles.
- The long extension can reach the tallest hedges and branches
- Affordable cordless trimmer with decent power
- No tools needed for adjusting the 6 different angles
- Includes a lock-off switch for extra safety
- The balance can be a little off unless you add a 4.0 AH battery
4. Sun Joe SJH902E – Electric Telescoping Pole Hedge Trimmer – Best for Lightweight
The Sun Joe/Snow Joe brand has been making top-notch outdoor tools and products while keeping the price affordable for a long time now. The Sun Joe SJH902E with its 4-amp motor and 0.7-inch cutting capacity blades lets you have full control over how you want to trim your hedges.
To make things even better, they’ve attached a set of 21-inch hardened steel dual-sided blades. Thanks to these, the cutting time cuts in half and you get more precision because of the minimal vibration. Apart from the precision, you won’t have to go through arm soreness.
However, you might have already figured out that it’s not a cordless model. Corded hedge trimmers are a great budget option for people who don’t have a gigantic yard to trim.
Get yourself a 100-feet cable and you’ll be good to go. And as a plus point, you can take as many breaks as you want, the trimmer still won’t go out of juice.
Weighing around 8.8 pounds, the Sun Joe Pole Hedge Trimmer gives you one of the best bangs for your buck when you’ve got a small to medium-sized garden.
- Lightweight trimmer prevents back pain
- Adds in more safety with the blade cover
- Hardened 21-inch blades cut through any kind of shrubs and hedges
- Comes with a comfortable grip handle
- Could’ve used a handle near the cutting head
5. Garcare Corded Pole Hedge Trimmer- 4.8Amp Electric Hedge Trimmer Corded Hedge Clippers- Best for Large Bushes
Beautiful yards don’t stay beautiful on their own, it’s thanks to impressive machines like the GARCARE corded pole hedge trimmer. Even though the trimmer is a corded model, when it comes to quality and ease of use, this is by far the best corded pole hedge trimmer.
The trimmer in its basic form is capable of reaching up to 7.1 feet. And to top it off, you can attach an aluminum telescopic extension to reach a whopping 9.2 feet. In terms of reaching long hedges, this hedge trimmer beats the competition without a hitch.
Because of the ¾ inch cutting capacity blades, you can ensure precision while having more coverage. And when you combine the 4.8 amp mighty powerful motor with 20-inch hardened steel blades, it slices up branches and hedges like a hot knife through butter.
It’s true that the powerful motor adds in a bit more weight but the comfortable grip of the ergonomic handle makes it easier to work with. The increased power and the comfortable using experience make trimming an enjoyable experience where you don’t have to worry about back troubles.
- Robust 4.8 amp motor powerful enough cut through everything
- The telescopic tube helps to reach up to 9.2 feet
- Comes with a shoulder strap for added comfort
- Both handles are padded with soft rubber to prevent arm sore
- The weight might become an issue for some people
6. Dewalt DCPH820M1 Pole Hedge Trimmer – Best for Battery Life
Dewalt has been making impeccable power tools for more than a century. And it’s safe to say that they’ve been the go-to brand for a large number of homeowners and DIY people. So, what’s the take on the DEWALT DCPH820M1 Pole Hedge Trimmer?
The generous 22-inch blades are one of the longest you can get from this price range. And thanks to Dewalt’s prominent construction, the blades won’t rattle or vibrate like most cheap hedge trimmers. You’re paying big bucks, so you ought to expect the extra features, right?
Speaking of extra features, the DEWALT DCPH820M1 sports a 5.0 Ah long-lasting battery. I can say this for sure, this hedge trimmer will last you much longer than most affordable hedge trimmers.
Do you know what makes a brand good? It’s whether they listen to their customers or not. Fortunately, Dewalt has been improving their products with customer suggestions for a long time.
In this case, they’ve come up with oversized and easy-to-use controls. Thanks to these you can push the button even when you’re wearing thick gloves.
That said, it’s clear that the Dewalt DCPH820M1 is a prodigious pole hedge trimmer. There’s no denying you’re paying extra bucks, but when you think about the added features it’s completely worth it.
- 7 different angles give you enhanced control of what you trim
- 1-inch blade gap cuts through thick branches with more efficiency
- Extension pole can reach up to 12 feet
- Includes an interlock safety feature
- Not the lightest hedge trimmer on the market
How to Choose the Best Pole Hedge Trimmer?
Now that you’ve known all about the types, it’s time to get into the details. From the main considerations and tiny quirks, I’ll scoop out everything so that you get yourself a top-notch pole hedge trimmer-
Power
Apart from the main three types, pole hedge trimmers come with different power levels. Depending on the type of hedge you’ll be clearing, be sure to check out the voltage.
For instance, electric pole hedge trimmers will be less powerful than gas-powered models. However, high voltage electric trimmers can handle bigger jobs with more efficiency.
Blade
Type of Blades
Hedge trimmer blades come in two different types-
Double Action Blade: Double-sided blades are the most type of hedge trimmer blades available. They’re easier to handle and work way better in small gardens and yards.
Single Action Blade: Double-action blades are better than single-sided blades in terms of versatility and ease of use. So, why’d anyone go for these? Well, there are a few benefits.
Despite not having the versatility, single-sided blades weigh less than double-sided ones. You can attach long single-sided blades without disrupting the balance of the machine.
Length
Don’t go thinking that the longer the blade is, the easier it’ll be to work with. There’s no denying longer blades make the cuts more even but they can be difficult to handle, especially when you’re in a tight space.
In most cases, you’d get by fine with an 18-inch blade. If your hedges are particularly wider, a 20-inch blade is also good given that you have the space to maneuver it. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to start with smaller blades and then move your way up.
Blade Gap
Depending on the type of hedges you’ll be working on, the gap in between the blades or the distance can have an impact. Commercial hedge trimmers come with a gap of 1-inch or more but most household pole hedge trimmers have a gap between ⅜ to ¾ inches.
| Small branches | 12 to 16 mm |
| Normal hedges | 20 to 25 mm |
| Jungles | 26 to 36 mm |
SPM (Strokes Per Minute)
I won’t be getting into the technical parts of SPM. So, let me paint you a picture to make you understand what’s going on-
Most hedge trimmers come with two layers of blades, stacked up on each other. The faster these blades move back and forth, the quicker you’ll get the job done.
Even though a higher SPM will make the machine more efficient, you can’t get by without quality blades and a powerful motor. Combine these three factors together and you’ll get a rapid-fast pole hedge trimmer with great cutting capacity.
Ease of Use
Most pole hedge trimmers are easy to use. But when you’re using a machine for a longer period of time, you need to consider a couple of factors, taking weight, and maintenance as the most important ones-
Weight
Chances are you’ll be using your hedge trimmer for an extended period of time. If you’ve got any previous injuries or back pain, the weight might lead to further complications.
Gas hedge trimmers are the heaviest of them all, but they’re also the most powerful. I guess you’ve figured out the math. The more powerful it is, the heavier it’ll be. So, try to come up with a balance of weight and performance.
Maintenance
Regardless of the type of hedge trimmer you get, maintenance will always be a big factor. Although the maintenance of gas hedge trimmers can be a bit of a hassle.
You’ll have to keep on how much fuel is left and there’s the matter of mixing the right oil and gas. On top of that, you’d have to replace the spark from time to time while keeping the intake vent intact. And you’d have to service the engine at the end of the season to make sure everything’s okay inside.
Although it’s not like other hedge trimmers don’t require any maintenance. For every type of hedge trimmer, you’ll have to ensure the blades stay sharp at all times. If not, you have to sharpen or replace those. And of course, you need to clean the trimmer after every use to avoid any kind of damage.
Wraparound Handles
Even though a lot of hedge trimmers don’t come with wraparound handles, these can make controlling much easier. Along with the increased maneuverability, it puts less strain on your arms.
On Lock
Some hedge trimmers require you to hold the on button at all times. A simple ‘on lock button’ can fix that problem.
Off Lock
Similar to the on lock, an off lock won’t allow the trimmer to turn on immediately. This is a crucial feature if you’ve got kids around.
Rotating Blades
Rotating blades are great when you’re working in tight spaces or if you have walls around you. Thanks to these, holding the trimmer can get more comfortable.
Extra Batterie
Cordless hedge trimmers can run out of batteries at any time. While you can always buy some extra batteries, it’s an added bonus if the manufacturer includes them in the package
Noise Level
No matter what type of hedge trimmer you get, it’s going to create noise. But electric pole trimmers tend to be quieter than gas-powered trimmers.
If you’re planning on getting a gas-powered pole trimmer, you better get yourself a pair of earplugs. To get reassurance could get further information about noise levels from the manufacturer. That way you’ll at least have an idea about what to expect.
Cost
Power and convenience, the two things you’ll be paying the big bucks for. If you’re a little short on budget, your best option is to get a corded hedge trimmer.
Now, add the convenience of a battery into it, the price will get a bump. However, cordless models allow you to move wherever you want. And then there are factors like fast charging and bigger batteries that add up to the cost. But there’s no denying they make the job much easier.
Finally, you’ve gas-powered trimmers, the most expensive of the pack. This is where most of the money is for that extra power. Unless you have a gigantic yard or have a business, you could satisfy your needs with corded or cordless models.
Safety Features
No matter how experienced you are with power tools, you shouldn’t take hedge trimmers lightly. That said, lightweight models are always a good start for newbies.
Some models come with front-handle shields that help to keep your hands away from the blade. And some trimmers stop working the moment you release the trigger. While this isn’t good when you have to work for a long time, safety always comes first.
Be that as it may, safety precautions are no less important than safety features. Proper eyewear, earplugs, and safety gloves are a must when you’re handing a tool as powerful as a pole hedge trimmer.
Extra Features
Tooth Extensions: Thanks to tooth extensions you get to increase the distance between your body and trimmer blades.
Dual Switches: As the name suggests, dual switches require you to use both hands to operate the trimmer. Some people might not be a fan of this feature, but it surely increases safety.
Fast Charging: Some cordless models come with a fast-charging feature. I guess I don’t need to explain how good of a feature this is.
Warranty: The more the manufacturer provides, the better peace of mind you’ll have. It’s also an indication that the brand believes in its products.
The Bottom Line
Well, that brings us to the wrap-up of this best. So, let’s give you a quick recap-
If you want the overall best pole hedge trimmer, go for the Greenworks 40V. And for a corded hedge trimmer, I’d recommend the GARCARE corded pole hedge trimmer as it covers pretty much everything you need in an electric trimmer.
Finally, go for the Earthwise CVPH43018 if you want the best bang for the buck. The features and comfort it offers at this price point are perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much for trimming up their yard.