8 Best Hedge Trimmers for Contractors 2025

This budget-friendly powerhouse delivers surprising performance for light to moderate hedge maintenance. The 18-inch dual-action hardened steel blade slashes vibration by up to 50% compared to older single-action models, making it a standout for homeowners who value comfort during extended trimming sessions. Its lightweight frame and T-handle design offer excellent balance, reducing wrist strain—ideal for those tackling overgrown boxwoods or privet without the burden of heavy gear.

In real-world use, it powers through branches up to 3/4 inch thick with consistent 1,800 strokes per minute, though dense, woody growth demands slower, deliberate passes. The included 20V 1.5Ah battery offers about 25 minutes of runtime—solid for small yards—but frequent users may want a spare. It excels on flat-top hedges and low shrubs, but its shorter blade and modest power make it less suited for thick, tangled growth or overhead work.

Compared to the DEWALT DCHT820B, it trades raw cutting power and blade length for affordability and convenience—a smart pick if you’re new to cordless tools or maintain a modest landscape. While it can’t match pro-grade durability, it’s a value-packed entry point into cordless trimming, especially with the battery and charger in the box. For weekend warriors and casual gardeners, this BLACK+DECKER model punches above its price tag.

The DEWALT DCHT820B is a contractor-grade beast built to slice through stubborn, overgrown hedges with surgical precision. Its 22-inch laser-cut, hooked-tooth blade grabs and slices branches up to 3/4 inch thick with minimal kickback, while the high-output motor maintains speed under load—critical for pros managing multiple properties. The aggressive tooth geometry ensures clean cuts that promote healthy regrowth, setting it apart from consumer-grade models that crush rather than cut.

Field testing reveals exceptional performance on dense privet, holly, and yew, even after hours of continuous use. The 22-inch blade covers more ground per pass, reducing fatigue on large jobs. However, since it’s a bare tool, users must supply their own 20V DEWALT battery—adding cost and complexity. On smaller hedges, the length can feel unwieldy, and the lack of a rotating head limits overhead reach.

When stacked against the WORX WG261, the DCHT820B delivers superior cutting power and blade durability, but without the ergonomic refinements or vibration damping. It’s the go-to for landscapers who prioritize raw performance over comfort and already own DEWALT’s 20V ecosystem. If you need professional-grade reliability and don’t mind investing in batteries, this trimmer is a rugged workhorse built to last.

This dual-threat workhorse redefines heavy-duty home trimming by combining a 20-inch hedge blade with a 1.5-inch-capable saw attachment—a rare combo in its class. The 3.8-amp motor delivers relentless power, effortlessly slicing through thick, woody stems that stall most cordless models. Its full wrap-around handle offers unmatched control during aggressive cuts, making it a favorite for tackling neglected hedges or small tree limbs.

In practice, the saw blade extension transforms it into a mini pole saw, capable of pruning branches up to 1.5 inches—perfect for light canopy work without lugging out a full-sized chainsaw. The corded design ensures unlimited runtime, a major plus for large properties, though it limits mobility and requires a GFCI outlet. Vibration is well-damped thanks to dual-action blades, but the cord retention clip is a minor weak point under heavy tugging.

Compared to the cordless DEWALT DCHT820B, it trades portability for uninterrupted power and added versatility. It’s not ideal for renters or those with sprawling lawns lacking outlets, but for stationary, intensive trimming, it’s unbeatable for sheer cutting capacity. Homeowners with overgrown landscapes will appreciate its two-in-one functionality and relentless motor—a true do-it-all tool for the serious gardener.

The DCHT821B is DEWALT’s answer to the demand for compact, high-performance cordless trimming—and it delivers with a 39% more compact design than previous models. Despite its smaller footprint, it packs a high-output motor capable of cutting 3/4-inch branches and a 22-inch laser-cut hooked blade for clean, fast passes. The real innovation lies in the friction clutch, which protects the gearbox when blades jam—critical for contractors facing unpredictable growth.

During extended use, the balanced weight distribution and shorter body improve maneuverability in tight spaces and overhead work. The 78-minute runtime (with a 5.0Ah battery) is best-in-class, allowing full-yard coverage without recharging. However, like the DCHT820B, it’s sold without battery or charger, increasing total cost. It struggles slightly on wet, springtime hedges where sap buildup slows blade movement.

Against the WORX WG261, the DCHT821B wins on runtime, durability, and transmission protection, though it lacks PowerShare flexibility. It’s optimized for pros who need a nimble, reliable tool that won’t quit mid-job. With superior ergonomics and smart engineering under the hood, it’s a premium compact trimmer that justifies its place in a professional’s kit.

The WORX WG261 strikes a perfect balance between power, comfort, and versatility, earning its title as the most well-rounded trimmer for serious homeowners. Its 22-inch dual-action blades deliver 1,400 strokes per minute with a second pass on the return stroke—a clever design that ensures twice-clean cuts, leaving hedges crisp and professional-looking. The overmolded grips and 3/4-inch blade gap work in tandem to dissipate vibration, reducing arm fatigue during marathon sessions.

In real-world testing, it handles 3/4-inch branches with ease and transitions smoothly from ground level to overhead trimming thanks to the D-grip handle, which allows multiple grip positions. The included 2.0Ah PowerShare battery lasts about 35 minutes under load—solid for average yards—and doubles as power for over 75 other WORX tools. It’s not the fastest on thick growth, but consistency and comfort make up for it.

Versus the DEWALT DCHT820B, it lacks raw motor strength but wins on ergonomics, included battery, and ecosystem flexibility. For DIYers and weekend gardeners who value long-term tool synergy and user comfort, the WG261 is a smart, future-proof investment. It’s the Goldilocks of cordless trimmers—not the strongest, not the lightest, but just right for most users.

The Alloyman pole hedge trimmer is a game-changer for high-reach pruning, extending up to 8 feet with zero effort—no ladder, no strain. Its 16-inch dual-action blade slices through 3/4-inch branches at 1,400 spm, while the 180° rotating rear handle lets you trim at awkward angles without craning your neck. The dual-switch safety system prevents accidental starts, a critical feature when working at height, and the shoulder strap takes the load off your arms during vertical cuts.

With two 2.0Ah batteries included, you get up to 60 minutes of total runtime, allowing full-yard coverage without downtime. The 8-pound weight is manageable even when fully extended, and the non-slip rubber grips ensure control in sweaty or damp conditions. However, the blade is shorter than full-size models, requiring more passes on wide hedges. It also lacks the raw power of gas models on dense, mature growth.

Compared to the WORX WG252, it offers similar reach but less adjustability, missing the 10-position head. Still, for the price, it’s unbeatable for included batteries and reach. It’s the top pick for homeowners with tall hedges who want safe, cordless access without investing in a full multi-tool system.

The WORX WG252 is engineered for effortless high-hedge maintenance, combining a 12-foot telescopic pole with a 10-position adjustable head—a rare combo that eliminates ladders and guesswork. The laser-cut 20-inch blade delivers clean, precise cuts, while the rotating rear handle and shoulder strap ensure fatigue-free operation during overhead work. Its attachment-capable design means it can evolve into a pole saw or pruner with additional WORX tools—ideal for future expansion.

In practice, it excels at trimming tall arborvitae, cypress, and cedar with surgical accuracy. The PowerShare battery (included) provides about 30 minutes of active use—enough for most jobs—and charges in under an hour. The pole locks securely at any length, and the D-grip allows intuitive control. However, the extended length increases vibration slightly, and the head adjustment can loosen under heavy vibration.

Versus the Alloyman model, it offers greater head flexibility and longer reach but only one battery. It’s tailor-made for homeowners with multi-level landscapes who demand precision and safety. With its modular design and smart ergonomics, it’s the ultimate high-hedge solution—a ladder alternative that earns its keep every season.

The Husqvarna 122LKH stands tall as the undisputed king of cutting performance, blending a 21-inch double-sided, double reciprocating blade with gas-powered muscle that laughs at the thickest hedges. Its precision laser-cut teeth deliver clean, even cuts on both strokes, while the 180-degree rotating head allows seamless transitions from vertical to horizontal trimming—no repositioning, no ladders. The Smart Start and air purge system make ignition nearly foolproof, a godsend on chilly mornings.

Field-tested on overgrown hawthorn and leylandii, it powers through 3/4-inch branches like butter, with no bogging or stalling. The multi-attachment capability turns it into a pole saw, edger, or pruner with optional tools—maximizing ROI for pros. It’s not cordless, but it’s not constrained—ideal for remote properties or all-day jobs. However, it’s heavier than electric models and requires fuel mixing and maintenance.

Against the DEWALT DCHT821B, it dominates in power and versatility, though at the cost of convenience and noise. It’s built for contractors and serious landowners who need no-compromise performance and tool scalability. With pro-grade durability and unmatched cutting efficiency, it’s the best overall choice for those who demand absolute reliability and reach.