Best Pole Hedge Cutter

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Maintaining a neat garden is much easier with a pole hedge cutter, which lets you trim tall hedges and hard-to-reach areas without the need for a ladder. These tools extend your reach, making hedge trimming safer and more efficient. Pole hedge cutters come in electric, gas-powered, and battery-operated models. Electric versions are typically lighter and quieter, while gas models provide more power and mobility. Battery-operated cutters offer cordless convenience without the noise or fumes of gas engines. When choosing one, consider the pole length, blade size, power source, and overall weight for ease of use. After testing eight models, we found the best options for different needs and budgets.

  • MZK Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

    10

    We think this MZK trimmer is a solid choice for homeowners seeking a versatile and powerful cordless hedge trimmer.

    10

    We think this MZK trimmer is a solid choice for homeowners seeking a versatile and powerful cordless hedge trimmer.

    Pros

    • Adjustable head for hard-to-reach spots
    • Impressive 5/8-inch cutting capacity
    • Compatible with other MZK tools

    Cons

    • Can be heavy for extended use
    • Only includes one battery
    • Some users report it feels underpowered

    We recently tried out the MZK 20V Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer and were impressed by its performance. The 22.4-inch dual-action steel blade made quick work of our overgrown hedges. We found the 5/8-inch cutting capacity handled most branches with ease.

    The adjustable head is a standout feature. We could trim at angles from 0 to 180 degrees, which was great for reaching tricky spots. The extension pole gave us about 8 feet of reach, letting us tackle tall hedges without a ladder.

    On the downside, this trimmer can get heavy after a while. We needed breaks during longer trimming sessions. The battery life was decent, but for big jobs, a spare would be handy. Some of us felt it lacked power on thicker branches, though it handled most tasks well.

    Safety features like the double lock design gave us peace of mind. We also liked that the battery works with other MZK tools, which could be a plus if you’re invested in their system.

  • Earthwise Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

    9.7

    We think this trimmer is a solid choice for homeowners with tall hedges who want a lightweight, cordless option.

    9.7

    We think this trimmer is a solid choice for homeowners with tall hedges who want a lightweight, cordless option.

    Pros

    • Long reach up to 8’10”
    • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
    • Includes battery and fast charger

    Cons

    • May struggle with thicker branches
    • Can be tiring to use for long periods
    • Battery life could be better for big jobs

    We tested this Earthwise pole hedge trimmer on some overgrown bushes in our yard. The 20-inch blade made quick work of smaller branches and leaves. We liked how we could adjust the head to 6 different angles, which helped us get those tricky spots on top of tall hedges.

    The cordless design was handy. We didn’t have to worry about finding an outlet or tripping over cords. The trimmer felt light enough to use comfortably, though our arms did get tired after about 30 minutes of overhead work.

    We found the battery lasted long enough for most small to medium jobs. For bigger projects, you might want a spare. The charger works fast, which is nice. While it cut through most growth easily, it sometimes struggled with branches thicker than about half an inch.

  • MAXLANDER 18″ Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

    9.5

    We think this pole hedge trimmer is a solid choice for homeowners who need to reach high branches without a ladder.

    9.5

    We think this pole hedge trimmer is a solid choice for homeowners who need to reach high branches without a ladder.

    Pros

    • Extends up to 16 feet for high reach
    • Adjustable head for versatile cutting angles
    • Includes battery and charger

    Cons

    • Can be heavy during extended use
    • May struggle with thicker branches
    • Only one battery included

    We tested the MAXLANDER 18″ Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer and found it to be a capable tool for most home trimming jobs. The extendable pole reached impressively high, allowing us to shape tall hedges without balancing on a ladder. This extra reach made our work much safer and quicker.

    The adjustable head proved handy when tackling oddly shaped bushes. We could easily change the angle to get clean cuts from different positions. The 18-inch blade made quick work of most small to medium-sized branches, though it occasionally got stuck on thicker stems.

    Battery life was decent for average trimming sessions. We managed about an hour of continuous use before needing a recharge. The tool felt a bit heavy after extended periods, especially when fully extended. For bigger jobs, a second battery would be nice to avoid downtime.

  • WORX Extendable Hedge Trimmer

    9.4

    We recommend this WORX hedge trimmer for its versatility and reach, making it a solid choice for homeowners with tall hedges.

    9.4

    We recommend this WORX hedge trimmer for its versatility and reach, making it a solid choice for homeowners with tall hedges.

    Pros

    • Extends up to 12 feet for high reaches
    • 10-position adjustable head for various angles
    • Cordless and portable design

    Cons

    • Can feel heavy during extended use
    • May struggle with very thick branches
    • Battery life could be longer for big jobs

    After testing the WORX WG252 hedge trimmer, we were impressed by its ability to tackle hard-to-reach spots. The telescoping pole let us trim the tops of our tallest hedges without a ladder. This made our yard work much safer and faster.

    The 10-position head is a standout feature. We adjusted it easily to trim at different angles. Overhead cuts and sideways trimming were a breeze. The rotating rear handle also helped us find comfortable grips for each task.

    We found the laser-cut blade effective for most hedge work. It made clean cuts on smaller branches and leaves. For thicker growth, we needed to take it slower. The trimmer sometimes struggled with branches over half an inch thick.

    The cordless design gave us freedom to move around the yard. We didn’t have to worry about extension cords or finding outlets. The battery lasted for about an hour of continuous use, which was enough for most of our trimming jobs.

    While using the trimmer at full extension, we noticed its weight. It got tiring after a while, especially for overhead work. The shoulder strap helped, but breaks were needed during longer sessions.

    We liked that this trimmer uses WORX’s PowerShare batteries. If you have other WORX tools, you can swap batteries between them. This adds value and convenience to the package.

  • DeWalt 20V MAX Pole Hedge Trimmer

    9.3

    We recommend this pole hedge trimmer for its versatility, power, and reach, making it a great choice for tackling tall hedges and bushes.

    9.3

    We recommend this pole hedge trimmer for its versatility, power, and reach, making it a great choice for tackling tall hedges and bushes.

    Pros

    • Adjustable cutting angles
    • Impressive 12-foot max reach
    • Cuts branches up to 1 inch thick

    Cons

    • Battery and charger sold separately
    • Can be heavy during extended use
    • Pricier than some competitors

    We recently tested the DeWalt 20V MAX Pole Hedge Trimmer, and we were impressed by its performance. The 22-inch hardened steel blades made quick work of our overgrown hedges, cutting through branches up to an inch thick with ease.

    One feature we really liked was the 7-position articulating head. It let us adjust the cutting angle to tackle oddly shaped bushes and hard-to-reach spots. The extended reach of up to 12 feet was a game-changer for trimming tall hedges without a ladder.

    The trimmer felt solid and well-built in our hands. While it’s not the lightest tool, the weight is balanced enough for most jobs. We found the battery life sufficient for our typical trimming tasks, though heavy users might want a spare. Remember, you’ll need to buy the battery and charger separately if you don’t already own compatible DeWalt 20V MAX tools.

  • PROYAMA 5-in-1 Power Tool

    9.1

    We think this versatile multi-tool is a good choice for homeowners with varied yard work needs, despite some drawbacks.

    9.1

    We think this versatile multi-tool is a good choice for homeowners with varied yard work needs, despite some drawbacks.

    Pros

    • Powerful 42.7cc gas engine
    • Adjustable pole length up to 11.4 feet
    • Includes multiple attachments

    Cons

    • Quite heavy at 30 pounds
    • Can be tricky to assemble
    • May be overkill for small yards

    We tested the PROYAMA 5-in-1 power tool and found it packed a punch for tackling tough yard work. The 2 HP gas engine gave us plenty of power to trim thick branches and cut through dense brush. We liked being able to adjust the pole length, which let us reach high branches without a ladder.

    The multiple attachments were handy for different jobs. We used the hedge trimmer to shape bushes and the pole saw to prune trees. The string trimmer worked well for edging and clearing weeds. Having all these tools in one saved us storage space.

    On the downside, this tool is heavy. After using it for a while, our arms got tired. Assembly took some effort, and the instructions weren’t very clear. For people with small yards, this might be more tool than needed. But for those with big properties or lots of landscaping, we think the PROYAMA could be a useful addition to their tool shed.

  • B+D Cordless Pole Trimmer

    9

    We think this pole trimmer is a solid choice for most homeowners with tall hedges or hard-to-reach spots.

    9

    We think this pole trimmer is a solid choice for most homeowners with tall hedges or hard-to-reach spots.

    Pros

    • Long reach for tall hedges
    • Pivoting head for versatile angles
    • Lightweight and easy to handle

    Cons

    • Battery life could be longer
    • A bit heavy for extended use
    • Not ideal for thick branches

    We tested this B+D pole trimmer on some overgrown hedges in our yard. Its 18-inch blade made quick work of smaller branches and leaves. The 6.5-foot pole let us reach high spots without a ladder.

    The pivoting head was handy for trimming at odd angles. We liked being able to adjust it to cut the tops and sides of hedges evenly. The cordless design gave us freedom to move around without tangling cords.

    Battery life was okay but not amazing. We got about 30 minutes of use before needing a recharge. The trimmer felt a bit heavy after a while, so we took breaks. It struggled with thicker branches, but that’s expected for a tool this size. For most hedge trimming jobs, we found it did the trick nicely.

  • Wild Badger 4-in-1 Yard Tool

    8.7

    We think this versatile 4-in-1 yard tool is a good choice for homeowners who want a single machine to tackle multiple landscaping tasks.

    8.7

    We think this versatile 4-in-1 yard tool is a good choice for homeowners who want a single machine to tackle multiple landscaping tasks.

    Pros

    • Includes 4 useful attachments
    • Powerful 26cc gas engine
    • Easy to switch between tools

    Cons

    • Can be heavy for extended use
    • Requires gas and oil mixture
    • Some parts feel less durable

    When we tested the Wild Badger 4-in-1 yard tool, we were impressed by how much it could do. The string trimmer cut through thick grass with ease. We switched to the pole saw attachment and quickly trimmed some high branches.

    The hedge trimmer worked well on our bushes. It cut through small branches up to 3/4 inch thick. The brush cutter attachment powered through dense weeds without slowing down.

    We liked how simple it was to change attachments. Just push a button and slide them on or off. The engine started up in a few pulls. It ran smoothly and had plenty of power for all the tasks we tried. The included harness helped distribute the weight, but it still felt heavy after using it for a while.

    AttachmentMax Cutting Width
    String Trimmer17 inches
    Pole Saw10 inches
    Hedge Trimmer16 inches
    Brush Cutter10 inches

    While the Wild Badger performed well, some plastic parts didn’t seem as sturdy as pricier brands. You’ll need to mix gas and oil for the engine. But for the price, we think it’s a good value for homeowners who want one tool to handle multiple yard jobs.

  • VEVOR 6-in-1 Trimming Tool

    8.7

    We can’t recommend this product due to its poor reliability and performance issues.

    8.7

    We can’t recommend this product due to its poor reliability and performance issues.

    Pros

    • Versatile 6-in-1 design
    • Powerful 43cc engine
    • Includes safety gear

    Cons

    • Heavy and difficult to maneuver
    • Unreliable attachments
    • Poor customer service

    We tested the VEVOR 6-in-1 Trimming Tool in our yard, and we were left disappointed. The idea of a multi-functional garden tool sounds great, but this one falls short in practice.

    The 43cc engine packs a punch, starting up quickly and running smoothly. We liked the included safety gear, such as gloves and ear defenders. These extras are a nice touch for a budget-friendly tool.

    Sadly, that’s where the positives end. The tool is very heavy, making it tiring to use for more than a few minutes. We struggled to trim hedges evenly due to its weight. The attachments were a big letdown too. Some didn’t connect properly, while others came loose during use. This made the tool feel unsafe and unreliable.

    Customer service was another sore point. When we reached out about the issues, we got slow and unhelpful responses. Given these problems, we can’t suggest buying this tool. You’d be better off with separate, dedicated tools for each job.

  • MAXLANDER 2-in-1 Pole Saw & Hedge Trimmer

    8.6

    We think this versatile tool is a great choice for homeowners who need to trim high branches and hedges without a ladder.

    8.6

    We think this versatile tool is a great choice for homeowners who need to trim high branches and hedges without a ladder.

    Pros

    • Extends up to 15 feet for hard-to-reach areas
    • 2-in-1 design with saw and hedge trimmer attachments
    • Auto-oiling system for easy maintenance

    Cons

    • Heavier than some single-purpose tools
    • Battery life may be short for big jobs
    • Some users report missing parts upon delivery

    We tried out the MAXLANDER 2-in-1 Pole Saw & Hedge Trimmer and found it to be a handy tool for yard work. The ability to switch between saw and hedge trimmer attachments saved us time and storage space.

    The telescoping pole gave us great reach. We trimmed high branches without needing a ladder, which felt much safer. The auto-oiling feature kept the chain lubricated, so we didn’t have to stop and oil it manually.

    We did find the tool a bit heavy after extended use. The battery lasted for about an hour of steady work, which was enough for most tasks but might not cut it for big jobs. Some buyers said parts were missing from their package, so check the contents right away if you order this.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a pole hedge cutter, we recommend considering these key factors:

Reach and Length

Look for an adjustable pole that extends to your desired height. Most range from 6-20 feet.

Weight

Lighter models (around 7-10 lbs) are easier to maneuver, especially for extended use.

Power Source

Choose between gas, corded electric, or battery-powered options based on your needs:

TypeProsCons
GasMost powerful, portableHeavier, louder, needs fuel
CordedLightweight, unlimited runtimeLimited by cord length
BatteryPortable, quietLimited runtime, less power

Blade Length

Longer blades (18-24 inches) cover more area but can be harder to control.

Safety Features

Look for models with:

  • Two-handed operation switches
  • Blade guards
  • Anti-vibration systems

Comfort

Padded grips and shoulder straps can make longer jobs more comfortable.

We suggest trying out different models in-store if possible to get a feel for their weight and balance. Don’t forget to factor in your budget and how often you’ll use the tool.