7 Best Pole Hedge Trimmers

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the top pole hedge trimmers available in the market.

Not being able to reach all parts of the hedge can be super frustrating, I get it. Right now, you are probably using an extension ladder which is at best a nuisance and at worst an accident waiting to happen. 

A long-reach hedge trimmer is a much safer, easier and quicker solution. Luckily, we’ve researched and reviewed all of the top models currently available so you don’t have to. Let’s get to it!

Our Top Picks:

How to Choose the Best Long Reach Hedge Trimmer

Choose the Right Power Source: Gas, Battery or Electric

There are major advantages to each different power source when it comes to telescoping pole hedge trimmers. Before buying, think through which power source will be best for you in terms of finding the best pole hedge trimmer for your property, budget, and skill level.

To help you make the best choice, here is what you need to know before buying:

Gas

Let’s start with the benefits of gas hedge trimmers:

• Uninterrupted operation: You don’t have to stop to charge batteries or be near a power source. Just top up the tank with properly mixed fuel and go.

• Plenty of power: Although corded and battery-powered machines are catching up, gas still has the edge when it comes to delivering the power to push through dense jobs like clearing brush, trimming thick branches, and dealing with neglected areas of your property.

• Repairs: Generally speaking, gas motors are easier to repair with basic mechanical skills and readily available parts. Unlike battery and electric machines which are usually cheaper to replace when they burn out, gas-powered gear is built with the idea that repairs are more economical than replacing the entire machine, saving you money in the long haul.

Downsides to gas include:

• Higher initial cost
• Heavy
• Noisy
• Exhaust fumes
• Startup can be a pain
• More time spent on maintaining the engine

Battery

There was a time when battery powered outdoor power tools just didn’t have enough power to be taken very seriously, but Lithium Ion technology has been a game changer in the residential power tool industry.

Batteries have several serious advantages worth thinking through:

• Power: While still weaker than gas and corded, battery-powered hedge trimmers these days are catching up fast to the competition. In addition, as battery technology continues to improve, they are holding their power longer, and charging faster, than ever before. Some pole hedge trimmers will run for up to 1.5 hours without interruption or dips in power output.

• Safe: With no cords to cut and no flammable fuel inches from your face, battery operated hedge trimmers are very safe to operate, which is good news for beginners.

• No fumes: Enjoy the smell of the outdoors when you work, rather than choking on exhaust.

• Low noise: Your neighbors will appreciate the quieter operation of battery powered gear.

• Less vibration: It may seem trivial, but the vibration of a machine becomes a major factor when you are holding it for an extended period.

Some downsides to consider when it comes to batteries include:

• Limited operation between charges
• High power models are usually relatively heavy
• Tough jobs wear the batteries down quickly

Corded Electric

The major advantages of corded hedge trimmers include:

• Lightweight: Because they need neither a battery nor a gas-powered engine, these are by far the lightest weight trimmers across the board.
• Steady power: With an unlimited power source, these clippers can just go and go until the job is done.
• No fumes: Avoid the unpleasant smell of gas exhaust.
• Low Noise: Much quieter than gas engines, but comparable to battery powered
• Price: Corded machines are usually the cheapest on the market so you can get a lot of bang for the buck in terms of cutting power.

Of course, there are a few disadvantages to keep in mind as well:

• Distance to a power source becomes a critical constraint
• Cutting the cord is a major safety concern
• Usually the motor eventually fails and replacement is the only option

Other Factors to Consider Before Buying Pole Hedge Trimmers:

One you have decided which power source to go with, spend a little time thinking through your needs when it comes to the following factors:

Cut Capacity

The thickness of the branches your pole hedge trimmer can handle in a single pass is referred to as the cut capacity. Usually, between ½’-1” for residential grade gear, this is a vital spec to be aware of when choosing the right hedge clippers.

Blade Length

Most brush clipper blades are between 20-26”, although you occasionally see them smaller or larger. What you need to consider when it comes to blade length is that longer blades are more for finishing work where the added number of limbs being cut won’t overwork the engine. They also make big maintenance jobs, especially those with a lot of flat area, go much faster than shorter blades.

The advantage of shorter blades are that they are lighter, easier to maneuver, and are usually better for jobs where you need to power through a lot of thicker limbs such as clearcutting through brambles or getting around to hedges that have been neglected for a few years.

Reach

You are here because you are looking for the best hedge trimmer for large hedges, so you already know you need something with reach. The question is, how much? More isn’t always better.

The longer you extend your pole, the more unwieldy and unstable your blades will be.

Also, the longer the max extension, the more weight you will have to carry for jobs big and small. Try to find a pole hedge trimmer that has a range that will be ideal for your property. We have included the reach as a vital stat so you can quickly compare the products included in this review.

Weight

It may go without saying, but it’s worth emphasizing. If you buy a tool that is too heavy for you to handle, you have wasted your money. Some gear just assumes a very in-shape muscle-bound user that can hold 14 pounds with an extended arm for a few hours. If this isn’t you, then pay close attention to the weight of the machine before you buy.

It also makes sense to think about weight distribution. When the pole is between the motor and the blade, it is easier to balance the weight and maneuver your long reach hedge trimmers. On the other hand, when the motor is at the tip of the pole, and in many cases, it is because this build is simpler, the balance becomes trickier. If you expect to have any trouble with control, definitely go with the motor back option.

The Best Long Reach Pole Hedge Trimmers

This Black and Decker model is our clear winner for the best pole hedge trimmer, by a country mile. 

It has an extremely long reach, coming in at over 6 feet, meaning you can potentially trim hedges that stand over 10 ft in height. The power is enough to tackle home jobs and it is very durable, meaning it will last you for years and years to come. 

But by far the best part about this trimmer is the insane value for money that you get. Coming it at such a low price for such great performance and durability, getting this is clearly a no brainer. 

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Greenworks is a relatively new kid on the block, but they have staked out a stellar reputation since they were founded in 2007. They have specialized in making battery powered, and electric outdoor power tools and their efforts have led them to a loyal customer base and a diverse product line of quality gear

Taking advantage of Lithium-Ion battery technology, along with developments that make batteries lighter and more powerful, Greenworks makes landscaping gear that is nearly as powerful as their gas-powered cousins.

They are also known for thoughtful and ergonomic designs. This extended reach hedge trimmer included a pivoting head with 3 presets that lock into place, and wide, easy grip handles, giving you comfortable access to different angles without sacrificing stability. Flat tops, rounded, or beveled edge hedges are all within reach with this tool.

With a cutting capacity of 5/8”, this is probably not the tool for heavy and overgrown brush, but it is a great choice for a controlled precision cut on dense shrubbery. It will move quickly and efficiently through boxwoods, holly, laurels and other popular hedges.

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Finding the right gear on a budget is always a challenge. If you don’t do your research, you can end up with cheap gear that is a complete waste of your money. This won’t be the case with this selection by Sun Joe. This is a quality hedge trimmer that packs a reliable 4 Amp motor, steel blades, and tons of reach.

The head adjusts to give you extra control for precision cutting. In fact, these hedge trimmers are designed for lighter weight jobs such as regular maintenance on shrubs. They have a slightly smaller tooth gap than standard to reflect that.

The biggest drawback of the design is that the motor is at the tip, rather than the handle. Even though the machine is a modest 7.5 pounds, this has the effect of making it feel much heavier, particularly when fully extended.

This design can make it difficult, particularly for beginners, to maneuver the machine safely. We recommend this adjustable handle (yes, it’s compatible) to give you more leverage and control on this hedge trimmer.

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Although not everyone is comfortable using corded hedge trimmers, there are some major advantages to reap. Corded machines are extremely lightweight, powerful, and relatively inexpensive compared to gas and battery models. In addition, they require much less maintenance and are quieter than gas operated machines.

However, the downside is that you are limited in range by the number of bulky extension cords you can string together between your house and your hedges.

If you decide to give corded a try, this is an excellent choice if you are looking for electric hedge trimmers for tall bushes and trimming under trees. First, you have the option of taking advantage of 7.4’-9’ range if you use the extension pole, or use the trimmers without the pole for an extremely lightweight tool designed to move quickly through even tough jobs.

The design is well thought out with a few perks to take note of: Soft padded grips add to safety and absorb extra vibrations for comfortable use. You can adjust the angle of the head and handle, for a very customizable experience that will give you a great deal of control for precision trimming.

At full extension, this machine can be a bit unwieldy, so beginners should take it slow.

Pros

• Maneuverable – Adjust the head and handle for very efficient precision work.
• High power – 4.8A is plenty for most residential needs.
• Reach – Up to 9 extra feet of reach for even very tall bushes or the underside of trees.
• Price – Very affordable price point for quality gear.
• Light – Even with the extension pole attached, this trimmer comes in at 12 pounds.
• Versatile – Use with or without the extension pole for a 2-in-1 tool.
• Details – All the extras including a shoulder strap, hand guards, thick, soft handles, cord lock.

Cons

• Safety – This machine can be hard to handle for beginners when fully extended.
• Balance – The design keeps the motor on the tip of the extension pole, making it challenging to balance at full extension. Consider adding an adjustable handle to gain more control.

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The main complaint is it’s pretty hard to reach the on/off button. It’s also extremely small. The value for the money is good, but the maneuverability score is low. Probably not the best choice for new trimmers or those with bad backs.

It is better for bushes, and small tree trimming needs rather than heavy-duty trimming. The blade is long, which makes trimming convenient.

The weight may bother some people though. It comes in at 10 pounds. This weight is less than other trimmers, but it can start to feel heavy for some people.

Pros:

• Cheap and basic option – will give you the trimming you need for small trees
• Battery-powered – solid battery life and no need to buy fuel and deal with fumes
• Rotating head – lets you reach more positions easier

Cons:

• Heavy – 10 pounds can feel like a lot after several hours of yardwork
• The trigger is a disaster – it needs quite a bit of wrist-twisting to reach the button and trigger

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The Maxtra is more of an all-in-one tool if you are looking for a device that can be used for hedge trimming, brush cutting, weed eating, and as a gas pole saw. It’s also a solid choice for shorter people because the pole has a 16 ft pruning reach and a 43” extension pole.

Users mainly complain about the weight. Usually, combo tools are much heavier than a simple trimmer, so the increased convenience does come with a drawback. Some of the tabs are made out of plastic which can break easily and make the device look cheap.

The clutch shouldn’t give you any issues, and the pole saw starts up with ease.

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This hedge trimmer has 15% more length than other poles. This allows you to reach things easier and could prove useful if your trees or hedges are higher.

You will need to buy the battery separately as this model does not come with one. With the 4AH battery, you get 90 minutes of runtime and over 3 hours of runtime with the 7.5 AH battery. The motor is brushless and can deliver up to 3700 strokes per minute.

At 13.5 pounds, this is an extremely heavy trimmer. It will be hard to lug around and might keep you from completing your work if you have too much planned. However, the long battery life could make up for the weight if you are strong.

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FAQS

How high can a pole hedge trimmer reach?

This all depends on the trimmer that you buy. Some have much longer poles than others. If you are looking for a long pole, try purchasing one that has extendable options so you can adjust it accordingly. Check the specs before you buy one so you know how far it can reach.

Can a Pole hedge trimmer be used without a safety guard?

It is recommended you always use the safety guard when using your trimmer. It will protect your hands from the blade and from thorns that may be on the bushes. Removing it can cause bodily damage and can also void your warranty.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best pole hedge trimmer can add real flexibility and versatility to any tool-shed. If you have high hedges or branches that need cutting, then a long reach hedge trimmer really is a must.