TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action Review: The Lightweight Powerhouse for Milwaukee & DeWalt Users

There’s a certain point every summer when I look out at my property line and feel a familiar sense of dread. The neatly manicured privet hedge I shaped in the spring has exploded into a chaotic, leafy monster, encroaching on the walkway and casting unruly shadows across the lawn. For years, this chore meant dragging out a cumbersome, heavy gas-powered trimmer or, even worse, wrestling with a hundred feet of extension cord for my old electric model. The cord would inevitably snag on a branch, wrap around my leg, or, in one memorable instance, get accidentally snipped by the very blades it was powering. The frustration was palpable. A simple task became a tangled, exhausting ordeal. This annual battle is why a powerful, lightweight, and—most importantly—cordless solution isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for reclaiming sanity in yard maintenance.

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 energy in the garden. It offers unparalleled freedom of movement, allowing you to sculpt bushes, tame overgrown shrubs, and maintain clean property lines without being tethered to a power outlet. The primary benefit is the elimination of cord-related hazards and limitations, letting you work anywhere on your property with ease. This translates to faster, more efficient work and a safer, more enjoyable landscaping experience. For those of us who have spent hours untangling cords or mixing fuel, the simple act of snapping in a battery and getting straight to work feels revolutionary. You can finally reach the back of those deep garden beds or trim the hedges at the far end of the yard without a second thought.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with small to large-sized yards who values convenience and already owns compatible cordless power tool batteries. If you’re invested in an 18V or 20V battery ecosystem, a “bare tool” like the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action is an incredibly cost-effective choice. It’s also perfect for those who find gas trimmers too heavy and loud, or electric trimmers too restrictive. However, it might not be suitable for professional landscapers who require all-day, non-stop cutting power and the ability to tackle extremely thick, woody branches over an inch in diameter. For them, a high-end, commercial-grade gas model might still be the better, albeit more expensive and maintenance-heavy, option.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Blade Length & Reach: The length of the blade, measured in inches, determines your reach and how much you can trim in a single pass. A longer blade, like the 22-inch one on this TREXEEN model, is excellent for shaping large, flat-topped hedges efficiently. For smaller, more intricate bushes, a shorter blade might offer more maneuverability, but for general-purpose trimming, 20-24 inches is the sweet spot.
• Cutting Capacity & Power: This refers to the maximum branch thickness the trimmer can handle, often dictated by the gap between the blade teeth. The TREXEEN’s 3/5-inch (0.6-inch) capacity is robust for most residential needs, easily slicing through new growth and established privet, boxwood, and arborvitae branches. The motor type is also critical; a brushless motor, as featured here, generally provides more power, better efficiency, and a longer tool lifespan than older brushed motors.
• Weight & Ergonomics: A trimmer’s weight is paramount, as you’ll be holding it at chest or shoulder height for extended periods. A lightweight design, like the advertised 4.8 pounds of the TREXEEN, significantly reduces user fatigue, making the chore less strenuous. Good balance and comfortable, multi-grip handles are also essential for control and safety during use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Cordless models excel here. There’s no fuel to mix, no spark plugs to change, and no cords to manage. Maintenance typically involves cleaning sap and debris from the blades after each use and occasional lubrication. Look for features like dual-action blades (which cut in both directions for less vibration) and intuitive safety switches that prevent accidental startups.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a hedge trimmer that not only meets the demands of your yard but also makes the work feel less like a chore and more like a satisfying act of creation.

While the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action

Pulling the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action from its box, the first thing we noticed was its readiness. There is virtually no assembly required—a welcome departure from tools that demand a half-hour of deciphering confusing diagrams. You simply slide on your battery, and you’re ready to go. The initial feel is surprisingly robust. As one user noted, it feels “well balanced when removed from the box,” which is absolutely critical for a tool you’ll be swinging around for an extended period. The bright yellow housing, made of alloy steel, feels solid without being excessively heavy. The 22-inch blade arrives sharp and protected by two small plastic guards—a functional, if not particularly elegant, solution. Some users might have preferred a single, full-length scabbard, but the included guards do the job. Paired with one of our own Milwaukee M18 batteries, it clicked into place securely, giving the entire unit a confident, integrated feel. It doesn’t feel cheap; it feels like a purpose-built tool ready to work, and you can see its full feature set and specifications right now.

In-Depth Analysis: The TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer in Action

A tool’s true character is revealed not on a spec sheet, but in the thick of the work it was designed for. Over several weekends, we put the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action through its paces on everything from delicate boxwoods needing a precise haircut to a wildly overgrown forsythia hedge that was threatening to take over a fence line. This is where we moved beyond first impressions and into a real-world performance evaluation.

Power and Cutting Performance: Slicing Through the Overgrowth

The heart of any hedge trimmer is its cutting apparatus, and TREXEEN has paired a 22-inch dual-action blade with a high-efficiency brushless motor to great effect. The dual-action design, where both blades reciprocate, is a significant feature. It drastically reduces the vibration felt by the user compared to single-action models, leading to smoother cuts and less fatigue in your arms and hands. We found this to be immediately apparent. The trimmer glided across the surface of our hedges without the jarring chatter that can plague lesser tools.

The manufacturer claims a 3/5-inch (0.6-inch) cutting capacity, and in our testing, this proved to be accurate and perhaps even a bit modest. On fresh, green growth, it was like a hot knife through butter. For older, woodier branches, it showed its mettle. We targeted some gnarly, half-inch thick branches on an old privet, and the trimmer chewed through them without bogging down or stalling. Several users confirmed this capability, with one noting it “cuts cleanly through thick branches” and another impressed that it “had no problem cutting through everything I ran it over” in a hedge that hadn’t been trimmed in years. The 1600 RPM speed feels well-calibrated—fast enough for efficient clearing but controlled enough for precise shaping. The brushless motor is the unsung hero here; it not only delivers consistent power but also optimizes battery life. We used a standard 5.0Ah M18 battery and were able to trim the entire front and back perimeter of a half-acre property before the battery gave out, a sentiment echoed by a user who was amazed that their generic battery “lasted ages.”

Ergonomics and Handling: A Featherweight Champion

This is arguably the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action‘s standout feature. The advertised weight of 4.8 pounds (tool only) is a game-changer. Even with a 5.0Ah battery attached, the total weight remains comfortably under 7 pounds. This makes a world of difference. We were able to perform high, overhead cuts and extended horizontal passes without the constant need to stop and rest our arms. This sentiment was universal among user reviews, with comments like “It’s a bit light weight which I Love,” and “I’m not very strong, but I could use it comfortably without feeling tired.” This accessibility makes it a fantastic option for a wider range of users, including seniors or those with less upper body strength.

Beyond the low weight, the balance is excellent. The weight is distributed evenly, so it doesn’t feel front-heavy, preventing the nose from dipping during long passes. The dual-safety lock is another well-implemented feature. It requires one hand on the front loop handle (depressing a safety lever) and the other on the main trigger. This two-handed operation is a crucial safety standard, preventing the tool from ever activating accidentally. We found the switches to be intuitive and comfortable to hold down. One user specifically praised this feature, saying, “I think it’s awesome having it. So when I grab it I don’t accidentally start hitting it.” It provides genuine peace of mind, especially when maneuvering the trimmer or setting it down between cuts. The freedom from a cord combined with this lightweight, balanced design makes trimming feel less like a laborious chore and more like effortless sculpting. You can find more details on the trimmer’s user-friendly design online.

Battery Compatibility and The “Bare Tool” Value Proposition

The decision to market the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action as a “bare tool” is a strategic one that unlocks immense value for a specific type of consumer. By not including a proprietary battery and charger, TREXEEN keeps the initial purchase price incredibly low. This is a massive advantage for anyone already committed to the Milwaukee M18 18V cordless platform. The compatibility is seamless; we tested it with both genuine M18 batteries and aftermarket versions, and it worked flawlessly with all of them.

What’s particularly interesting, and a point of much praise in user feedback, is its undeclared compatibility with DeWalt 20V batteries as well. Multiple users reported using their DeWalt batteries without any issues, effectively making this tool a cross-platform powerhouse. This drastically expands its appeal. If you have a garage full of red or yellow power tools, you can add a highly capable hedge trimmer to your arsenal for a fraction of the cost of a first-party option. As one reviewer put it, “I use it with my Milwaukee cordless drill battery and the charge last a long time…for the low price I cant expect the battery too.” This approach saves money, reduces clutter from having multiple charger systems, and promotes a more sustainable use of existing resources. It’s a smart model that respects the investment consumers have already made in their tool collections, a factor that makes this trimmer’s value proposition so compelling.

Build Quality and Durability Concerns

For its accessible price point, the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action presents a surprisingly solid build. The main housing feels durable, and the tool handled the normal bumps and scrapes of yard work without issue. However, this is where we must introduce a note of caution, informed by both our expert evaluation and outlier user experiences. While the vast majority of users report excellent performance, there are isolated but significant reports of quality control issues.

One user reported a deeply concerning incident where the trimmer began to “smoke black” after just 50 feet of use and subsequently failed. This points to a potential motor or electronic defect in a small number of units. Another diligent user discovered that after their first use, the two screws holding the blade bar had come loose, requiring them to remove a cover and tighten them. While this was an easy fix, it’s something that shouldn’t be necessary on a new tool. These incidents suggest that while the design is sound, the manufacturing consistency may not be on par with premium brands like Milwaukee or DeWalt. This is the inherent trade-off. You are getting a tool with impressive performance and features for a budget price. For most homeowners performing seasonal trimming, it’s likely to be a reliable workhorse. But as one commercially-minded user astutely pointed out, while it’s “significantly lighter” than his other trimmers, its smaller teeth and slightly slower blade speed position it as a homeowner’s tool, not a commercial-grade one. This is a fair assessment and an important expectation to set before you check the latest price and availability.

What Other Users Are Saying

Sifting through the collective experience of dozens of users, a clear picture of the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action emerges. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with praise centering on three key areas: its incredibly lightweight design, its impressive cutting power for its size, and its fantastic value, particularly for those with existing Milwaukee M18 or DeWalt 20V batteries. One happy customer summarized it perfectly: “It’s lightweight but powerful — I’m not very strong, but I could use it comfortably without feeling tired.” Another was “Very impressed… I don’t ever plan to go back to a corded one.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, and it’s important to consider the critical reviews. The most alarming is the user who experienced the motor smoking and failing on its first use. While this appears to be a rare defect, it’s a significant concern that points to potential quality control lapses. A more common, though less severe, critique is that it is a “bare tool.” Many users explicitly state this isn’t a negative given the low price, but it’s a crucial piece of information for potential buyers who might not have compatible batteries. These experiences paint a portrait of a high-value, high-performance tool for residential use that may carry a small risk of manufacturing defects, a common trade-off for its budget-friendly price.

How Does the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action Compare to Alternatives?

While the TREXEEN trimmer excels in its niche, the market offers a diverse range of options catering to different needs. Understanding where it fits requires looking at some key competitors with different strengths.

1. Greenworks 24V Polesaw & Hedge Trimmer Combo

The Greenworks combo unit is designed for a completely different kind of yard work: trimming at a distance. Its main advantage is reach. As a pole-mounted tool, it’s the ideal choice for shaping tall hedges or pruning high tree branches that would be impossible to reach safely with a standard trimmer. It also includes a pole saw attachment, adding significant versatility. However, this reach comes with a trade-off in weight and maneuverability. It’s less suited for close-up, detailed shaping of smaller bushes. Choose the Greenworks combo if your primary challenge is height and you value the 2-in-1 functionality of a saw and trimmer.

2. BLACK+DECKER BEHT350FF 22″ Electric Hedge Trimmer

The BLACK+DECKER BEHT350FF represents the traditional corded-electric alternative. Its biggest advantage is unlimited runtime and consistent power, as you never have to worry about a battery dying mid-job. It’s often one of the most affordable options upfront. The major drawback, of course, is the cord. It limits your range, can be a tripping hazard, and is susceptible to being accidentally cut. This tool is best for users with very small yards where the trimmer will always be within easy reach of a power outlet, and for those who prioritize the absolute lowest purchase price over the convenience of a cordless model.

3. PHALANX Cordless Grass Shears 2-in-1

The PHALANX 2-in-1 tool operates on a much smaller scale. It’s a handheld detailer, combining a small hedge trimmer blade with a grass shear attachment. This is the tool for precision work: shaping small ornamental shrubs, edging garden beds, and trimming grass around delicate flowers where a larger string trimmer would cause damage. It is in no way a competitor for shaping a full-size hedge. A homeowner might own both the PHALANX for fine-tuning and the TREXEEN for the heavy lifting. If your main goal is detailed, artistic gardening on a small scale, the PHALANX is the right choice.

Our Final Verdict on the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action

After extensive hands-on testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action is a phenomenal value for the right user. Its greatest strengths are its extremely lightweight design, which makes yard work significantly less fatiguing, and its seamless compatibility with popular Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt 20V battery platforms. This “bare tool” approach delivers a powerful, capable 22-inch trimmer at an exceptionally low entry price for those already in these ecosystems. It cuts cleanly, handles branches up to its advertised capacity with confidence, and incorporates essential safety features.

While it may not have the bulletproof build quality of a premium, first-party tool—as evidenced by rare but notable reports of defects—its performance far exceeds its price tag for residential use. It is not a commercial-grade tool, but it doesn’t pretend to be. If you’re a homeowner looking to escape the tyranny of cords or the weight of gas trimmers, and you already own compatible batteries, this tool is an absolute must-consider. It transforms a dreaded chore into a quick and satisfying task. For its combination of power, ergonomics, and outstanding value, the TREXEEN Hedge Trimmer 22” Dual-Action earns our strong recommendation. You can get this game-changing cordless trimmer for your yard today.