Hedge trimmer vs pole hedge trimmer

Side by side

The table compares the two types in general terms, so you can see where each one fits before looking at models.

When a standard trimmer is enough

If your hedges are no taller than you can comfortably reach and no wider than you can reach across, a standard trimmer is quicker and more accurate. It is easier to cut a straight face and a level top. Battery models are light enough for long sessions, and many share batteries with lawn mowers and strimmers.

Our hedge trimmer sizing guide explains blade lengths and tooth gaps.

When a pole trimmer earns its place

A pole trimmer is worth it for tall boundary hedges, wide hedges where you cannot reach the far side of the top, and hedges behind borders that you cannot stand close to. The angled head lets you cut the top flat while standing on the ground. It is also handy for low hedges, because you can angle the head down without bending.

Note:Working from a ladder with a powered trimmer is a common cause of injury. Use a pole trimmer or a stable work platform instead, and get a professional for very tall hedges.

Weight and comfort

The weight of a pole trimmer is the same wherever it sits, but holding it at the end of a long shaft makes it feel much heavier. A shoulder strap helps. Take regular breaks, keep the head lower when cutting sides and switch to a standard trimmer for precise work. Battery pole trimmers are lighter than petrol ones and avoid fumes near your face.

Combination tools

Some cordless systems offer a power head that takes a strimmer, a pole hedge trimmer and a pruning saw attachment. The Greenworks 40V trimmer with pole tools is one example of that approach. It saves storage space and batteries, though a dedicated hand-held trimmer is still faster on low hedges.

See strimmers with pole tool attachments →

Which should you buy?

If most of your hedges are head height or lower, buy a standard trimmer first. If you have a tall or wide boundary hedge, a pole trimmer is the safer tool, and a combination system can cover both. Always check the weight and balance if you can, and choose a battery platform you already own.

Blade length and tooth gap

Whichever type you choose, look at the blade length and tooth gap. Longer blades cover more hedge per sweep and help when reaching across a wide top, but they are heavier and harder to control. A blade of around 50 cm suits most garden hedges, while compact blades are easier for shaping small shrubs.

The tooth gap is the space between the teeth and sets the thickest stem the trimmer can cut cleanly. A smaller gap gives a neater finish on soft new growth, and a wider gap copes better with older woody stems. Pole trimmers usually have shorter blades than standard trimmers to keep the weight at the end of the pole down.

If your hedge has thick, woody stems, a trimmer will struggle whatever its type. Cut those stems with loppers or a pruning saw first, then tidy the face with the trimmer. Our hedge trimmer sizing guide goes through the numbers in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

How tall a hedge can a pole trimmer reach? It depends on the model and whether the shaft telescopes. Check the maker's stated reach and allow for your own height.

Can a pole hedge trimmer cut thick branches? No more than a standard trimmer with the same tooth gap. Use loppers or a pruning saw for thick wood.

Is a pole trimmer harder to use? It is slower and less precise, and it feels heavier. A strap and breaks help.

When should I cut a hedge? Avoid the main bird nesting season where you can, and check carefully for active nests before cutting at any time of year.