BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review: The Cord-Cutting Champion for Suburban Yards?

I remember it vividly: a perfect Saturday morning, the sun just right, the air crisp. The only thing standing between me and a pristine backyard was a row of unruly privet hedges. I dragged out my old corded trimmer, wrestled with a 100-foot extension cord, and began the familiar dance—trim a section, stop, untangle the cord from a rose bush, trim another section, stop, realize I’ve accidentally unplugged it from the house. An hour into what should have been a 30-minute job, I nicked the bright orange cord with the blade. A flash, a pop, and silence. That was the moment I swore off cords forever. This frustrating, inefficient, and frankly dangerous routine is a story familiar to countless homeowners. It turns a satisfying task into a tedious chore, which is precisely why the promise of a powerful, lightweight cordless solution is so appealing.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Hedge Trimmer

A cordless hedge trimmer is more than just a tool; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your time and sanity in the garden. Its primary benefit is freedom—the freedom to move anywhere on your property without being tethered to an outlet, the freedom from the constant fear of cutting a live wire, and the freedom from the noise, fumes, and maintenance of a gas-powered engine. It streamlines the process of shaping shrubs, taming overgrown bushes, and maintaining clean property lines, turning a dreaded task into a quick, almost therapeutic, activity. We’ve found that the simple act of removing the cord can cut trimming time in half, a sentiment echoed by many users who have made the switch.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with small-to-medium-sized properties, typically with hedges, shrubs, or ornamental bushes that require regular maintenance. If you value convenience, low noise, and ease of use, a cordless model is almost certainly for you. It’s perfect for those who find gas trimmers too heavy and cumbersome or corded models too restrictive. However, it might not be the best fit for professional landscapers who require all-day, non-stop power, or for individuals tackling vast properties with ancient, woody hedges featuring branches well over an inch thick. For those heavy-duty scenarios, a more powerful gas model might still be necessary.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Power & Battery System: The voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah) of the battery are your primary indicators of power and runtime. A 20V system, like the one in the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220, is the sweet spot for most residential tasks. Consider if the battery is part of a larger interchangeable system with other tools from the same brand. This can be a huge cost-saver and convenience factor in the long run, as you can share batteries between a drill, a leaf blower, and your hedge trimmer.
• Blade Length & Cutting Capacity: Blade length, typically ranging from 18 to 24 inches, determines how much you can trim in a single pass. A longer blade like the 22-inch one on this model is more efficient for larger, flatter hedges. Cutting capacity refers to the maximum branch thickness the trimmer can handle, usually between 1/2-inch and 1-inch. A 3/4-inch capacity is robust enough for the vast majority of common shrubs like boxwood, arborvitae, and holly.
• Ergonomics & Weight: You’ll be holding this tool, often at chest or shoulder height, for extended periods. Weight is paramount. A tool under 6 pounds is considered lightweight and significantly reduces user fatigue. Also, look for features like a wrap-around front handle, which provides comfort and control for both vertical and horizontal cuts, and a soft-grip rear handle to absorb vibration.
• Blade Type & Safety Features: Dual-action blades, where two blades move in opposite directions, are the industry standard. They cut more efficiently and, crucially, produce significantly less vibration than single-action blades, leading to greater comfort and control. Safety features to look for include a two-handed switch to prevent accidental startups and a protective blade sheath for safe storage.

Making the right choice means matching the tool’s capabilities to your specific landscaping needs. For most homeowners, the balance of power, runtime, and ergonomic design is the key to garden maintenance bliss. You can see the full specifications for the LHT2220 here to compare against your needs.

While the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer is an excellent choice for untethered trimming, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially more powerful options. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Lightweight Freedom in a Box

Unboxing the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer is a refreshingly simple affair. There’s no complex assembly, no bag of confusing nuts and bolts. Inside, you find the main trimmer body, the 22-inch blade with its protective sheath, the compact 20V MAX lithium-ion battery, and a small wall charger. The unit feels impressively light right out of the box; at just 5.7 pounds, it’s a world away from the hefty gas models we’ve tested. One user perfectly captured this, saying they “could carry this with one finger,” and we don’t think that’s much of an exaggeration. The build is primarily a durable plastic in BLACK+DECKER’s signature orange and black, which feels solid enough for residential use. The wrap-around front handle immediately feels natural, offering a variety of comfortable grip positions. Clicking the battery into place is satisfying and secure. Our initial impression is of a well-balanced, thoughtfully designed tool built for one purpose: to make hedge trimming as easy and painless as possible. Checking the latest price and availability is a great next step if you value this combination of power and portability.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the LHT2220 to the Test

A tool can look good on paper, but the real test happens in the yard. We put the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer through its paces on a variety of common suburban landscaping, from shaping delicate boxwoods to taming an overgrown forsythia bush. Our goal was to evaluate its core promises: cutting power, battery endurance, and user-friendly ergonomics.

Ergonomics and the Joy of Cordless Freedom

The single most transformative feature of this trimmer is its weight, or lack thereof. At 5.7 pounds, the LHT2220 is a featherweight. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it’s a game-changer during use. We were able to easily use it one-handed for quick touch-ups and found that longer sessions didn’t result in the arm and shoulder fatigue that’s common with heavier gas or even some corded models. This was a point repeatedly confirmed by users, with one older gentleman noting it was “light weight for older people” and another stating he could “use it in one hand.” The wrap-around front handle is genuinely useful, providing a secure and comfortable grip whether we were cutting the flat top of a hedge (horizontal) or shaping the sides (vertical). The full-length trigger and soft-grip handle further enhance comfort, allowing for easy operation without straining your hand. But the real star is the cordless design. We trimmed hedges over 100 feet long without once thinking about where the cord was. One user perfectly articulated our experience, stating that with his old corded unit, a 100-foot hedge job took nearly twice as long as it did with the LHT2220. That time savings comes directly from not having to manage, untangle, and avoid an extension cord. This is a tool that truly simplifies the job.

Cutting Power: More Capable Than You’d Expect

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a gas-powered brush hog. However, for a 20V battery-operated tool, we were consistently impressed with its cutting ability. The 22-inch dual-action steel blades are sharp and make quick work of standard hedge branches. The manufacturer claims a 3/4-inch cutting capacity, and we found this to be accurate, though it works best on slightly softer wood. It sliced cleanly through boxwood, arborvitae, and privet branches up to about 5/8-inch without any hesitation. When we pushed it to the full 3/4-inch on a tougher Japanese Maple branch, it chewed through it but, as one user noted with a photo, it was more of a tear than a clean slice. Still, for 95% of residential hedge trimming, the power is more than sufficient. We found the blade speed, while not as ferocious as a corded model, was effective. As one user aptly put it, “The motor speed is not as fast as my previous electric trimmer but the blades are sharp and do the job well.” The reduced vibration from the dual-action blades is a real benefit, making for a much smoother and more controlled cutting experience compared to older, single-action models. It transforms a jarring task into a smooth glide. It’s a tool that inspires confidence as you see it neatly and quickly shape unruly bushes.

Battery Life and System Versatility

Battery anxiety is a real concern with any cordless tool. Will it die halfway through the job? With the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer, our fears were largely unfounded. The company claims it can trim up to 3,000 sq ft of hedges per charge. While this is hard to measure precisely, our real-world testing backs up its impressive stamina. We were able to trim a 40-foot row of 10-foot tall arborvitae and a separate 6-foot circular hedge, and the battery was still going strong. This experience was mirrored by multiple users, one of whom was “able to cut a 40’ x 10’ hedge plus a 6 foot circular hedge and the battery lasted through all of it.” Another was surprised that the battery lasted for “a good hour if not more” of continuous cutting. This is more than enough runtime for the average suburban yard. Furthermore, the LHT2220 is part of the extensive BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX system. If you already own other tools in this line, like a drill or a string trimmer, you can swap batteries between them. This is a massive advantage, as you can have one battery charging while you use another, effectively eliminating downtime. This ecosystem approach provides tremendous value and is a feature that really sets it apart in its price category.

A Note on Safety and Durability Concerns

While our experience was overwhelmingly positive, we must address two potential issues raised by some users that are important to consider. First, the design of the blade. As one particularly astute user pointed out, the cutting teeth extend slightly past the end of the stationary bar, with no “bumper” or guard at the tip. We confirmed this on our test unit. This means if you get too close to a house foundation, vinyl siding, or a window frame, the moving blades can make direct contact, causing scratches, gouges, or worse. This requires the user to be more mindful when trimming near structures, a small but important detail to be aware of. Second, while most users report years of reliable service, a small number have experienced long-term durability issues, specifically with the motor burning out or the charger malfunctioning. One user reported their charger “melting on the side,” a significant safety concern. Another had the motor fail after just two months. While these appear to be outlier cases in a sea of positive feedback, they suggest that quality control might be inconsistent. It’s a reminder that this is a consumer-grade tool, not a professional one, and should be treated accordingly. The included 2-year warranty provides some peace of mind against such defects.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across thousands of reviews, the consensus on the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer is overwhelmingly positive. The most frequently praised attributes are its light weight and the sheer convenience of being cordless. One user who was initially skeptical stated, “Without the cord…it goes fast. With the corded unit, it usually took almost twice that.” Another summed up the primary benefit perfectly: “Man, great to have the mobility/maneuverability to trim my hedges…way easier, faster, and safer!” Many were also pleasantly surprised by the power, with one exclaiming, “I made sure the battery was fully charged and started some heavy duty trimming, much to my surprise they worked better then my plug in trimmers.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most critical safety observation comes from a user who warned, “This trimmer has no ‘bumper’ at the end of the bar… If you are trimming hedges near your home these fast moving blades will dent your aluminum siding.” This is a valid design critique that requires user caution. Additionally, reports of premature failure, though rare, are present. One disappointed buyer noted, “I have not had it over 2 months, the motor burned out.” Another reported a scary incident with a “charger is already melting on the side.” These negative experiences, while in the minority, highlight potential quality control issues and serve as a reminder to register the product for its warranty.

How Does the LHT2220 Compare to the Alternatives?

The BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer excels in its niche, but it’s important to know what other options exist for different needs. Whether you need more reach, more precision, or more raw power, there’s a tool for the job.

1. Alloyman 20V MAX Telescoping Pole Hedge Trimmer

If your primary challenge is tall hedges or hard-to-reach shrubs, the Alloyman 20V MAX Pole Hedge Trimmer is a compelling alternative. Where the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 is built for maneuverability at ground level, the Alloyman’s telescoping pole design is made for reaching heights of 8 feet or more without a ladder. This completely changes the safety and convenience of trimming tall hedges. The trade-off is weight and balance; pole trimmers are inherently more cumbersome and less nimble for detailed shaping work close to the body. If you have tall privets or arborvitae that require constant ladder work, the Alloyman is a specialized tool that directly solves that problem, whereas the LHT2220 is the better all-around choice for standard-height bushes.

2. WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear & Shrubbery Trimmer

For those whose needs are on a much smaller scale, the WORKPRO 2-in-1 is the polar opposite of a pole trimmer. This is a handheld detailer, designed for precision shaping, trimming ornamental grasses, and manicuring small topiaries. Its 7.2V system and smaller blades are not meant for tackling an entire hedge row. Instead, it excels where the larger 22-inch blade of the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 would be clumsy and oversized. If your “hedges” are more like small boxwood globes or you need to get into tight corners around flower beds, the WORKPRO offers surgical precision. It’s not a replacement for a full-size trimmer but a perfect companion for fine-tuning the landscape.

3. Skil 24 in. Brushless Hedge Trimmer Kit

The Skil 40V Brushless Trimmer represents a step up in both power and price. Its 40V brushless motor will deliver more torque and cutting force than the LHT2220’s 20V brushed motor, making it better suited for thicker, woodier branches and more demanding jobs. It’s for the user who finds the BLACK+DECKER is just a bit underpowered for their mature, overgrown landscaping. The Skil also features a slightly longer 24-inch blade. However, this extra power and performance come with added weight and a higher cost. For the average homeowner with typical shrubs, the BLACK+DECKER provides more than enough power in a lighter, more affordable package, making it a better value proposition for most.

Final Verdict: An Outstanding Value for the Modern Homeowner

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer is an exceptional tool for its target audience. It masterfully balances power, weight, and battery life to create a user experience that is simply worlds better than being tethered to an extension cord. Its lightweight design makes it accessible to nearly everyone, turning a strenuous chore into a quick and satisfying task. While it’s not designed for felling small trees and requires a bit of extra care when working near surfaces, its performance on typical residential hedges is flawless.

If you are a homeowner with a small to medium-sized yard who is tired of the hassle of cords or the weight and maintenance of gas, we can recommend this trimmer without hesitation. The freedom and efficiency it provides are transformative. Given its performance and membership in the versatile 20V MAX battery system, it represents one of the best values in cordless yard tools today. If you’re ready to cut the cord and reclaim your weekend, you can get the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 and make hedge trimming easy again.