Black & Decker 20V MAX Lithium 22-inch Hedge Trimmer

A lightweight 20V trimmer that favors control over brute force

My yard throws a little bit of everything at a hedge trimmer—boxwoods that need frequent touch-ups, a rhododendron that rebounds like a spring, and the occasional woody branch where a shrub forgot it’s ornamental. The Black+Decker 20V hedge trimmer (model LHT2220B) has been my go-to for these routine jobs, and it’s clear where it shines: light weight, easy handling, and clean cuts on typical residential shrubs. It won’t replace loppers or a saw for thick, established growth, and you’ll want to plan around batteries, but within its lane it’s an efficient, unfussy tool.

Setup and platform compatibility

This is sold as a bare tool—no battery or charger in the box. If you’re already on Black+Decker’s 20V MAX platform, it’s a plug-and-play addition. If not, factor in the cost of at least one 20V MAX lithium-ion battery and a charger. I used it primarily with a compact 1.5Ah pack and occasionally a higher-capacity pack for longer sessions. The tool takes any 20V MAX Black+Decker battery, clicks in firmly, and balances well with the smaller packs.

There’s very little setup otherwise: attach the battery, remove the blade guard, and you’re trimming.

Cutting performance and capacity

The 22-inch dual-action blades are the star here. Dual-action means both blades counter-reciprocate; that reduces vibration and chatter compared to single-action designs and translates to cleaner cuts with less fatigue. The reach of a 22-inch bar is ideal for most yard hedges—long enough to flatten the top of a shrub in a pass, short enough to stay nimble around curves and corners.

On typical evergreen hedges and boxwoods, the trimmer makes quick, smooth work. It’s rated for branches up to 3/4 inch thick, and it will bite into material approaching that size, but that’s the upper limit. In practice, I treat anything much over 1/2 inch as a job for bypass loppers. Forcing the tool into thicker, woody growth can bog it down and drains the battery quickly. For regular maintenance cuts—fresh growth and leafy tips—it’s efficient and leaves a tidy finish.

Technique matters. Light, sweeping passes along the hedge face prevent the teeth from binding. When cutting vertically, I like to come in from the bottom and lift up slightly to let the blades do the work. The trimmer tracks straight and doesn’t kick or wander, which helps keep profiles even.

Runtime and batteries

Runtime depends entirely on the battery you use and how hard you push the tool. The manufacturer suggests up to 3,000 square feet of trimming per charge; in real terms, with a 1.5Ah battery and a mix of light shaping and some thicker stems, I was able to tidy a typical front-yard lineup (a couple of boxwoods and a rhododendron) on one charge—about 45 minutes of intermittent cutting. With a higher-capacity pack, you can comfortably cover larger hedges without swapping.

Two notes on batteries:
- Cutting at the top of the capacity range (near 3/4 inch) taxes the motor and will drain a small pack faster than you expect. Have a spare battery on hand if your hedges are uneven or overgrown.
- The tool stops before the pack is completely flat, which helps protect the battery. When it starts to sag noticeably, finish the cut and swap.

If you’re not already invested in the 20V MAX ecosystem, consider the total cost of ownership. A bare tool is attractively priced, but adding a battery and charger changes the math compared to competing kits that include power packs.

Ergonomics and handling

At 6.0 pounds, this is a friendly trimmer to hold for extended periods. The wrap-around front handle provides multiple grip positions, which makes it comfortable to trim horizontally, vertically, or at odd angles without wrestling the tool. The full-length trigger is a small but smart detail: you can adjust your grip and still engage the trigger comfortably, reducing wrist strain.

Balance is neutral with a compact battery. With larger packs, the handle-heavy feel increases slightly but never becomes unwieldy. The soft-grip surfaces help with control and reduce hot spots in the hand. For ladder work or reaching over a bed, the light weight and long blade reduce the need to lean in—good for both precision and your back.

Noise, vibration, and user fatigue

Noise is modest for a trimmer—far quieter than gas and more neighborhood-friendly. The dual-action blade design noticeably cuts down on vibration. That matters over time; less buzzing translates to steadier lines and less hand fatigue. After an hour of stop-and-go trimming, I felt more tired from picking up clippings than from holding the tool, which is the right balance for a homeowner tool.

Build quality and maintenance

Fit and finish are what I expect from Black+Decker’s homeowner line: durable plastics, a straightforward housing, and steel blades that hold an edge well with basic care. Keep the blades clean and occasionally lubricated; sap buildup will increase drag, attract debris, and shorten runtime. If you hit dirt or fencing, inspect the teeth and address burrs with a light file. The trimmer includes a standard two-year limited warranty.

Clearing jams is easy: remove the battery, back the branch out, and restart. There’s no tool-free blade access beyond that, but I never needed it. Store the trimmer with the blade sheath on and the battery removed.

Safety and control

As with all hedge trimmers, two-handed operation is the intended mode, and the tool design encourages it. The hand guards are well-sized, and the trigger lockout prevents accidental starts. Wear eye protection; hedges hide surprises—wire, old twine, or a dense twig—that can send chips flying. Always remove the battery before clearing a jam or removing trapped branches.

Limitations and where it doesn’t fit

• Thick, woody growth: It will tackle up to its stated 3/4-inch capacity, but that’s not its comfort zone. If your hedges are overgrown with years-old branches, pair this with loppers or step up to a more powerful class of trimmer.
• Bare tool purchase: If you don’t own a 20V MAX battery and charger, budget for them. One small pack may not be enough for larger jobs.
• No variable speed: It’s an on/off trigger. That’s typical at this price, but finesse comes from technique rather than speed control.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners maintaining typical shrubs and hedges who value light weight and easy handling.
• Anyone already owning Black+Decker 20V MAX batteries looking to expand their yard-care kit without cords.
• Occasional users who want a trimmer that’s simple to store, quick to deploy, and requires minimal maintenance.

It’s less ideal for dense, mature hedges that routinely present thick stems or for users who need all-day runtime without battery swaps.

Practical tips from use

• Trim little and often. Regular touch-ups keep branches within the tool’s sweet spot and vastly improve runtime.
• Keep a spare battery charging. Swap when you feel power sag; forcing through with a low pack leads to ragged cuts.
• Let the blade do the work. Light, sweeping motions reduce binding and result in a better finish.
• Clean and lube the blades after sappy plants. A few minutes of care pays back in smoother cutting next session.

Recommendation

I recommend the Black+Decker 20V hedge trimmer for homeowners who prioritize lightweight control and already own 20V MAX batteries. It’s comfortable, nimble, and trims common shrubs cleanly with minimal vibration. As a bare tool, it offers good value if you’re in the platform; if you’re starting from scratch, factor in battery and charger costs before deciding. It’s not the right pick for heavy, overgrown hedges or frequent cuts at the 3/4-inch limit—pair it with loppers for occasional thick stems. Used within its intended range, it’s a reliable, low-stress trimmer that makes routine hedge work quick and tidy.