Black & Decker Cordless hedge trimmer, 22-inch

A free Saturday, a row of overgrown boxwoods, and a charged 20V battery—that’s how I met the Black & Decker 22-inch cordless trimmer. After a few sessions of seasonal cleanups and a couple of heavier trims, I came away genuinely impressed by how much ground this lightweight trimmer can cover, with a few caveats homeowners should know before buying.

Design and ergonomics

At 6.9 pounds, the trimmer sits in that sweet spot where it feels substantial enough to be stable but not so heavy that your shoulders protest after the first hedge. The 22-inch dual-action blades are the star here. They give you reach across wider shrubs and, more importantly, keep vibration down compared to single-action setups. That reduced buzz translates to better control and less fatigue—especially noticeable during vertical passes along tall hedges.

The wrap-around front handle makes a bigger difference than you’d expect. I could switch from horizontal to vertical trimming without fighting the grip, and the soft full-length trigger allowed me to reposition my hand while staying in control. Balance is slightly forward (as you’d expect with a 22-inch blade), but it never felt unwieldy, even when working overhead.

Build quality is what I’d call robust homeowner grade. The housing is mostly plastic but well-fitted; there’s no rattling or flex in normal use. The blades arrived sharp and stayed that way through multiple outings with only basic cleaning.

Cutting performance

For routine maintenance cuts, this trimmer is in its element. It absolutely chews through soft, leafy growth and handles woody stems up to about half an inch with confidence. It’s rated for branches up to 3/4 inch, and technically it can handle the occasional thicker stem—especially if you nibble from the tip rather than forcing the full depth of the blade—but this isn’t the tool for regular heavy pruning. On older, hardwood stems near that 3/4-inch mark, you’ll feel the motor slow, and it’s not the most battery-efficient way to work.

On typical shrubs—boxwood, azalea, rhododendron, privet—the finish is clean with minimal tearing. The 22-inch reach helps flatten faces and tops with fewer passes, and I didn’t have to fight to keep lines straight. If you’re accustomed to gas trimmers, you’ll notice a gentler pace on very dense hedges, but the trade-off for lower noise, no fumes, and less vibration is worth it for most homeowners.

Battery life and charging

This model runs on the Black & Decker 20V MAX system. My unit included a 1.5Ah battery and a simple jack-plug charger. Charge time is on the longer side—plan on a few hours to top off from empty—so if you’re tackling an entire property in one go, a second battery pays off. With careful, light-to-moderate trimming, I consistently got 40–60 minutes per charge. Pushing into thicker, woody growth brings that down, as expected.

Black & Decker estimates up to 3,000 square feet of trimming per charge, which is plausible if you’re sticking to shaping and touch-ups. If your hedges have been neglected for a couple of seasons, consider a pre-pass with hand loppers for the biggest stems to preserve runtime and maintain a clean cut.

One note on configurations: this trimmer is available both as a kit (battery and charger included) and as a bare tool. If you’re not already in the 20V MAX platform, double-check you’re getting the kit; the bare-tool version looks similar on the shelf.

Vibration and noise

Dual-action blades really do cut down on chatter. Compared with older single-action units I’ve used, this trimmer is noticeably smoother, which makes a difference during longer sessions. Noise is well below gas—conversation-level close by and hardly noticeable down the block. It’s easy on neighbors and your ears alike.

Safety and control

The rear trigger and front wrap-around handle form a comfortable, secure stance in both horizontal and vertical cuts. The guard is sufficiently large to keep your leading hand out of trouble, though as with any hedge trimmer, attention and technique matter more than plastic shields. The on/off behavior is binary (no variable speed), which is standard for this class. I appreciated the immediate stop when releasing the trigger, and the startup is controlled—no jerky kicks that could throw off your first cut.

Maintenance and care

Like any trimmer, blade care dictates performance. I made a habit of brushing off debris and wiping the blades with a light protective oil after each session; it keeps sap from building up and preserves that crisp cut. If you frequently trim resinous shrubs, consider a dedicated blade cleaner occasionally. The blades have held their edge well so far; sharpening is straightforward if you’re comfortable with it, but most homeowners won’t need to touch them for a season or two under normal use.

Storage is simple—no fuel to drain, and at 36 inches long, it fits easily on a garage wall rack. A blade sheath is always nice to have; if yours doesn’t include one, an aftermarket sleeve is inexpensive and worth it for safety.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Lightweight and well-balanced for the blade length
- Smooth, low-vibration cutting thanks to dual-action blades
- Solid runtime for routine maintenance on a 1.5Ah pack
- Quiet, clean operation with no cords to wrestle
- Comfortable, versatile grip positions that simplify vertical trimming
- Part of a broad 20V MAX platform, so batteries are easy to share

Trade-offs:
- The included jack-plug charger is slow; frequent users will want a faster charger or a second battery
- Rated 3/4-inch capacity is real but not pleasant to do repeatedly; loppers or a pruning saw are better for heavier wood
- Forward balance is expected with 22-inch blades; smaller users should take breaks during overhead cuts
- Depending on where you buy, some versions are sold without a battery/charger—confirm before checkout

Who it’s for

Homeowners with established shrubs and hedges who want a dependable, easy-to-handle trimmer will be well served here. If you already own Black & Decker 20V MAX tools, this is a no-brainer addition—you can share batteries and keep costs down. For occasional seasonal touch-ups, tidying formal hedges, and maintaining foundation plantings, it’s the right size and power.

If you’re frequently reclaiming overgrown hedges, cutting lots of hardwood stems at the top of the capacity, or working all day, you’ll bump into the limits. In that case, a higher-voltage trimmer (or a second battery and a faster charger) is worth considering.

Warranty and support

The two-year limited warranty is standard for this class and offers reasonable peace of mind. As always, register your tool and test it promptly; early use tends to surface any manufacturing hiccups while you’re still within straightforward exchange windows.

Recommendation

I recommend the Black & Decker 22-inch cordless trimmer for homeowners who prioritize ease of use, low vibration, and platform compatibility over raw cutting muscle. It’s light, comfortable, and effective for routine hedge and shrub maintenance, and the 22-inch blade makes clean, straight passes easier than shorter models. Pair it with a second battery if you have a large yard or tend to postpone trimming until growth is dense, and keep hand loppers nearby for anything flirting with that 3/4-inch limit. If you’re already in the 20V MAX ecosystem, it’s an especially good value; if you’re not, make sure you choose the kit with a battery and charger.