The Best Hedge Trimmer - 2021
We looked at the top 10 Hedge Trimmers and dug through the reviews from 55 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Hedge Trimmers.
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Our Picks For The Top Hedge Trimmers
- The Best Hedge Trimmer
- 1. Black + Decker Cordless Hedge Trimmer
- 2. Dewalt Hedge Trimmer
- 3. Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer
- 4. Garcare Corded Pole Hedge Trimmer
- 5. Craftsman Cordless Hedge Trimmer
- 6. Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer
- 7. Poulan Pro Fixed Line Head String Trimmer
- 8. Tanaka Gas Hedge Trimmer
- 9. Craftsman WeedWacker™ Gas Trimmer
Large CapacityA battery-powered trimmer that can tackle up to 6,000 square feet at a time.
Long Battery LifeA powerful trimmer with long battery life and blades with hooked teeth.
Lightweight and PowerfulA lightweight, powerful trimmer that plugs into an electrical socket.
Long ReachA trimmer with a telescoping handle that can reach even the highest branches in your yard.
Why we recommend these hedge trimmers?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 10 Hedge Trimmers and also dug through the reviews from 55 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Hedge Trimmers.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Black + Decker Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Our Take
The battery-powered Black + Decker Cordless Hedge Trimmer can trim up to 6,000 square feet of property on a charge. Thanks to a 24-inch dual-action blade, you can tackle branches up to 3/4-inch thick. With a weight of only 6.9 pounds, you won't feel the fatigue that you'd experience with much heavier hedge trimmers.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer
Our Take
The corded Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer packs plenty of power, due in large part to a 4-Amp motor. This trimmer weighs only 7.7 pounds, making it much lighter than competing corded hedge trimmers. Its low price tag is also a bonus, with a price well below its competitors.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Our Hedge Trimmer Findings
Black + Decker Cordless Hedge Trimmer
What We Liked: The battery-powered Black + Decker Cordless Hedge Trimmer can trim up to 6,000 square feet of property on a charge. Thanks to a 24-inch dual-action blade, you can tackle branches up to 3/4-inch thick. With a weight of only 6.9 pounds, you won’t feel the fatigue that you’d experience with much heavier hedge trimmers.
Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer
What We Liked: The corded Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer packs plenty of power, due in large part to a 4-Amp motor. This trimmer weighs only 7.7 pounds, making it much lighter than competing corded hedge trimmers. Its low price tag is also a bonus, with a price well below its competitors.
Dewalt Hedge Trimmer
What We Liked: With a full wraparound handle, the 40-volt lithium-ion battery-powered Dewalt Hedge Trimmer gives you at least an hour of use without significant power drain. The 22-inch dual-action blades have hooked teeth that can handle up to 3/4-inch branches easily. This trimmer is far pricier than other models. It’s also heavier, making it difficult to hold for extended periods of time.
Our Hedge Trimmer Buying Guide
If you’ve ever used a hedge trimmer, you likely know that there are some inconveniences with them. As with string trimmers, chainsaws and other outdoor tools, the traditional fuel-powered type can put out noxious fumes, making the experience unpleasant and potentially bad for your health.
Today, you have alternatives to the gas-powered hedge trimmers of previous generations. But you’ll have to make a decision between electric and battery-powered, with each bringing its own benefits. An electric hedge trimmer plugs into your nearest power outlet and draws on electricity. This gives you unlimited cutting time and generally more power than a battery-powered trimmer.
However, there are some good reasons to choose a hedge trimmer powered by a battery. A power cord will get in the way while you’re working, requiring you to constantly take care to avoid cutting it, tripping over it or getting it caught on objects. It also tethers you to a power source, reducing your movement. Unless you have a small yard, chances are the hedge trimmer won’t reach everywhere you need it to go, even with the longest extension cord you can find.
Two things that should be at the top of your list are power and precision-cutting ability. The motor plays a role in how efficient your hedge trimmer is, but you’ll also find that the blade is just as important. Some hedge trimmers can also pivot to make it easy to flatten the tops of your hedges, even if they’re higher up than you could normally reach.
That reach is also important. If you have tall hedges and trees you’ll need to trim, a traditional hedge trimmer will require that you drag a ladder out every time you work. But there are hedge trimmers with telescoping poles that will expand your reach well beyond what you’d get with a regular trimmer. You should also pay close attention to the weight of any hedge trimmer you choose, especially if you plan to use it telescopically, since heavier trimmers can be more difficult to control while using that function.
DWYM Fun Fact
If you’ve ever seen hedges trimmed into fun shapes like animals and cartoon characters, you may wonder how it’s done. It’s called topiary, and some have mastered it as an art form. But you don’t have to be Auguste Rodin to create artistic masterpieces in your own front yard. You’ll just need the right kind of greenery, as well as a wire frame in your desired shape. The best shrubs are those that have small leaves and slow growth, such as boxwood, ivy, privet and yew. You can purchase wire frames online in a wide variety of shapes, but you’ll need to make sure you choose the right size for each hedge, and then slide it over and trim off the excess.
The Hedge Trimmer Tips and Advice
- If you’re looking for a corded hedge trimmer, chances are you will need an extension cord. Make sure you get a heavy-duty cord that’s compatible with the design of the cord on the hedge trimmer. With the Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer, for instance, you’ll need an extension cord with a round female outlet. The Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer also has a lock that keeps the cord from coming unplugged if you extend your cord’s reach and tug too hard.
- If you choose a battery-powered version, make sure the battery has enough power to get you through your typical jobs. The Black + Decker Cordless Hedge has a 40-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can tackle up to 6,000 square feet of trimming on one charge. The battery indicator light will let you know when you’re running out of juice. The Dewalt Hedge Trimmer also has a 40-volt lithium-ion battery, providing at least one hour of typical use without significant power loss.
- The better your hedge trimmer works, the faster you’ll finish your work. The Black + Decker Cordless Hedge has a 24-inch dual-action blade that can slice through branches up to 3/4 inches thick. This blade system also produces less vibration for a more comfortable cutting experience. The Dewalt Hedge Trimmer has 22-inch dual-action blades with hooked teeth that can also tackle 3/4 inches thick branches.
- The motor also plays a role in a hedge trimmer’s effectiveness. The Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer’s motor has 4 Amps of power.
- Weight is an important factor since heavier hedge trimmers can be tougher to maneuver. They’ll also slow you down and tire you far faster than a lighter model. If you’re going for a battery-powered model, the Black + Decker Cordless Hedge weighs only 6.9 pounds. As far as corded trimmers go, the lightest is the Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer, at 7.7 pounds. On the far heavier end is the Dewalt Hedge Trimmer, which makes it difficult to hold in a lifted position for extended periods of time.
- Cost is also a consideration. No matter which hedge trimmer you choose, you’re sure to find one that fits your set budget.
- One area where trimmers can differ dramatically is when it comes to the design of the handles. The Black + Decker Cordless Hedge and Dewalt Hedge Trimmer have full wraparound handles, which helps with both control and comfort. Although the Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer doesn’t have a wraparound handle, it does feature a transparent shield in front of the handle that guards your hands against debris and twigs.
- The trigger control on the Black + Decker Cordless Hedge is notable because it’s so easy to release, even if you’re wearing a pair of thick work gloves.
About The Author
Stephanie Faris is a novelist and professional writer. She lives in a beautiful one-acre home in the suburbs on the outskirts of Nashville. Her home and garden work has appeared on popular home sites. She's a true homebody and loves looking at new houses for sale for inspiration on her own home remodeling projects.