Hedges are great both for the environment and for offering privacy in an aesthetically-pleasing way, in fact, the only downside to them is the need to keep them trimmed and the higher you allow your hedge to grow, the more of a challenge this can become.
Manual hedge trimmers were, quite literally, a pain to use, even when they were properly sharp, thankfully, however, we now have power hedge trimmers to take up the strain and save our shoulders. What’s more, there are even long-reach hedge trimmers complete with extendable telescopic poles to deal with the highest of hedges.
Best long reach hedge trimmer review
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Manual trimmers versus power-trimmers
Manual hedge trimmers essentially work like oversize scissors. Even though they’re now completely outdated for serious trimming, it can still be handy to have a pair in your shed for tidying up your hedge between proper trims.
Power trimmers look and behave similarly to light chain saws. Long-reach hedge trimmers are basically power hedge trimmers with a telescopic handle to allow you to reach the highest branches without a ladder.
What to look for in a good long-reach hedge trimmer
First of all, you want a blade which is between 40cm and 60cm long. This is long enough to be able to tackle a hedge in meaningful chunks, but still short enough for the average person to manoeuver it fairly easily, even using a telescopic handle or extendable pole.
Secondly, you want a long-reach hedge trimmer to have deep (prominent) teeth. This is arguably even more important for a long-reach hedge trimmer than for a standard hedge trimmer. The reason for this is that the whole point of a telescopic handle is to extend your reach, which means you’ll essentially be trimming “blind”.
This means that you need to be able to trust your long-reach hedge trimmer to be able to cut whatever comes its way without you having to get on a ladder to help it out.
Thirdly, and for essentially the same reason, you also ideally want an adjustable head, basically you want to be able to set it at the perfect angle just to glide smoothly across your hedge without any further input from you.
Last, but by no means least, you need your long-reach hedge trimmer to be comfortable in use. It really is impossible to overstate the importance of this.
The whole point of using a long-reach hedge trimmer is to make your life easier (at least with regards to hedge trimming) so it would be rather ironic to swap out a manual hedge trimmer, or even a power hedge trimmer and a ladder, for a long-reach hedge trimmer only to discover that you couldn’t use it comfortably and ended up going back to using your old tools.
An important point to note about long-reach hedge trimmers
When you are using a standard hedge trimmer, the weight of the motor is close to your body. When you are using a long-reach hedge trimmer, the weight of the motor is at the end of the handle, which can make it feel a lot heavier, especially if you are using a cordless long-reach hedge trimmer and even more so if you are using a petrol long-reach hedge trimmer.
Most high-quality long-reach hedge trimmers will come with a shoulder sling to help with this and it’s strongly recommended to use it.
Younger people will probably find they can use long-reach hedge trimmers just as easily as standard hedge trimmers, but older people may really feel the difference in weight.
The best way to address this is just to accept it and plan to trim your hedge in short bursts rather than extended sessions. You may be very pleasantly surprised by how much work you can get done with a good long-reach hedge trimmer even in a short time and buying a good long-reach hedge trimmer is certainly more affordable than paying someone else to cut your hedge for you.
Different kinds of long-reach hedge trimmers
Like standard hedge trimmers, long-reach hedge trimmers come in three variations: corded, cordless and petrol. Each of these types has its advantages and disadvantages.
Corded long-reach hedge trimmers
Even though the world is going wireless, there’s still a place for corded long-reach hedge trimmers, especially for older people and/or people who have smaller gardens. They’re light, quiet, fairly powerful, very consistent and often more affordable than either cordless long-reach hedge trimmers or petrol long-reach hedge trimmers.
They also work on a “plug and play” basis instead of needing to be charged before use. Using a residual current device (RCD) is highly recommended as it protects against receiving an electric shock if the cable is cut.
Cordless long-reach hedge trimmers
The obvious attraction of cordless long-reach hedge trimmers is that they don’t have cords. The obvious drawback to cordless, long-reach hedge trimmers is that this means you have to remember to keep your battery charged and accept the fact that there will be a limit to how long you can use a cordless long-reach hedge trimmer between charges (although these limits may not bother you in the least and if they do you always have the option to buy a spare battery).
Cordless long-reach hedge trimmers are heavier than corded long-reach hedge trimmers (because they have to hold a battery) but they are much lighter and easier to use than petrol long-reach hedge trimmers.
They are the least powerful than either corded or petrol long-reach hedge trimmers but high-quality long-reach hedge trimmers, like the ones in our list of recommendations, will be perfectly adequate for the average home gardener.
Petrol long-reach hedge trimmers
Petrol long-reach hedge trimmers are large, noisy and heavy, making them physically challenging to use even with a shoulder sling. They need a lot of maintenance, are magnets for dirt and create the challenge of storing their fuel safely.
You also need to make sure you use the right type of fuel (most petrol long-reach hedge trimmers run on two-stroke fuel but some run on four-stroke fuel).
That’s the bad news. The good news, and the main reason why people still want to buy petrol long-reach hedge trimmers, is that they are far and away the most powerful long-reach hedge trimmers you can buy and can tackle the hedges which would make corded long-reach hedge trimmers struggle and make cordless long-reach hedge trimmers give up in despair. In short, if you have tough hedges to cut on a regular basis, then, for all their issues, a petrol long-reach hedge trimmer may be the only sensible option.
Long-reach hedge trimmer reviews
We’ve divided up these reviews into three groups: corded long-reach hedge trimmer reviews, cordless long-reach hedge-trimmer reviews and long-reach petrol hedge trimmer reviews. The criteria for inclusion, however, are essentially the same for each group, which is to say a combination of quality, reliability and value for money.
Corded long-reach hedge trimmer reviews
BLACK+DECKER PH5551-GB
FEATURES
- 550W motor delivers 1600 strokes per minute
- 51cm blade length and 22mm blade gap
- 180 degree pivoting head locks into 5 different positions
- Telescopic pivoting handle (180-235 cm)
- Item Weight 4.1 kg
- Cable length 5M
- Adjustable shoulder sling
Black and Decker surely needs no introduction. It must surely be one of the best-known brands in the home- (and garden-) maintenance sector and this corded long-reach hedge trimmer is everything you would expect from them, which is to say a solid performer at a reasonable price.
BLACK+DECKER PH5551-GB Corded Hedge Trimmer, 550 W
- Powerful 550W motor delivers 1600 strokes per minute
- 180 degree pivoting head locks into 5 different positions for greater versatility and access when trimming
- Telescopic pivoting handle for a greater reach (180-235 cm)
- Powerful 550W motor delivers 1600 strokes per minute
- 180 degree pivoting head locks into 5 different positions for greater versatility and access when trimming
- Telescopic pivoting handle for a greater reach (180-235 cm)
- 51cm blade length and 22mm blade gap
- Ergonomic, balanced design
Wolf Creek Electric Hedge Trimmer – HT50 Telescopic Pole Long Reach
FEATURES
- 500 watt motor
- 500mm Blade Length (466mm cutting length) 28mm cutting capacity
- 150 Degree articulating head
- Telescopic pole length 1.85m to 2.4m
- Item Weight 3.7 kg
- Cable length 8M
- Adjustable shoulder sling
Please note that we’re recommending this specific long-reach hedge trimmer from Wolf Creek, rather than its predecessor. Both the older model and this one do a very capable job on hedges with its extendable telescopic pole, but this newer model is noticeably lighter than the previous one and still offers the same level of cutting performance. It’s not quite as powerful as the Black and Decker long-reach hedge trimmer but it is definitely lighter, so you have to pick your priority.
Wolf Creek Electric Hedge Trimmer - HT50 Telescopic Pole Long Reach
- Telescopic pole length up to 1.85m, 466mm Cutting length, 500mm Blade Length
- Powerful 500 watt motor
- NEW LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN - weighs only 3.7kg
- 150 Degree articulating head
- Telescopic pole length up to 1.85m, 466mm Cutting length, 500mm Blade Length
- Powerful 500 watt motor
- NEW LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN - weighs only 3.7kg
- 150 Degree articulating head
Cordless long reach hedge trimmer reviews
Bosch Universal HedgePole 18
FEATURES
- Continuous cutting performance with a chain speed of 4 m/s
- Powerful and quick cutting – ‘Anti-Blocking’ System, 2200 SPM blade speed, double sharp blade, sawing function
- Blade length 430mm. Tooth clearance 16mm
- 18 V Lithium-Ion Battery
- Adjustable length extendable telescopic pole 2.1-2.6m, pivoting head with tip protector
- Adjustable shoulder sling
Even though the Bosch cordless long-reach hedge trimmer has to hold a battery as well as a motor, it only weighs 3.6Kg. This means that you can’t really expect it to handle really unruly hedges but if a hedge is in reasonably good shape, it will maintain it with ease.
To put this in perspective, even though the tooth clearance is 16mm, in the real world the maximum branch width the Bosch is likely to be able to handle comfortable is about 12mm and even then, ideally, only on an occasional basis.
On the other hand, even an older person is likely to find the Bosch to be easy and comfortable to use, especially if they are working on a “little-and-often” basis. Speaking of little and often, in the real world, the battery is likely to last about 30 minutes in standard use.
Bosch Cordless Telescopic Hedge Trimmer UniversalHedgePole 18 (1 Battery, 18 Volt System...
- The Universal tools from Bosch, versatile and strong with intelligent solutions for bigger projects
- Ideal for tall and wide hedges. Pivoting head: 135°
- Work without interruption and achieve clean cuts thanks to the electronic anti-blocking system
- The Universal tools from Bosch, versatile and strong with intelligent solutions for bigger projects
- Ideal for tall and wide hedges. Pivoting head: 135°
- Work without interruption and achieve clean cuts thanks to the electronic anti-blocking system
- Power for all: One battery pack and one charger for the entire home and garden range of tools
- Items included: UniversalHedgePole 18, 1 battery, AL 1830 CV charger, cardboard box
Ryobi ONE+ RPT184520
FEATURES
- 18V motor
- 45cm diamond-ground blades
- 115 degrees articulating cutting head with 4 positions
- Removable extendable telescopic shaft for full length of 2.9m
- Includes 1×2.0Ah battery, 60 min charger, blade sheath and shoulder strap
There are two key points you need to note about the Ryobi. The first is that it only appears to work well if you use genuine Ryobi batteries, rather than generic ones.
The second is that this is a fairly hefty piece of kit and so probably better suited to fitter, younger adults, rather than older people. Having said that, the reason it’s so hefty is because this is one powerful cordless hedge trimmer can tackle the likes of blackthorn without complaint.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V RPT184520 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, 45cm Blade (with 1x2.0Ah...
- 20cm Oregon bar and chain for effective pruning and cutting
- High torque performance with 5.5m/s chain speed
- Extendable shaft for a reach of up to 4m
- 3° angled cutting head for easy pruning and better control, 1 x 2.0Ah
- 20cm Oregon bar and chain for effective pruning and cutting
- High torque performance with 5.5m/s chain speed
- Extendable shaft for a reach of up to 4m
- 3° angled cutting head for easy pruning and better control, 1 x 2.0Ah
- Automatic bar and chain lubrication for continuous cutting
VonHaus Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
FEATURES
- Powerful 20V Max
- 1.5AH battery with 60 minute charge time, 50 minute run time
- 45cm dual-action laser cut blades cuts up to 14mm thick
- Multi-angle head can be set to positions across a -45 – 90° spectrum
- Extendable telescopic pole extends to 2.44m
- Item weight 3.8kg
- Two-stage safety trigger and hand protector shield
- Soft grip handle and shoulder strap
Although the VonHaus isn’t technically the lightest of the cordless long-reach hedge trimmers, it does feel like it, which we have to assume is something to do with the way it’s designed or perhaps it just reflects how easy it is to use. As you might have guessed from this it’s the least powerful of the cordless long-reach hedge trimmers on our list, but it’s still more than adequate for many hedges, especially if you keep them trimmed regularly, which you’ll find much easier to do with a good long-reach hedge trimmer.
VonHaus Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer with 20V MAX Battery, Charger, Shoulder Strap...
- SUPER LONG EXTENSION: With a 244mm extension the VonHaus cordless hedge trimmer reaches the tallest hedge. Coupled with 45cm long dual action blades your electric hedge trimmer is a garden powerhouse.
- POWERFUL INTERCHANGEABLE BATTERY: Our 20v battery gives your pole trimmer all the punch to cut through even the toughest material. The VonHaus interchangeable battery can be used with a range of tools.
- SUPER LONG EXTENSION: With a 244mm extension the VonHaus cordless hedge trimmer reaches the tallest hedge. Coupled with 45cm long dual action blades your electric hedge trimmer is a garden powerhouse.
- POWERFUL INTERCHANGEABLE BATTERY: Our 20v battery gives your pole trimmer all the punch to cut through even the toughest material. The VonHaus interchangeable battery can be used with a range of tools.
- VERSATILE: With it's 244mm reach, 45cm dual blades & a cutting range of 45º to 90º your VonHaus long reach hedge trimmer has the versatility you need to cut any hedge, and it weighs just 3.8kg!
- GARDEN SAFETY: Safety is at our heart: two-stage safety trigger prevents accidental starting, protector shield for hands & shoulder strap to prevent fatigue - one of the safest hedge trimmers around.
- THE VONHAUS PROMISE: All our products are backed by a minimum 2 years warranty, so you can be safe in the knowledge that if anything happens we're here for you. Use our products with confidence.
Long-reach petrol hedge trimmer reviews
Makita EN4951SH 25.4cc 4-Stroke Pole Hedge Trimmer
FEATURES
- 25.4 cc four-stroke engine; low noise and clean exhaust emission
- Delivers up to 10,000 rpm, 4,200 spm, 1.03 hp and speed at maximum output power of up to 7,000 rpm.
- 13 angle settings (11.25 degrees each) through 135 degrees.
- Can be fixed at an angle by inserting a locking pin
- Multi-position engine lubrication system enables the engine to be inclined to any angle even during continuous operation
- Recoil starter with automatic decompression
- Primer pump and diaphragm carburettor
- Folds 180 degrees – built-in clutch can stop blade even if throttle is pressed when folding.
- Short-shaft provides greater manoeuvrability
All we can say about the Makita is that it is an absolute beast of a long-reach petrol hedge trimmer and, to be fair, is about as comfortable to use as you can reasonably expect for this kind of tool.
Makita EN4951SH 25.4cc 4-Stroke Pole Hedge Trimmer
- Useful for pruning the higher or lower part of a Hedge without bending down
- 25.4cc 4 stroke engine; low noise, clean exhaust and low running costs
- Multi-position engine lubrication system to enable the engine to be Inclined to any angle even during continuous operation
- Useful for pruning the higher or lower part of a Hedge without bending down
- 25.4cc 4 stroke engine; low noise, clean exhaust and low running costs
- Multi-position engine lubrication system to enable the engine to be Inclined to any angle even during continuous operation
- Short shaft for greater manoeuvrability
- Angle adjustable Hedge trimmer head simply by operating a lever; 13 angle settings through 135 degrees
- 45 Degree tilt-up to 90 degrees tilt-down from the horizontal position
- 180 degrees foldable for easy transport and storage
- Built in clutch works to stop the blade motion even if the throttle lever is touched whilst 180 degrees folded
- Diaphragm type carburettor and primer pump
- Overall length 2, 050mm
Webb WEPHT26 Split Shaft Long Petrol Hedge Trimmer
FEATURES
- 26cc Full Crank 2 Stroke Petrol Engine
- Fitted with Champion Spark Plug
- Loop Handle
- Anti Vibration System
- Blade: 28 Tooth
- Max Cutting Diameter: 25mm
- Max Length: 2300mm
- Includes Harness
The Webb is a long-reach petrol hedge trimmer for the rest of us. It has enough power to deal with tough hedges and its anti-vibration system does make it a bit more comfortable over extended use.
Webb PHT26 Split Shaft Long Reach Petrol Hedge Trimmer 430mm Blade with...
- 26cc Full Crank 2 Stroke Petrol Engine
- Max Cutting Diameter: 42cm
- Max Cutting Diameter: 25mm
- Overall Length 2300mm
- Adjustable cutting head
- 26cc Full Crank 2 Stroke Petrol Engine
- Max Cutting Diameter: 42cm
- Max Cutting Diameter: 25mm
- Overall Length 2300mm
- Adjustable cutting head
Best extendable telescopic hedge trimmer overall
As we generally say, the “best” telescopic hedge trimmer is the one which best suits your needs and wants. We’d suggest that you start by deciding whether or not you need the sheer raw power of the petrol trimmers. If you do then the Makita is the most powerful option with the greatest range of functionality, but it might be rather too much for even a larger home garden, in which case, the Webb could be a good option.
If, however, you think an electric long-reach hedge trimmer is adequate for your needs, then you need to chooses between a corded long-reach hedge trimmer and a cordless long-reach hedge trimmer.
If you prefer the “plug-and-play” lightness of the corded long-reach hedge trimmers, then the Black and Decker has the edge on performance but the Wolf Creek is noticeably lighter.
If you prefer a cordless model, your choice will basically boil down to whether you prioritize maximum power or maximum ease of use. The Ryobi is the most powerful, but also heavy, whereas the VonHaus has a reduced level of performance, but is much easier to handle. The Bosch sits in the middle of the road, offering a balance of performance and ease of use.
If it builds, screws or fixes, Jeff knows all about it. Former Joiner and handyman with over 25 years in the business, Jeff is our ‘hands-on’ tools, garden and hardware expert. Our in-house heavy lifter, you certainly know when he’s around. BIG guy with a big heart, a super warm and friendly guy. Always eating and always active, Jeff literally never stops and always has a smile on his face but more importantly for our readers, is an expert reviewer
