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I am normally a fairly cynical and critical consumer, especially when it comes to workplace equipment, but there isn’t a lot I can complain about with the Greenworks 60 V hedge trimmer.

Here are all of the appealing traits of this hedge trimmer that I have found from using it for my business:

• I have been using this for the past two seasons. I have not sharpened the blade at all and the blade still cuts anything 1.25″ or narrower quickly and neatly. If you are looking for a reliable and consistent cut with a substantial range of cutting capacities, this is a sound choice.
• The 2.0 Amp hour battery offers surprising longevity. To provide context, I pruned 95% of the property below with a single battery charge, which required approximately 1.5 hours of total pruning time. Pretty good for an electric battery. The recharge time is also fairly reasonable, requiring approximately 40 minutes to fully recharge the battery. Obviously, not ideal if you are in the middle of a project, but not too tedious relative to other battery types. If you purchase other Greenworks equipment and acquire more batteries, you have even more battery power!

• The head offers multiple positions so allow one to cut at various angles without having to move or hold the hedge trimmer in a different position. This is a time-saver and an ergonomic game changer. No need to climb a ladder to prune your privets! Simply rotate the head to your preferred angle, hold the hedge trimmer at the appropriate height and walk along your hedge, pruning as you go. No ladders! No sweat (okay, a little sweat…)! If you have smaller shrubs to prune, you can simply rotate the head to the appropriate position and hold the hedge trimmer downwards, eliminating back strain.
• The maximum reach is 7.5″, providing plenty of extension to reach taller or wider shrubs (here’s looking at you, yews!). The entire hedge trimmer detaches into the hedge trimmer component and the motor component, shortening the entire device to approximately 52″ and making it easy to stow away. It conveniently fits in the back seat of my truck so that I am always ready for the next pruning job (or whenever anyone needs a haircut. JK!).
• Compared to other types of pole hedge trimmers, I think this offers the most bang for your buck. While gas trimmers can offer a certain power advantage in some situations (Ex. for tougher tree limbs), I have found that the power output and speed, as noted above, to be perfectly adequate. So, no need to use a more expensive piece of equipment if you don’t have to. Unlike gas, it is quieter and you don’t have exhaust blown in your face; you are also spared from end-of-year maintenance, which increases the hassle and overall cost of ownership. While corded hedge trimmers are generally less expensive, since this device is cordless, you don’t have to worry about getting tangled in or cutting a cord (yup, it’s a thing…). For a pole, hedge trimmer, I think this is a well-priced piece of equipment if you need to prune regularly and intensively.

Are there drawbacks?

Like everything in life, there are some disadvantages.

• As noted above, the battery is only 2 Amp hours. While every property is different, if you have, for example, more than 100 feet of large shrubs (Ex. cherry laurel), that you need to complete more extensive pruning, you will either need to wait to recharge or swap out the battery.
• Because this is a 60 Volt device, the battery is not compatible with every other piece of Greenworks equipment. This may deter some folks who have already invested in a 40 or 80 Volt lawnmower or string trimmer and who don’t want a battery bonanza. And, of course, this battery is only compatible with Greenworks and not other brands.
• Because the pole length is fixed, it can create some limitations if you have very small hedges to trim or you need to operate in tight spaces confined by walls or fences. If you regularly need to prune in a space where walls, fences or other structures are 6 feet or narrower, using a smaller hedge trimmer would be more advantageous. Likewise, if you prefer more delicate pruning, such as for smaller or topiary shrubs, this may not allow you to prune as deftly. In such a case, hand pruners or a smaller mechanical pruner would be more apt.
• One reason I chose this is because the cutting capacity is the most ample of any other hedge trimmer I reviewed. I think the advertising is spot on, and it can easily cut up to 1.25″ branches in most cases. If you need to prune thicker branches, a more appropriate piece of equipment, such as a loppers or pole saw, would ne needed.
• Some hedge trimmers may not be as powerful, but with the Greenworks 60 Volt hedge trimmer, the blade is surprisingly sharp! Like any piece of mechanical equipment, proper usage and PPE is essential to use safely. Of equal importance, using it appropriately will ensure the longevity of other structures, whether they be trellises or fences. While it may seem like it can cut through a chain link fence, don’t do it!
• The product is listed at 17 pounds. I find that it is relatively comfortable and well-balanced, though there is a certain strain if you are trying to reach and prune the top of a large bush, such as the large yews pictured above. For some people, this may be an undesirable amount of strain. In that case, better contact a professional…like ECOworks!

There you go. If a hedge trimmer has a horn to toot, I think this one deserves a tootin’. If you are a DIYer looking for a robust, reliable piece of equipment to maintain your hedges or keep narrower branches in check, the Greenworks 60 Volt hedge trimmer is a wise decision that will allow you and shrubs to live life on the hEDGE!