Best Pole hedge trimmers are essential outdoor power tools for trimming and shaping tall hedges. The best pole trimmers can reach over 10 feet high and trim the sides and tops of large hedgerows. Typically, the trimmer is on the end of a telescoping pole, and the trimmer blade can be adjusted to several angles for the perfect trim.
Most types of pole trimmers for tall hedges only have a dual-action trimming blade to make hedge cutting easy. Other useful landscaping tools for tall hedge trimming have various attachments such as a power saw, string trimmer, weed whacker, and brush cutter. A combo tool can be an excellent investment if you have various landscaping requirements.
Choosing the perfect pole hedge trimmer can be challenging. Typically, your first consideration will be the power source. Long-reach hedge trimmers fall into three categories:
- Gas-powered hedge trimmer: A gas trimmer is for heavy-duty use, usually in large garden landscapes. However, gas models are heavy, noisy, and give off emissions.
- Corded trimmer: A corded pole hedge trimmer model runs off mains electricity and is generally relatively cheap to buy. The only restriction with a corded model is the length of the extension cord.
- Cordless trimmer: A battery-powered pole trimmer is ideal for small yards. There is no restriction like with a corded electric trimmer or fumes from a gas motor. However, a cordless model is heavier and is restricted by its battery life.
This article is a review of the best pole hedge trimmers currently for sale. You will find several types of hedge trimmers on telescopic poles that are gas, corded, or cordless models.
Review of the Best Pole Hedge Trimmers
1. Sun Joe SJH902E Multi-Angle Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer
The Sun Joe corded pole hedge trimmer has a telescoping pole, 21-inch hardened stainless steel blade and powerful 4-amp motor. The budget-class pole trimmer is lightweight but does an excellent job of cleanly cutting through hedge foliage. The 0.7-inch cutting capacity is suitable for most backyard tall hedges.
The telescopic pole extends the trimmer’s reach to just under eight feet. This provides for up to 13 feet of overhead reach. The ergonomic handle, safety switch, and shoulder strap are excellent features of this pole trimmer.
Pros:
- Multi-angle pivoting head for precise trimming
- High-quality stainless-steel blades
- Weighs 8.8 lbs.
- Strong, powerful motor
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- It can feel heavy after extended use
2. BLACK & DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
Black and Decker is a brand leader in cordless garden tools, and the battery-powered hedge trimmer meets expectations. The lightweight trimmer has a powerful motor and a long-lasting rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The anti-vibration technology makes it easy to use the trimmer on tall, messy bushes without much fatigue.
The Black + Decker pole trimmer has 18-inch dual-action blades that are sharp enough to cut through woody stems on branches. The trimmer sits on the end of a 6.5-foot extendable shaft. With this battery-powered hedge trimmer, it’s easy to trim hedges up to ten feet tall.
Pros:
- High-capacity 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery
- 180° pivoting head
- 18-inch dual-action blade
- Reduced vibration up to 40%
- Interchangeable cordless battery
Cons:
- The long pole makes the trimmer challenging to use up close
3. GARCARE Multi-Angle Corded 2-in-1 Pole Hedge Trimmer
The Garcare electric pole trimmer is an excellent choice if you need to trim large bushy hedges. The trimmer features a 20-inch laser cutting blade that is mounted on a 9.2-foot pole. A nice feature of the Garcare pole trimmer is the ergonomic, wrap-around handle that is rubberized for comfortable use.
Additionally, the 4.8-amp motor is one of the best among the class of corded pole hedge trimmers. The best feature of the Garcare pole hedge trimmer is its powerful motor that can trim tall hedges with ease.
Pros:
- Six-position pivoting head
- Impressive, powerful blades that cut through woody stems and branches with ease
- Relatively easy to maneuver
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
- Heavier than other electric pole trimmers
- Short 1-year warranty
4. WORX WG252.9 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Telescoping Pole
The WORX WG252.9 is a battery-powered pole hedge trimmer for keeping tall bushes in shape. This pole trimmer is classed as a two-in-one model because you can also use it as a handheld trimmer. The telescopic pole extends to 12 feet and is also compatible with a chainsaw attachment.
The best feature of the WORX extendable pole trimmer is the adjustable head with ten positions. In addition, the 20-inch dual-action trimming blades easily sever hedge foliage and woody branches.
Pros:
- It can be used at close range or extended at 12 feet
- Rechargeable 2.0 Ah battery
- It comes with a protective blade sheath
- Uses interchangeable WORX batteries
- One of the lightest battery-powered pole trimmers
Cons:
- Users say that it feels heavy and hard to maneuver
5. Earthwise CVPH43018 Corded 4.5 Amp 2-in-1 Convertible Pole Hedge Trimmer
The Earthwise pole hedge trimmer is a 2-in-1 garden tool that has the convenience of a handheld trimmer with the reach of a pole trimmer. The powerful electric motor with its 18-inch blade makes it easy to slice through hedge foliage. Attaching the extendable pole gives you a reach of nearly 9 feet to trim taller hedges.
An advantage of the Earthwise pole trimmer is its versatility. While some pole trimmers are only suitable for tall hedgerows, this model is ideal for foundation plantings, shrubs, bushes, and tall hedges.
Pros:
- Powerful motor that makes light work of the toughest trimming jobs
- Six-position adjustable trimming blade up to 60°
- Easy to switch between handheld mode and pole mode
- Long runtime and no fumes because it’s a corded electric pole trimmer
Cons:
- The lack of a true 90° angle means it’s hard to trim the tops of tall hedges
6. Greenworks 40V 20-inch Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
Greenworks has a solid reputation for battery-powered garden tools, and the PH40B210 cordless model doesn’t disappoint. The cordless hedge trimmer is powered by a 40V Li-Ion battery that provides extended runtime. The 20-inch cutting bar is ideal for most residential landscapes and is easy to maneuver.
The 20-inch stainless steel dual-action blade features a 0.63” cutting gap to cut through most branches on woody shrubs easily.
An advantage of this outdoor tool is that you can save money by buying the pole hedge trimmer without a battery if you already have Greenworks garden tools.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life and batteries are compatible with other Greenworks tools
- Three-position adjustable cutting blade
- Consistently receives excellent online reviews
- Pole saw attachment included
Cons:
- It can feel heavy after extended use
7. Scotts Pole Hedge Trimmer Power Tools CLPS40020S
The Scotts CLPS40020S pole hedge trimmer is a 2-in-1 outdoor garden tool with a power saw attachment. The trimmer has a 22-inch blade with dual action that easily cuts through woody hedge and shrub branches. The cutting blade can be adjusted to four positions to achieve the desired results. Additionally, the chainsaw attachment makes it easy to remove thicker tree branches.
The lightweight, telescopic fiberglass pole extends to nearly 9 feet. However, it is also easy to use the hedge trimmer to shape low-growing bushes and shrubs. In addition, the rechargeable battery provides extended runtime.
Pros:
- Pivoting hedge trimmer head with four positions
- It comes with a power chainsaw attachment
- Eco-friendly and no emissions
- Cuts branches up to 0.7” thick
- Fast battery charger included
Cons:
- The build quality could be better
What to Consider Before Buying a Pole Hedge Trimmer
Choosing the right hedge trimmer on a pole can be challenging. However, the ideal pole hedge trimmer should suit the kinds of shrubs in your yard and allow you to reach the top of tall hedges. Here are a few things to help you choose the ideal pole trimmer for your landscaping requirements.
Shaft length
The length of the pole should allow the trimmer to reach the tops of your tallest hedges comfortably. Most pole hedge trimmers can reach between six and ten feet tall. It is also vital to ensure that the trimmer’s blade can adjust to a 90° angle to trim the top of a hedge or messy bushes comfortably.
Weight
Weight is a crucial factor when deciding on the ideal long-reach hedge trimmer. Operating a hedge trimmer on the end of a long pole can feel heavy after prolonged use. It’s good to remember that extendable shafts and long cutting blades add to the pole trimmer’s weight.
As a rule, a gas hedge trimmer with a full tank and a battery-powered pole hedge trimmer will be heavier than a corded electric hedge trimmer.
Balance
A pole hedge trimmer is safer for cutting a tall hedge without having to stand on a ladder. However, good balance gives you excellent control. Therefore, how the extendable hedge trimmer is weighted affects its safe operation.
Trimmer blade length and type
Before buying a pole trimmer, consider the blade length. It may seem tempting to buy a pole hedge trimmer with a long blade. However, this will make the trimmer top-heavy and more challenging to control. Additionally, the trimmer head must be adjustable to various angles to ensure smooth operation.
Pole hedge trimmers typically have a dual-action blade which allows for cutting with forward and backward motions. This dual-action cutting blade also means that vibration is kept to a minimum.
Teeth spacing
The gap between the small cutting blades on the cutting bar determines the thickness of branches the trimmer can slice through. If you have thick woody shrubs and hedges, a wide spacing will help keep the hedge in shape. However, on tall hedges with finer foliage, the finish may be rough and uneven.