Top 5 Expert Picks: Best Hedge Trimmer for Homeowners

Customer Review: “My father had an electric hedge trimmer that he said didn’t cut much of anything. I tried it once and it was totally useless. More like massaging the bushes. Consequently I inherited from him the habit of using manually operated shears. Finding one of those with straight blades that actually cut was kind of annoying. After watching a couple yard care Youtube videos decided to try an electric trimmer. Due to the experience above I suspected I needed to spend $70 on one of the big ones to get one that could really cut. The 24” (22″?) B&D’s were out of stock when I was ready to purchase so I bought this one based on the reviews wondering if it could live up to those reviews. For the low price I had severe doubts.Cue parting clouds, sunbeams, and trumpets. Hey, this thing actually cuts! In 20 minutes I cut what would have taken a couple days with the shears. The limiting factor was greens waste bin space. Stuffed a couple and had to stop. Plus shaping was much easier so the bushes look better.I used a 100’ “contractors” extension cord I bought on Amazon, actually I bought two different cords for different uses, so I test fit both and both sockets fit the trimmer. The wire fit in the hole for the retention hook and I had no problems with the cording popping off.It has trouble cutting thicker woody branches (perhaps around a half-inch) but that matches the description so no problem. It appears to be a trade-off. In exchange for being very light and easy to handle, you trade-away the cutting power of a higher amperage motor and the reach of the 22” and 24” trimmers. So if all your bushes are not much taller than you are and you don’t have to reach back too much, then this one is great. If you have giant bushes with thick branches then you might want more power and reach.Extremely happy with this purchase. Less effort, more productivity, less time, bushes look better, and for a low cost.”

Customer Review: “I am so happy I bought this electric saw. I was skeptical that it would be worth it to trim my boxwoods, but I am oh-so glad I tried it! I bought it because a few days before I’d trimmed just one of my boxwoods and it took most of the afternoon, by hand, and I was hot, my hands were sore, and I was tired. I figured, “Good grief, I’ve gotta try something different or I’ll be trimming for a week.” So I ordered this 17” saw, and frankly, I’m amazed at what a good job it did! Not only did it trim my largest boxwoods, it also trimmed my tall, thick hard wood stemmed euonymus’s. I usually have to get out my arm length heavy-duty clippers to battle those. I didn’t think this little saw would cut through their tough thick boughs, but it did. All within just minutes, rather than hours, and days! I had so much fun I started trimming other things I hadn’t thought of- and best of all, I used it to trim my tough ivy off some boulders they’d completely swallowed up a few years ago. It was easy-peazie, just swooped them back and forth slightly above the face of the rocks, the saw did it all- broke the ivy, and trimmed it so beautifully-done in moments. Normally, I’d be out there for hours on my knees, clipping with my hand clippers, and sweating amongst spiders on the ground, trying to fight bugs and the ivy off. Instead, I was done with all my work in less than a half of an afternoon. I even trimmed the heavy large vinca which always tries to take over my path-and which I normally have to slowly cut by hand, but it was cut with this saw like a hot knife through butter- what fun! All in about the same time it takes to walk down the path. No kneeling at all! Normally it takes me hours and hours on my knees on the gravel to do that path. I’m an older woman and had no problem with the weight using this. My hands weren’t tired when I was done. Seriously, why didn’t I buy this a lot sooner? I think next spring I’ll plant more boxwoods. WooHoo!”

Customer Review: “This hedge trimmer works perfectly with my existing Milwaukee 18V batteries. It is lightweight and easy to handle, which makes trimming my hedges a lot less tiring. The blades are sharp and cut through branches smoothly without getting jammed. I really like not having to deal with cords while working around the yard. Battery life has been great and easily lasts through my entire trimming job. The build quality feels solid and well balanced in my hands. Definitely a great tool to add to my collection for keeping the yard looking clean.”

Customer Review: “This trimmer is great . Light weight. Battery last for all my trimming . Love it .”

Customer Review: “I already had the B & D 36 volt string trimmer. I am very pleased with its quality and performance. When I saw that there was a hedge trimmer that uses the same battery system I realized the practicality of having both tools. Being able to use each without the encumbrance of an electric cord is a fantastic convenience. This is especially true of the hedge trimmer where there is the added risk of cutting the cord–something I have done on numerous occasions with corded machines. While the string trimmer came with a 36 volt battery, this hedge trimmer has been upgraded to a 40 volt battery. B & D assures that both battery sizes are compatible with either machine. Likewise the chargers for each are interchangeable. So, I can use either battery in either machine, and either charger will charge either battery. I have tried these exchanges and they do work as claimed. The hedge trimmer is relatively light, very powerful, and well balanced. My previous trimmer was only 18 inches but was more cumbersome than this 24 inch device. I confidently recommend giving this trimmer, as well as the entire 40 volt “system” of Black & Decker tools, serious consideration.”

Customer Review: “I have put off reviewing this trimmer because I wanted to really use it a lot so I knew exactly what to write.In short: this trimmer is LIBERATING!For years, my family used a corded trimmer. The amount of time spent hauling out the extra long cords, the anger that accompanies the use of said cords, and the sheer danger of tripping over the cords, and cutting right through the cords… well, you can see why I finally bit the bullet and ordered this CORDLESS trimmer.We have hedges all along the sidewalk in front of the house, and assorted bushes around the foundation. I can now get them all trimmed in a fraction of the time, and without worrying about the battery running down. I can now start the thing up, walk along the front hedges, and get a nice, even cut all down the sidewalk… without tripping over a cord!I highly recommend this trimer to anyone with lots of cutting to do. One day this summer I did our house, then went down the street and did everything at my boyfriend’s house. The battery still had a lot of charge left. The only issue is if you are really out of shape and/or short, you may get a bit tired trying to reach way up to the top of an overgrown bush… trust me, I know… The blades are larger and better quality than our old one’s, and way sharper. It also cuts some impressively large evergreen branches.So, good battery life, quick recharger, no cords, good quality… how can you miss? I no longer question spending the money on a higher-end trimmer, and I also do not regret going with battery vs. gas.My only suggestion is that you spray some WD40 onto the blades between use. This may not be an issue in warm, dry areas, but in New England, it can help slow corrosion, as well as offer lubrication.”

Customer Review: “This hedge trimmer works great. The motor is strong enough to cut through half-inch thick small branches. The plastic sleeve covering the blade while not in use feels cheap and flimsy, but otherwise this is a great product.”

Customer Review: “This trimmer is very lightweight and easy to move. The lack of cord makes it safe and easy to use and it is not overly loud. I am short and my father is elderly and we both can easily use this to tame the summer overgrowth. Not for heavy duty tree trimming, but takes care of stray branches, vines and weeds. Comes with 2 batteries for long use. Highly recommend.”

Customer Review: “First of all you own a green works to begin with you already know it’s good quality equipment! excellent customer service, so what platform are you on 40 volt, 60 volt. I think for a homeowner 40 volt or even a 48 volts are very nice platform as well, 24 volt batteries. Love green works definitely recommend couldn’t say much more positive things in a short amount of time.The performance of the hedge trimmer was actually beautiful, very comfortable, very nice reach on it! Nice upgrade from a 24-in that I had. two inches makes a big difference! & RPMs really cut nice! like when you’re trimming lilacs things that need a quick RPM cut these also do that!”

Customer Review: “This trimmer is a dream come true. It is strong, aggressive and gets the nasty job of taming our (prickery) shrubs done in a flash. We love all of our Greenworks tools…. blower, string trimmer, chain saw, trimmer on a long pole (can’t remember what it’s called). My son was at a swap meet and found a Greenworks blower and string trimmer (no batteries) near the dumpster. Some fool left them, and now we have spares!!”