7 Best Pole Hedge Trimmers of 2023

Photo: Earthwise

Everyone loves a neat and well-trimmed hedge. It completely all the other beauty your compound has to offer.

However, maintaining a hedge can be a tedious and challenging process, especially when you don’t use the right tools, such as hedge trimmer.

When looking for a hedge trimmer, get one with an extendable telescoping pole to maximize reach and eliminate the need for risky ladders. Also, an electric or battery-powered hedge trimmer has a load of benefits you won’t find in gas or manual ones.

Read further to discover the ideal pole hedge trimmer for your needs and budget from our top 7 best pole hedge trimmers reviews and buying guide.

7 Best Pole Hedge Trimmers – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Sun Joe SJH904E (Best Budget)	2-in-1 handheld and pole hedge trimmer Powerful 4.5 AMP motor for excellent performance 19-inch cutting blade, which cuts both ways Support multiple angle adjustment of -20 degrees, 0 degrees, 20 degrees, 40 degrees, and 60 degrees
	2. Earthwise CVPH43018 (Best 2-in-1)	2-in-1 handheld and pole hedge trimmer An 18-inch long cutting blade 6.5-telescoping pole extendable to 13 feet 11/16- inch cutting capacity with -20 degrees – 60 degrees adjustable cutting angles
	3. Black & Decker LPHT120 (Best Lightweight)	Long-lasting 20 V battery Up to 40% vibration reduction 18-inch blade, and 6.5-inch pole length A limited 2-year warranty
	4. Sun Joe SJH902E (Best Long-Reach)	Powerful 4 AMP motor Extra-long 7.9-foot telescoping pole Lightweight at only 8.8 pounds Long 21-inch cutting blade and 0.75 cutting capacity
	5. DeWalt DCHT895M1 (Heavy-Duty)	Powerful 40-Volt, 4.0-AMP battery Long 22-inch cutting blade Up to 90 minutes of runtime for long operation A wide cutting gap of 1 inch for heavy-duty cutting
	6. Greenworks 2272 (Powerful)	Powerful 40V G-Max Li-Ion battery Up to 350 yards or 30 minutes of battery run time A 20-inch long cutting blade 6 cutting angles and 8-position pivot head
	7. GARCARE GPHT06 (Aluminum Construction)	2-in-1 handheld and pole trimmer Pole length extendable to 9 feet Premium aluminum pole construction 20-inch long blade with 3/4 cutting capacity

1. Sun Joe SJH904E – Best Budget Pole Hedge Trimmer

Photo: Sun Joe

• Power: 4.5 Amperes, 120 Volts
• Power Source: Plug-in
• Blade Length: 19 inches
• Handle Length: 5.9 feet
• Weight: 9.5 pounds

You will love the Sun Joe SJH904E because it is reasonably priced and pack some decent features for its budget prices. It is a 2-in-1 tool that allows easy switching between handheld, and pole trimmer.

First, it is a plug-in trimmer with a powerful 4.5-ampere, 120-volt motor, which delivers a stellar performance.  

This trimmer has a unique dual-action 19-inch blade, which cuts both ways and promises up to 40 percent less vibration compared to standard trimmers.

You will get a telescoping pole, which extends between 3.8 feet and 5.9 feet, and in case you need to reach those distant shrubs and bushes, the trimmer has an overhead extension of up to 13 feet.

It has an effective multi-angle pivoting head, which supports adjustments of -20 degrees, 0 degrees, 20 degrees, 40 degrees, and 60 degrees.

You will also get a full 2-year warranty with your purchase of this trimmer. You can count on its reliable performance and worry-free operation.

Sun Joe SJH904E is easily the best budget pole hedge trimmer, but the telescoping pole does prove to be heavy even especially when fully extended. Its blades are also not suited for heavy-duty usage such as cutting thick bushes.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• 2-in-1 handheld and pole trimmer
• Powerful motor for excellent performance
• Dual-action blade with vibration reduction
• Extendable telescoping pole for maximum reach

Cons:

• The telescoping pole is heavy
• Blades are not suitable for heavy-duty trimming

2. Earthwise CVPH43018 – Best 2-in-1 Hedge Trimmer

Photo: Earthwise

• Power: 4.5 Amperes, 120 Volts
• Power Source: Corded electric
• Blade Length: 18 inches
• Handle Length: 8 feet, 8 inches
• Weight: 9.7 pounds

Earthwise CVPH43018 is an electric-powered pole hedge trimmer that boasts of being a 2-in-1 handheld hedge trimmer and a pole hedge trimmer. It easily converts between both functionalities to suit your trimming needs.

With a decent 18-inch cutting blade, it enables you to easily reach those tall hedges, bushes, and shear shrubs. Its handle extends 6.5 inches and promises up to 13 inches of overhead reach. You will no longer need to use those bulky and inefficient ladders.

Flexibility in handling and using the tool is enhanced by a pivoting head, which has 5 different settings all meant for precision trimming.

This hedge trimmer was built for maximum convenience as it runs on a powerful 4.5-ampere, 120-volt electric motor. It is a huge upgrade from gasoline motors, which incur high maintenance costs, pollute the environment, and are expensive to run in the long-term.

Cutting capacity is a major factor determining whether the trimmer meets your needs. Earthwise CVPH43018’s blade has an 11/16-inch cutting capacity, which is backed by -20 to 60-degree adjustable cutting angle.

The trimmer does not have a complicated starting process. Its instant start feature just requires the press of a button.

Although Earthwise CVPH43018 is a powerful 2-in-1 trimmer, but when its pole is fully extended, some may find it heavy to support especially for continuous usage.

Pros:

• 2-in-1 handheld and pole hedge trimmer
• The long cutting blade and handle for maximum reach
• Has a pivoting head and precision settings
• Electric-powered for efficiency and low maintenance

Cons:

• May prove heavy with pole fully extended

3. Black & Decker LPHT120 – Best Lightweight Pole Hedge Trimmer

Photo: Black & Decker

• Power: 20 Volts, 1.5 Ampere hour
• Power Source: Battery
• Blade Length: 18 inches
• Handle Length: 6.5 feet
• Weight: 7.7 pounds

Black & Decker LPHT120 is not just a powerful hedge trimmer powered by a 20-volt, 1.5 ampere hour battery, but it promises to offer a long-lasting service than the standard NiCad batteries.

If you don’t want a durable trimmer whose battery retains its charge for long without wearing out over time, then this one the ideal choice.  

Besides its long-lasting battery, it also has a blade of 18 inches. Combined with a decent 6.5 pole length, the tool achieves optimal reach and efficient cutting.

The trimmer promises to cut vibrations by up to 40 percent so that you have a comfortable and safe trimming exercise.

Its 7/16-inch blade cutting capacity will do a decent trimming job.

You also get a 2-year limited warranty for a worry-free operating experience.

Although Black & Decker LPHT120 is the lightest pole hedge trimmer on our list, it is notably more expensive than other high-quality trimmers.

Pros:

• Long-lasting battery service
• Long blade and pole length for optimal reach
• Reduces vibrations by up to 40%
• A limited 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other high-quality trimmers

4. Sun Joe SJH902E – Best Long-Reach Pole Hedge Trimmer

Photo: Sun Joe

• Power: 4 Amperes, 120 Volts
• Power Source: Plug in
• Blade Length: 21 inches
• Handle Length: 7.9 feet         
• Weight: 8.8 pounds

Sun Joe SJH902E is a well-balanced hedge trimmer that has the longest telescoping pole (shaft), the second-longest cutting blades, and is also the lightest in our list, weighing only 8.8 pounds.

This trimmer has an impressive 21-inch cutting blade, an inch longer than its predecessor, the Greenworks 2272. That extra inch goes a long way in reaching distant shrubs and bushes when trimming so that you can achieve even and consistent results.

Weighing only 8.8 pounds, this is the lightest hedge trimmers on the market. It exerts less strain on your hands and shoulders compared to some brands that are as heavy as 15 pounds.

Its weight combines well with the powerful 4-ampere, 120-volt electric motor, and a high cutting capacity of 0.75 inches to produce superior cutting results compared to make more expensive and bulkier trimmer brands.

A lot of work goes into making the trimmer flexible. Its pole can extend up to 13 feet of overhead reach, providing even more length to reach distant hedges.

Although the Sun Joe SJH902E is a well-balanced and feature-packed trimmer with the longest telescoping pole, there are several design challenges worth mentioning. First, the trimmer pole is long and may require you to extend your arm awkwardly for optimal grip.

Also, the button, which releases the head swivel requires a lot of force to activate and you may need to use both hands. Regardless of these minor issues, the trimmer is an excellent tool.

Pros:

• Long telescoping pole, long cutting blade
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Powerful motor for high cutting capacity
• Extendable pole for maximum reach

Cons:

• The long telescoping pole may pose gripping challenges
• Head swivel button difficult to press

5. DeWalt DCHT895M1 – Heavy-Duty Pole Hedge Trimmer

Photo: DeWalt

• Power: 40 Volts, 4.0 Ampere hour
• Power Source: Battery
• Blade Length: 22 inches
• Handle Length: 5.8 inches
• Weight: 15.8 pounds

The powerful 40-volt, 4.0-amp hour battery that comes with Sun Joe SJH902E and its long 22-inch cutting blade makes it a heavy-duty hedge trimmer.

This battery promises up to 90 minutes of runtime, an impressive performance you will not find on other trimmers on our list.

DeWalt DCHT895M1 boasts of having the longest cutting blade, which measures 22 inches in length. This dual-cut stainless-steel blade also has the widest cutting gap of 1 inch. Combined, these features make it an ideal heavy-duty companion.

Although the DeWalt DCHT895M1 is a heavy-duty pole trimmer, it is very expensive compared to alternative brands and models. Such a high price may lock out budget users.

Also, the trimmer’s weight of 15.8 pounds makes it notably bulkier than its rivals. Continuous usage can prove more strenuous than when using lighter models, especially because trimmer requires some degree of lifting and physical support.

Pros:

• Powerful battery for extra-long runtime
• The longest cutting blade of maximum reach
• The widest cutting gap for heavy-duty cuts
• 8 locking positions for optimal flexibility

Cons:

• Bulky especially with continuous usage
• Very expensive

6. Greenworks 2272 – Powerful Hedge Trimmer

Photo: Greenworks

• Power: 40 Volts, 2.0 Ampere hour
• Power Source: Battery
• Blade Length: 20 inches
• Handle Length: 6.5 feet, 5/8 inches
• Weight: 9.6 pounds

Greenworks 2272 is famed for being a powerful pole hedge trimmer because it runs on a massive 40-volt, 2 ampere hour G-MAX Li-Ion battery. In fact, the battery is designed to power multiple yard tools that are compatible with it.

This battery promises to cover up to 350 yards of trimming, or up 30 minutes of run time on a single charge. You don’t have to worry about recharging it before completing the trimming tasks. This would be a definite morale killer.

With this trimmer, you are getting a slightly longer blade of 20 inches, compared to that of Earthwise CVPH43018, which is 2 inches shorter. That extra length is handy in reaching distant bushes and shrubs for a thorough job.

Unlike the Earthwise CVPH43018 whose pivot head has 6 cutting angles, this trimmer comes with an 8-position pivoting head, which is useful when you must trim multiple angles.

The 6.5-foot pole extends the trimmers capacity for maximum reach over the area being trimmed. You can count on its lightweight to make it maneuverable for efficient handling.

Greenworks 2272 is one of the most powerful hedge trimmers with its large 40-volt, 2.0 ampere hour battery, but some of its plastic components, especially at the handle may deteriorate over time, requiring unscheduled replacement.

Pros:

• A powerful output from 40V battery
• Long runtime and surface coverage
• Long cutting blade
• 8-position pivot head for maximum flexibility

Cons:

• Plastic components may deteriorate with time

7. GARCARE GPHT06 – Aluminum Pole Hedge Trimmer

Photo: GARCARE

• Power: 4.8 Amperes, 120 Volts
• Power Source: Corded electric
• Blade Length: 20 inches
• Handle Length: 7.4 feet
• Weight: 11.99 pounds

GARCARE GPHT06 is a power 4.8-ampere, 120-volt electric pole hedge trimmer, which is not only a 2-in-1, but it also boasts of an extendable pole, which can reach a length of 9 feet. The pole’s premium aluminum build makes it strong and sturdy even at maximum length. 

The extendable pole makes it easy to reach heights that other trimmers struggle to touch. The pole is designed to be strong enough to deliver professional trimming results.

To trim at a variety of angles, the trimmer’s pivot head is capable of a 6-position adjustment.

This trimmer prioritizes your safety and comfort as it comes equipped with soft rubber grips, which absorbs the tool’s vibration and provides comfort to your hands during its operation.

A decent 3/4-inch cutting capacity will meet most of your trimming needs for both small and large hedges. The blade is also 20 inches long for effecting cutting.

Although GARCARE GPHT06 is the best aluminum pole hedge trimmer, it requires shoulder straps to operate at maximum height because it can get heavy.

Pros:

• 2-in-1 handheld and pole hedge trimmer
• Powerful 4.8 AMP motor
• Extendable to a length of 9 feet
• Premium aluminum pole construction
• Soft handle grips for vibration reduction and comfort

Cons:

• Can get heavy when fully extended

How to Buy the Best Pole Hedge Trimmer

Photo: GARCARE

1. Electric or Gas Pole Hedge Trimmer

Many of the pole hedge trimmers on the market today are electric-powered either by a rechargeable battery or plug-in power supply.

Electric trimmers have many advantages over manual or gasoline ones. First, electric motors are quieter than gasoline ones. Second, electric trimmers are also lighter because they have fewer mechanical components.

The benefits of electric trimmers become evident when it comes to maintenance. They are cheaper to maintain than gasoline ones.

Gas trimmers are also available in the market, especially because they tend to produce a lot more power than electric ones. However, they do pollute the environment through exhaust emissions.

2. Weight

Even though many hedge trimmers come with features meant to simplify handling and operation, you will still end up holding and moving the tool around for most of its operating time.

Therefore, weight is an important consideration when choosing the ideal trimmer. Any trimmer less than 10 pounds in total weight (including telescoping pole) is considered lightweight compared to other bulkier ones of even 15 pounds.

Look for the one that has the least gross weight to maximize comfort and ease of handling when operating the trimmer. Also, check to see the total rated weight when all components of the trimmer are assembled.

3. Cutting Capacity

A blade’s cutting capacity determines how much load (diameter) the blade’s teeth can accommodate between them.

The most common trimmer blade cutting capacities are 11/16-inch, 5/8-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch diameters. The wider the capacity, the more load the cutter can accommodate. Smaller capacities are ideal for young shrubs and those whose branches and twigs are weak.

Wide cutting capacities are ideal for those tough and overgrown hedges and shrubs, which low-capacity cutters will struggle cutting off. However, wide cutting capacities made demand more power and maintenance for the load they handle.

4. Blade Length

Blade length does affect the trimmer’s reach and cutting capacity, especially when dealing with tough hedges that may require back and forth blade movement.

Most cutting blades fall within the range of 18 inches to 22 inches. The longer the blade, the further it reaches with the least effort.

If you have a wide hedge or overgrown ones, a long blade is preferable for trimming because it increases the cutting surface area, which is in contact with the shrubs.

The advantage of shorter blades is that they are firms and study, and would fold or break easily especially with heavy-duty trimming.

5. Reach

Reach is mainly a factor on blade length, handle (telescoping pole) length, and the number of positions the pivot head can adjust to.

The trimmer with optimal reach will likely have the longest cutting blade, longest telescoping pole, and most cutting angles. While we highlighted the typical lengths of cutting blades, telescoping pole, on the other hand, tend to have a range of 5 feet – 9 feet.

The longer the pole, the further it can reach. However, it is worth noting that long pole can pose handling challenges especially with people who have short arms. They also tend to be bulk as length increases.

Adjustable pivot heads make it possible to tilt the blade mechanisms towards the direction of the hedge or bush. Hence, the higher the position, the more optimal their reach. 

6. Ease of use

A trimmer’s ease of use is determined by a combination of factors such as handheld or pole operation, trimmer weight, and telescoping pole length. Ergonomics are a key consideration for trimmer manufacturers.

For instance, trimmers with handle straps are easier to handle and operate compared to those with handles alone. Also, those with instant start capabilities are considered easier to use.

Similarly, handheld trimmers are relatively easier to handle because they have fewer components compared to those with poles.

When the hedge you’re trimming is low and tender, a handheld trimmer is the easiest to use for the task.

How to Use a Pole Hedge Trimmer Safely

Having acquired your new long pole hedge trimmer, it’s time to get to work. But how can you make the process safe and efficient for you? Check out the pro tips below.

Inspect the Hedge’s Shape: The ideal hedge should slope inwards at the top part. Also, ensure that the hedge’s base is strong enough to support the entire hedge. As part of the preparation, you can lay a tarpaulin on the ground to catch the fresh trimmings.

Check the Weather: Avoid cutting your hedges and bushes when it is raining because it is likely you will be using an electric trimmer, which makes water and electricity incompatible. If the weather is okay, check your equipment to ensure it is working order. If okay, proceed with the activity.

Wear Appropriate Footwear and Clothing: The clothes you wear for this exercise should be tight-fitting, sturdy, and be able to move freely. Your clothes should also provide some degree of protection especially from snagging on the bushes you are trimming. Wear non-slip footwear to provide secure footing. Also, goggles and gloves can offer additional protection.

Clear the Area and Check for Safety Hazards: Eliminate any obstacles that may prevent direct access to the hedge. You can remove dead leaves, if any, to prevent them from jamming the trimmer.

Also, check to see if there are any children or pets roaming in the garden or near the hedge. If you need to, make the area around the hedge as a safe zone so that people will be aware of an ongoing trimming activity.

Start Trimming: When all safety checks are complete, start trimming. Ensure to hold the trimmer’s blade away from you. You should position yourself as far aware from the trimmer blade as possible.

Pro Tip: Move the trimmer blade slowly and steadily around the hedge for efficient and even cutting. Do not use the trimmer to push aware any bushes are it can be damaged in the process.

When done trimming, clear away all those that fell on or close to the tarpaulin.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive buying guide revealed some of the most important factors you should consider as you set out to buy a new pole hedge trimmer.

Electric or battery-powered trimmer is more advantageous compared to gasoline ones. Electricity is quiet and clean. Electric trimmers require little maintenance and won’t pollute the environment.

Trimmers with extendable telescoping poles are convenient for a tall hedge because they can extend several feet upward. They eliminate the need for ladders.

And whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade from an old trimmer, our top pole hedge trimmer review is a good place to begin your search.