The best pole hedge trimmer makes it quick and easy to trim tall hedges, bushes, and shrubs. Essentially, these tools attach a regular hedge trimmer to a telescoping pole, making it easier to trim hard-to-reach places safely from the ground.
Pole hedge trimmers are convenient, easy to use, and save homeowners time and money. There’s no need to call in a professional landscaper to trim those tall bushes and hedges. Many models are also compatible with other attachments, making them incredibly versatile. This means that you can tackle more jobs with a single tool.
Editor’s Note: Our writers research and recommend the best products for your home, farm, and garden. Links to these products are included in this article where you can learn more about each product. We may receive commissions on purchases made through these links.
The Best Pole Hedge Trimmer Reviews
We compare some of the most popular hedge trimmers designed specifically to reach the tallest shrubs in your yard.
| # | Manufacturer/Model | Best Use | Jump to Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun Joe SJH902E | Longest Reach | See Our Review |
| 2 | Black+Decker LPHT120 | Most Comfortable | See Our Review |
| 3 | Dewalt DCPH820B | Cuts Thicker Branches – Up to 1 inch | See Our Review |
| 4 | Greenworks PH80B210 | Most Powerful at 80 V | See Our Review |
| 5 | Greenworks PSPH40B210 | Pole Saw + Hedger Trimmer Multi-tool | See Our Review |
1. Best for Longest Reach – Sun Joe SJH902E
Specs
- Cutting Capacity: 0.7”
- Blade Length: 21”
- Power: Electric
- Dimensions: 80.30” x 7.9” x 34.25”
- Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Sun Joe’s SJH902E long reach hedge trimmer has a telescoping pole and a multi-angle design to make trimming a breeze. The pole extends up to 7.9 feet and provides up to 13 feet of overhead reach. The pivoting head is adjustable and allows you to trim those hard-to-reach places.
The 21” blade is made of rust-resistant hardened steel and offers a 0.7” cutting capacity. The 4-amp motor gives you enough power to get the job done. It’s also lightweight, so there’s less worry about fatigue.
It’s also available at an affordable price, making it a great option for budget-conscious homeowners.
Why We Like It
• High reach
• Powerful motor
• Multi-angle trimming
• Rust-resistant blade
Our Verdict
With a powerful motor and telescoping pole, the Sun Joe SJH902E is the best pole hedge trimmer we’ve seen for tall shrubs and bushes.
2. Best for Comfort – BLACK+DECKER LPHT120
Specs
- Cutting Capacity: 7/16”
- Blade Length: 18”
- Power: Battery
- Dimensions: 8.25” x 8.13” x 44.5”
- Weight: 7.7lbs
The Black and Decker LPHT120 was designed with comfort and precision in mind. The trimmer’s 18” dual-action blades make quick work of hedges and bushes while producing 40% less vibration.
Less vibration means that you can trim for longer without hand fatigue or discomfort. It also makes it easier to perform precision trimmings without having to get up onto a ladder.
The LPHT120 works well on tall bushes and shrubs, which require a steady hand for precision trimming. This model offers a usable length of up to 6-1/2 feet with a trimming height of up to 10 feet.
The light weight (just 7.7lbs) and comfortable operation make this trimmer a great option for homeowners.
Why We Like It
- 10-foot trimming height
- Lightweight
- Lower vibration prevents fatigue
- Dual-action blades
Our Verdict
The Black and Decker LPHT120 is one of the best pole hedge trimmers for homeowners wanting a comfortable, ergonomic design that prevents hand fatigue without sacrificing reach.
3. Best for Thick Branches – DEWALT DCPH820B
Specs
• Cutting Capacity: 1”
• Blade Length: 22”
• Power: Battery
• Dimensions: 40” x 4” x 12”
• Weight: 12lbs
Dewalt’s DCPH820B offers an impressive 1” cutting capacity, long reach, and an articulating head for cutting bushes and hedges at a variety of angles. The head offers seven positions for cutting over or under shrubs.
Offering a 12-foot reach, this trimmer can handle tall bushes and shrubs, and the 22” steel dual action blade easily slices through thick branches at 2800spm.
The long blade and reach makes this model a versatile tool that can handle just about any hedge trimming job.
Why We Like It
- Thick cutting capacity
- High reach
- Multi-angle cutting
- Cordless operation
Our Verdict
The Dewalt DCPH820B has the power to handle thick branches and comes equipped with a telescoping pole that offers an extra-long reach for tough jobs.
4. Best for Power – Greenworks PH80B210
Specs
- Cutting Capacity: 3/4″
- Blade Length: 20”
- Power: Battery
- Dimensions: 91.73” x 5.71” x 8.78”
- Weight: 14.8lbs
With 20” dual-action blades and a pivoting head, the Greenworks PH80B210 is a powerful trimmer with a long runtime (up to 350 yards). The 7-position articulating head allows you to trim at different angles for precision work.
A cushioned overmold grip allows for comfortable use, and the included rapid charger means that you can get back to work more quickly. Plus, battery operation makes it easier to get this tool running and with less noise.
Plus, this tool is backed by a 4-year warranty. The battery also has a 2-year warranty. This gives you peace of mind that your purchase is protected if your trimmer malfunctions.
Why We Like It
- 80V model offers gas-equivalent power
- Overmold grip for comfort
- Long run-time
- Multi-angle trimming
Our Verdict
Although heavier than other models, the PH80B210 offers power and a long run-time with quick recharging.
5. Best for Versatility – Greenworks PSPH40B210
Specs
- Cutting Capacity: 5/8”
- Blade Length: 20”
- Power: Battery
- Dimensions: 77.8” x 4.5” x 8”
- Weight: 11lbs
If you’re looking for versatility, the Greenworks PSPH40B210 is a great option. This kit includes a pole saw and a hedge trimmer, with a battery and charger included.
The hedge trimmer features a 20” steel dual-action blade. The 8” pole saw can deliver up to 60 cuts on a single charge. The long blade allows you to tackle bigger jobs with ease.
The PSPH40B210 has a standard length of 6 feet, but it can extend to 8 feet. The reach isn’t quite as long as other models, but it’s a great option for homeowners who don’t have tall hedges.
A rugged aluminum pole construction ensures durability and reliability for long-term use. The cushioned grip prevents slips and allows for comfortable use, even for extended periods of time.
Why We Like It
- Pole saw and hedge trimmer in one
- Durable dual-action blades
- Comfortable grip
- Charger and battery included
Our Verdict
The Greenworks PSPH40B210 is a versatile tool that makes it easy to maintain bushes and shrubs, allowing you to tackle multiple chores with one tool and without having to recharge.
How to Choose the Best Pole Hedge Trimmer for Your Yard
When choosing a pole hedge trimmer, there are several things that you need to consider, from size to power and features.
Corded vs Cordless
One of the first things to consider is how the trimmer is powered. There are both corded and cordless models. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.
Corded
Corded electric trimmers are – you guessed it – powered by electricity. They must be plugged into an outlet. One great benefit of a corded model is that you don’t have to worry about running out of power. You can run your trimmer for as long as it takes to get the job done.
That being said, a corded model does have its drawbacks. Because it’s powered by electricity, you will need an extension cord to power these trimmers. If you have a large yard, a corded model may not be practical or feasible.
Cordless
But freedom comes at a price. Eventually, batteries run out of juice and have to be recharged. For smaller jobs, this may not be a big deal. But if you have a lot of work to do, having to stop and recharge may be inconvenient.
Cordless hedge trimmers are battery-operated, so they give you the freedom to move around without worrying about extension cord lengths or tripping over cords. If you have a large yard or your bushes/shrubs are far away from the nearest electrical outlet, a cordless model is a great option.
If you’re considering a cordless trimmer, make sure that you check the battery life. If you have a big yard with a lot of bushes and shrubs, a long battery life is a must.
Pole Reach
How tall is your tallest shrub or bush? It’s important to make sure that your pole hedge trimmer can reach the tops of your hedges for precise and clean cutting.
Some models only offer an 8-foot reach, which may not be long enough for every job. Others offer a 12-foot or 13-foot reach, which makes them ideal for tall hedges.
Weight and Comfort
The weight, comfort, and grip are three important things to consider, especially if you’re trimming tall hedges. A heavy trimmer will be difficult to use for long periods of time.
A non-slip grip will give you greater control and help prevent accidents and injuries.
Pole Hedge Trimmer Features
Along with weight, comfort, reach and power, you also have to consider the trimmer’s features. Trimmers are simple machines, so they’re not loaded with features you’d find on electronic devices. But there are a few things you want to look for:
- Cutting capacity
- Blade length
- Articulating head
The blade is an important thing to consider. Make sure that the material is hardened steel or another similar material that isn’t prone to rusting. Consider the blade length, too. Shorter blades are better for detailed work. Longer blades will make it quicker and easier to get bigger jobs done.
An articulating or pivoting head is also beneficial because it allows you to cut from different angles. Pay attention to the number of blade positions. The greater the number, the more flexibility in where and how you trim your hedges.
Also, look at whether the tool includes a battery and charger. Some only offer the tool, which means that you have to supply the battery and charger.
Attachments
Many pole hedge trimmers are compatible with different attachments, so you can use the same tool for different jobs. The Greenworks PSPH40B210, for example, comes with a pole saw that can be attached to the pole for trimming thick branches.
Not every homeowner needs attachments, but if you have multiple jobs that you’d like to get done with one tool, this may be something to consider.
Frequently Asked Questionss
What Does Cutting Capacity Mean?
Cutting capacity refers to the thickness of the material that can be trimmed. The greater the cutting capacity, the thicker the branches it can handle.
For heavy-duty jobs, you want a hedge trimmer with a greater cutting capacity.
How Long Does It Take to Recharge a Trimmer Battery?
Battery-powered trimmers are convenient because you don’t have to worry about cords. However, you do have to worry about running out of battery power. Recharging can be inconvenient, so it’s natural to be concerned about the time it takes to recharge your battery.
Most batteries will take 3-4 hours to recharge, but some models have rapid chargers, which cut the time down to just 30 minutes.
Depending on the model you choose, you may be able to get 45 minutes of run time before needing to recharge. For many homeowners, this is more than enough time to get the job done.
What’s the Difference Between a Hedge Trimmer and a Pole Hedge Trimmer?
The biggest difference between a regular hedge trimmer and a pole hedge trimmer is the reach.
A regular hedge trimmer resembles a chainsaw. It doesn’t offer much of a reach beyond the length of the blade and your arm’s length. A pole hedge trimmer, on the other hand, has a telescoping pole that greatly extends your reach. This makes it easy to trim deeper hedges, bushes, and shrubs.
What Does a Pivoting or Articulating Head Do?
When looking at pole hedge trimmers, you’ll find that many have pivoting or articulating heads. What this means is that the trimmer can cut from different angles. This makes it easier to reach certain areas underneath, over the top, or along the side without cutting in unwanted areas.
Essentially, a pivoting head allows for more precise trimming.
Some models have multiple positions to choose from (up to 7 in some cases), which gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to shape and length.
Final Word
If you have tall hedges, a pole hedge trimmer will save you time, money, and frustration by making it easy to trim do your own trimmings. Just make sure to use the tips above to find a model that meets your needs. Height, weight, power, and blade length are all important factors that will ultimately determine which trimmer is the best choice for your yard.