DeWalt 20V MAX 22 in. Cordless Hedge Trimmer (Tool Only)

I put the DeWalt 20V hedge trimmer to work on a mix of overgrown boxwoods, privet, and a few stubborn ornamental grasses that always seem to get away from me by spring. Within a few minutes, I’d forgotten where I’d stashed my extension cord—cordless freedom is the headline here—but what stood out most was how cleanly and confidently this trimmer cuts for its size.

Setup and first impressions

This is a tool-only purchase, so you’ll need a 20V MAX battery and charger. I snapped on a compact 4Ah pack for my first session and later swapped to a 5Ah. Out of the box, the trimmer needs no assembly beyond installing the battery and removing the blade scabbard. The scabbard itself fits securely and slides on/off without a fight, which sounds minor until you’ve dealt with guards that won’t stay put.

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt: tight fasteners, true blade alignment, and a housing that feels ready for jobsite bumps. The 22-inch laser-cut, hooked-tooth blade is the right length for reaching across deeper shrubs and squaring off larger faces without constantly repositioning.

Ergonomics and handling

The tool’s balance point sits slightly forward of the trigger with compact batteries and shifts closer to neutral with a 4Ah pack. With a 5Ah battery, it gains some rear heft, which I appreciated for horizontal passes but felt in my shoulders when trimming tall hedge tops above chest height. It’s not featherweight—particularly compared to some smaller corded units—but the handle layout and trigger feel are intuitive, and the D-handle provides enough grip positions to keep you in control.

If you do a lot of overhead work or long sessions shaping taller hedges, plan your battery choice. A compact pack keeps it more nimble; a bigger pack adds runtime but increases fatigue. Either way, the trimmer remains maneuverable around tight shrubs and fence lines.

Cutting performance

On typical hedge growth (new, flexible shoots and woody stems under 1/2 inch), the trimmer tracks cleanly and leaves a tidy surface without tearing. The blade runs at about 2,800 strokes per minute, and the hooked-tooth design helps pull in stragglers rather than smearing them. Edges look crisp, which reduces the temptation to keep “polishing” a face and saves time.

DeWalt rates the cutting capacity at up to 3/4 inch, and that claim holds up with some caveats. It will tackle 3/4-inch stems if you let the blade work and avoid forcing the cut; you’ll feel the motor dig in and slow briefly. For occasional thick stems in a hedge, that’s perfectly fine. For frequent cuts at the top of the capacity, hand loppers or a small pruning saw will be faster and kinder to your trimmer in the long run.

One feature worth noting is the friction clutch in the drivetrain. I brushed a hidden twist of old garden wire in a privet, and rather than wedging hard and jarring my wrists, the clutch protected the transmission with a quick slip and chatter. I backed off, removed the obstacle, and kept going. It’s a smart bit of insurance if you trim around fences or older shrubs with unknown surprises.

Battery life and the 20V system

Runtime depends on the pack. In my yard, a compact 2Ah battery delivered around 20–25 minutes of continuous cutting or closer to half an hour with a typical stop-and-go rhythm. The 4Ah pack comfortably stretched that to 35–45 minutes, and the 5Ah gave me roughly 45–60 minutes of intermittent trimming. That maps well to a medium suburban yard in one battery or two packs for a bigger project day.

Because it’s part of the 20V MAX family, the tool-only purchase makes excellent sense if you already own batteries. If you’re new to the platform, factor a battery and charger into your budget—the tool’s value proposition is strongest when you can share packs across drills, drivers, blowers, and so on.

Charging strategy tip: rotate between a compact and a higher-capacity battery. Start with the lighter pack for detailed shaping when you want maximum control, then switch to the larger pack for bulk passes. You’ll notice the difference in arm fatigue.

Noise, vibration, and control

You’ll still want hearing and eye protection, but noise levels are backyard-friendly and a world away from small gas trimmers. Vibration is well controlled for a tool in this class—no numb fingers after a full session. The trigger is responsive with a positive safety, and the blade starts and stops decisively. There’s no variable speed; the blade runs at a fixed pace, which is the norm for tools like this. I didn’t miss variable speed, as the cut quality and control are more dependent on technique than blade speed with hedging.

Durability and maintenance

Between the hardened steel blades and the protected transmission, this trimmer feels built to last. After several sessions, the edge was still keen, and the blade tracking remained consistent. As with any hedge trimmer, it pays to develop a quick maintenance routine:

• Brush off debris and sap after each use.
• Wipe the blade and add a light oil to prevent rust and keep it moving freely.
• Inspect the guard and screws periodically.
• Store it with the scabbard on.

DeWalt backs the tool with a 3-year limited warranty, which is competitive in this segment and adds peace of mind.

Where it shines

• Cordless convenience without a performance penalty on everyday hedge work.
• Clean, crisp cuts on new growth and woody stems up to 1/2 inch, with capacity in reserve for the occasional thicker branch.
• Thoughtful clutch protection for the inevitable encounter with fence wire or hidden obstacles.
• Compatibility with a broad 20V MAX battery lineup, maximizing value for users already in the ecosystem.

What could be better

• Weight builds up during overhead and extended shaping runs, especially with higher-capacity batteries. A compact pack improves balance but shortens runtime.
• It’s a tool-only purchase. Great if you have batteries, not as compelling if you’re starting from scratch.
• Fixed-speed operation is fine for most tasks, but a low-speed mode could help in delicate ornamental shaping. Not a dealbreaker, just a wish list item.

Tips for best results

• Let the blade do the cutting. Pushing hard increases fatigue and doesn’t speed things up.
• Use a compact battery for detailed work and a higher-capacity pack for longer, flatter passes.
• Keep loppers handy for anything near the 3/4-inch mark—your cuts will be cleaner, and your trimmer will thank you.
• Trim when foliage is dry; wet leaves tend to clump and can throw debris where you don’t want it.
• Maintain a smooth, sweeping motion and finish with light passes to avoid scallops on flat faces.

Final recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 20V hedge trimmer for homeowners, DIYers, and even light professional use where cordless convenience and clean results matter. It delivers strong cutting performance for typical hedge maintenance, a truly useful 22-inch reach, and thoughtful drivetrain protection that inspires confidence near fences and older shrubs. If you’re already invested in 20V MAX batteries, it’s an easy yes. If you’re not, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a battery and charger—and consider whether a lighter-weight trimmer better fits your overhead work. For most users, though, this trimmer hits the sweet spot of power, cut quality, and convenience without the hassle of cords or the maintenance of gas.