DeWalt 20V MAX* 22 in. Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit

Why I reached for this cordless trimmer

I’ve cut more extension cords than I care to admit, and I’ve had enough of babying a power cable around shrubs. That’s what pushed me to try DeWalt’s 20V cordless hedge trimmer. After several weekends on mixed hedges—boxwood, privet, holly, and some overgrown catoneaster—I came away impressed with its cutting performance, battery life, and overall build. It isn’t perfect, and there are a couple of buying caveats, but it’s a capable, homeowner-friendly trimmer that feels like a true upgrade from corded gear.

Setup, battery, and charging

The kit I used includes a 5.0Ah 20V battery and a compact “standard” charger. Out of the box, assembly is essentially zero: snap in the battery, remove the blade guard, and you’re ready.

• Charging time will depend on your charger. With a compact, slower charger, a 5.0Ah pack takes notably longer to top off than with DeWalt’s faster units. If you already own a higher-output charger in the 20V MAX system, you’ll cut your turnaround time significantly.
• The 5.0Ah pack is a smart match for this tool. It gives good runtime without making the nose feel unwieldy. If you prefer an even lighter setup for quick touch-ups, a 2.0Ah pack works too, at the expense of runtime.

My advice: check the specific charger included in the bundle you’re buying. If you plan to work in longer sessions, a faster charger or a second battery keeps you moving.

Cutting performance

The 22-inch laser-cut blade with hooked teeth is the star here. It reaches across medium-depth hedges, reduces the number of passes, and keeps your lines straighter. In practice:

• Fine and medium growth: Boxwood and privet trim cleanly, with crisp edges and minimal tearing.
• Springy, sappy material: New holly and photinia growth cuts smoothly with less snagging than I’ve felt on older corded trimmers.
• Woody stems: Up to about 1/2 inch is easy one-pass work. The tool is rated for 3/4-inch material, and it will do it, but you need a deliberate, controlled approach. I prefer to avoid forcing it on truly hard, aged stems near that limit and switch to loppers to keep the blade teeth sharp longer.

This trimmer is single-speed, which simplifies operation. While variable-speed fans might miss feathering the trigger for delicate work, I didn’t find it necessary; the blade geometry and length provided the control I wanted for shaping.

Runtime

DeWalt quotes up to around 75 minutes on a 5.0Ah pack. In real use—stop-and-go trimming, occasional repositioning and cleanup—I consistently got about an hour to a bit over an hour per charge. If you’re tackling a large property in one go, a second battery is the practical way to avoid downtime. For suburban lots with typical hedges, one 5.0Ah charge covers a full trim-and-shape session.

Ergonomics and weight

At roughly 7.5 pounds tool-only, the trimmer strikes a comfortable balance once the 5.0Ah battery is installed. A few highlights:

• Balance: The center of gravity sits near the rear handle, so it doesn’t feel nose-heavy despite the long blade.
• Handles: The wraparound front handle gives you options for horizontal topping, vertical face cuts, and overhead angles. The rear handle’s texture is secure without being abrasive.
• Fatigue: I could trim for 20–30 minutes at a time without forearm burn. Overhead work still adds up, but the weight is reasonable for a 22-inch blade class.
• Visibility: The blade guard is sized well, offering protection while keeping sightlines to the cutting teeth clear. When shaping curves or tight corners, I never felt “blind” behind the guard.

Noise and vibration

It’s night-and-day quieter than gas and significantly less fatiguing over time. You’ll still want hearing protection, but you don’t have to shout over it. Vibration is well-controlled—noticeably better than the last budget corded trimmer I used. Less tingle in the hands translates into cleaner, more confident passes.

Safety and controls

Controls are straightforward: a lock-off plus trigger to run, and a blade guard that does its job without getting in the way. I appreciate the positive detent of the lock-off—easy to actuate with gloves on, but not so light that you’ll bump it accidentally. As always, two-hand operation is the safest way to trim; the layout encourages that habit naturally.

Maintenance and care

Keeping the blade clean makes a big difference in cut quality and runtime. Here’s what worked best for me:

• After each session, brush away debris and wipe the blade with a bit of resin remover or a mild cleaner, then apply a light coat of oil.
• Inspect for sap buildup around the hooked teeth; a plastic scraper helps avoid damaging the edge.
• Store the trimmer with the blade cover on, in a dry spot. Like most cordless OPE, it’s not designed for use in the rain.

The hardened-steel blade holds an edge well, but heavy contact with fence wire or stones will leave a mark. Avoid trimming too close to hardscape when you can.

What I liked

• Strong, clean cuts through typical shrub species and seasonal growth
• Useful 22-inch reach for flattening tops and pulling straight faces
• Comfortable balance with a 5.0Ah pack; low vibration for this class
• Practical runtime—about an hour in real-world trimming
• Part of a broad 20V MAX system, so batteries and chargers stay useful across tools
• Solid build that feels like it will last several seasons with basic care

What could be better

• Charger clarity: “Standard” can mean slower. If you want quick turnarounds, make sure you’re getting a higher-output charger or budget for one.
• Single speed only: Fine for most trimming, but some might prefer speed control for delicate shaping.
• Near-limit cuts: It will handle 3/4-inch stems, but it’s happier below that—keep loppers nearby for old, hard wood.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners who are done wrangling cords and want a reliable, clean-cutting trimmer
• Anyone already invested in DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform looking to add outdoor tools
• Occasional pro or property manager who needs a quiet, low-maintenance option for routine hedge touch-ups

If you have exceptionally thick or neglected hedges with a lot of old wood, a gas unit or a cordless trimmer with a higher-voltage platform might push through faster. For typical residential shrubs, this 20V setup hits a sweet spot of capability, comfort, and convenience.

Buying advice

• Kit vs. bare tool: If you’re new to the platform, the kit makes sense, but confirm the charger model included. If you already own 20V MAX batteries and a fast charger, the bare tool stretches your budget further.
• Consider a second battery if you’re maintaining large hedges or multiple properties.
• Keep a small bottle of blade oil and a soft brush in your yard kit—two minutes of post-trim care extends performance noticeably.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt trimmer for most homeowners and anyone already in the 20V MAX ecosystem. It combines a sharp, long blade with thoughtful ergonomics and genuinely useful runtime. The cutting performance is clean and confidence-inspiring, and the tool feels robust without being cumbersome. My only real caution is to pay attention to the charger bundled with your kit—faster charging makes a long day far smoother. If cord hassles have been holding you back or you’re consolidating around a single battery platform, this trimmer is a smart, durable choice.