Greenworks 24V Polesaw + Hedge Trimmer Combo Review: The Ultimate 2-in-1 Yard Taming Tool?

There’s a moment every homeowner knows well. You step outside, coffee in hand, ready to enjoy your little slice of paradise, only to be met by the creeping chaos of nature. For me, it was the rogue oak branch inching menacingly close to the roofline and the privet hedge that had started to resemble a wild, untamed beast. For years, my solution was a cocktail of precarious ladders, manual saws, and a deep sense of dread. The alternative? Spending a few hundred dollars every season for a professional crew to do in an hour what would take me a full, exhausting weekend. This annual cycle of procrastination, physical strain, and financial guilt is what led me down the path of finding a better, more empowering solution. I needed a tool that could grant me both reach and precision, without the noise, fumes, and maintenance of gas-powered equipment. I needed a versatile workhorse, and my search led me directly to the Greenworks 24V Polesaw + Hedge Trimmer Combo.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Pole Trimmer Combo

A cordless pole hedge trimmer and saw combo is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming control over your property’s vertical spaces. It’s about safety, efficiency, and aesthetics. These tools solve the fundamental problem of how to trim and prune high branches and tall hedges safely from the ground, eliminating the wobbly ladder dance that accounts for far too many weekend warrior injuries. The main benefits are clear: extended reach, the convenience of two tools in one powerhead, and the quiet, emission-free operation of modern battery technology. This means you can tackle your yard work early on a Sunday morning without waking the entire neighborhood, and you’ll never have to worry about mixing fuel or yanking a starter cord again.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact challenges I was: the suburban or urban homeowner with a moderately sized yard, featuring trees that need occasional pruning and hedges that require seasonal shaping. It’s for the DIY enthusiast who values convenience and efficiency, and perhaps wants to invest in a single battery platform that can power other tools. Conversely, this might not be the right tool for a professional landscaper who needs the brute force and all-day runtime of a high-end gas model. It’s also likely overkill for someone living in an apartment with only a few small potted shrubs. For them, a smaller, handheld tool would be more appropriate.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The primary feature here is reach. Consider the maximum height of the branches and hedges you need to trim. The pole length is paramount. Also, think about storage. While a combo unit saves space compared to two separate long-handled tools, it still requires a dedicated spot in your garage or shed.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the power, measured in volts (V). A 24V system like this Greenworks model is typically ideal for residential tasks. For the polesaw, the bar length (8 inches here) dictates the maximum diameter of the branch you can cut in a single pass. For the hedge trimmer, blade length (20 inches) determines how large of a swath you can cut, speeding up the job.
• Materials & Durability: The build quality will determine the tool’s lifespan. Look for a sturdy pole, ideally made of fiberglass or aluminum, that resists flexing. The cutting heads should feel robust, not flimsy. While high-impact plastic is common and acceptable for the motor housing to save weight, the critical components should inspire confidence.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Weight and balance are the most critical ergonomic factors. A top-heavy tool will cause fatigue quickly. Features like tool-less chain tensioning and automatic oilers on the polesaw significantly reduce hassle. The inherent benefit of battery power is its virtually maintenance-free nature—no spark plugs, no carburetors, just a battery to charge.

While the Greenworks 24V Polesaw + Hedge Trimmer Combo is an excellent choice for many, 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:

Unboxing the Greenworks Combo: First Impressions and Key Features

The package arrived, and while I’d seen some user reports about damaged boxes, mine was in good shape. Inside, the components were securely packed. My first impression upon lifting the main powerhead was one of substance. It has a reassuring heft without feeling excessively heavy. The pole sections felt rigid and the locking mechanism secure. Assembly was remarkably intuitive, a fact echoed by other users who found the instructions clear and the process straightforward. Within minutes, I had the polesaw head attached and was ready to charge the battery. The overall fit and finish felt a step above typical entry-level yard tools; the plastics are thick, the grips are comfortable, and the attachment points feel robust. It immediately gave the impression of a well-thought-out system designed for the homeowner who wants reliable performance. The included 2.0Ah battery also features a handy USB port, a clever little bonus for charging a phone in a pinch while out in the yard—a feature that shows Greenworks is thinking about the user’s broader needs. For anyone curious about the package contents, you can see its full feature set and user reviews right here.

Putting the Greenworks Combo to the Test: A Performance Breakdown

A tool can look great on paper, but the real test is in the thick of the suburban jungle. Over several weekends, I put both attachments of the Greenworks 24V Polesaw + Hedge Trimmer Combo through their paces, tackling everything from delicate shaping to aggressive pruning. This wasn’t just about cutting branches; it was about evaluating the entire user experience, from battery life to ergonomics, to see if this combo could truly replace the need for separate, dedicated tools and expensive professional services.

The Polesaw in Action: Reaching and Slicing with Precision

My first target was the offending oak branch. Attaching the 8-inch polesaw head was simple, and after filling the reservoir with bar and chain oil (a necessary purchase, as it’s not included), I was ready. The automatic oiler is a feature I wouldn’t want to live without; it keeps the chain running smoothly and prevents premature wear without any intervention from me. Extending the pole, I immediately noticed the tool’s weight. At over 9 kg (about 20 lbs), it demands respect and proper technique. This isn’t a one-handed tool. With a firm, two-handed grip and a solid stance, I brought the saw to the branch. The 24V motor spooled up instantly and bit into the 4-inch thick limb. There was no hesitation. The saw chewed through the wood with surprising authority, confirming what other users found—it has plenty of power for branches up to 5 inches. The process was clean, quick, and infinitely safer than standing on a ladder with a handsaw.

One minor issue noted by a user was the chain occasionally coming loose. I experienced this once after about 30 minutes of heavy use. However, the tool-less tensioning system is a godsend. A simple twist of a large dial on the side of the saw head allowed me to tighten the chain in seconds, without having to hunt for a screwdriver or wrench. This is a massive improvement over older or cheaper models and keeps downtime to a minimum. The key is to check the tension before each use and after the first few cuts, as a new chain will naturally stretch a bit. Overall, the polesaw performance was impressive, turning a daunting task into a manageable, even satisfying, one. The power and convenience this polesaw offers is a true game-changer for homeowners.

Taming Hedges with the 20-Inch Trimmer Attachment

Swapping the heads over was my next test. Some users have reported this can be difficult, and it does require a firm press on the release button and a solid twist. I found that it’s a very snug fit, which is ultimately a good thing for stability, but it may require a bit of muscle. Once the 20-inch hedge trimmer was locked in, I turned my attention to the overgrown privet. This is where the Greenworks 24V Polesaw + Hedge Trimmer Combo truly shines. The 7-position pivoting head is not a gimmick; it is an essential feature for ergonomic trimming. I could easily trim the top of the 8-foot hedge flat while standing safely on the ground by angling the head to 90 degrees. For the sides, a slight angle made for a much more comfortable and natural cutting motion.

The 20-inch dual-action blades are sharp and made quick work of the new growth and branches up to about a half-inch thick. The motion was smooth, and it left a clean, professional-looking finish. I did heed the warning from one user who experienced jamming on very thick, woody material. When I encountered a branch nearing the trimmer’s 5/8-inch maximum capacity, I slowed down and let the tool do the work. It’s important to remember this is a 24V tool, not an 80V monster or a gas-powered unit. For 95% of residential hedge trimming, its power is perfectly adequate and effective. For that one unusually thick branch, you can always switch back to the polesaw. This versatility is the core appeal of the combo system.

Battery Life and Ecosystem: The Heart of the System

Power tools are nothing without their power source, and the included 2.0Ah 24V battery is the heart of this Greenworks system. I was skeptical that this relatively small battery could handle significant work. However, I was pleasantly surprised. On a full charge, which took about three hours initially, I was able to prune three mature trees and completely shape my entire 50-foot hedge row, and the battery indicator still showed one bar of life remaining. This confirms reports from users who called the battery life “phenomenal.” For the average suburban yard, the included battery is likely all you’ll need to get the job done in one go. If you have a much larger property, investing in a second or a larger 4.0Ah battery would be a wise move for non-stop work.

The real value, however, extends beyond this single tool. The Greenworks 24V battery is compatible with dozens of other tools in their lineup, from drills and leaf blowers to lawnmowers. This is a huge selling point. It allows you to build a complete collection of cordless yard and workshop tools that all run on the same interchangeable batteries, saving you money and storage space. And I can’t overstate the handiness of the built-in USB port. While trimming, my phone was low on battery. I was able to plug it directly into the tool’s battery pack and get enough juice to finish listening to my podcast. It’s a small but brilliant feature that makes the battery itself a multi-purpose device. The value packed into this ecosystem is a compelling reason to check the latest price and availability.

Ergonomics and Handling: The Weight of Versatility

There is no getting around the primary drawback of any pole tool: weight and balance. The Greenworks 24V Polesaw + Hedge Trimmer Combo weighs just over 20 pounds. When you extend the pole to its full length, that weight, concentrated at the end, is amplified by leverage. As multiple users—and I—can attest, it requires a fair amount of upper body strength to handle effectively for long periods. This is not a flaw in the product itself, but a reality of physics. Greenworks includes a shoulder strap, and I highly recommend using it. It does a decent job of distributing the load and reducing arm fatigue. My advice is to work in shorter bursts and take regular breaks. Plan your cuts, move into position, make the cut, and then lower the tool to rest. Trying to “power through” for an hour straight will result in sore arms and sloppy work. The key is to let the tool’s length do the reaching and its motor do the cutting, rather than trying to muscle it around. For those who can manage the weight, the performance payoff is immense, making it a powerful beast for trimming hedges and taking down limbs.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Greenworks 24V Polesaw + Hedge Trimmer Combo is largely positive, with users praising its power and incredible value. One user with four years of professional landscape experience called the tools “a game-changer” and “ahead of their time,” specifically highlighting the exceptionally sharp hedge trimmer and phenomenal battery life. Another homeowner in a dense urban area noted it was perfect for their needs, stating, “It’s at a very good price point and gives you two tools that I need but could never justify buying separately.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, and a significant, recurring complaint revolves not around the tool’s performance, but its fulfillment. Numerous buyers have reported receiving units that were clearly used, returned, or damaged in transit, with scratched components and retaped boxes. This is a critical point of awareness for potential buyers. On the performance side, the most common critique, which we confirmed in our testing, is the tool’s weight. One user candidly stated, “It was heavier than I was expecting,” while another mentioned, “I’m going to have to work on my upper body strength.” These real-world insights paint a clear picture: it’s a powerful and effective tool for the price, but be prepared for a workout and carefully inspect your package upon arrival.

How Does It Compare? Greenworks Combo vs. The Competition

The Greenworks 24V Polesaw + Hedge Trimmer Combo offers a fantastic blend of versatility and value, but it exists in a crowded market. Depending on your specific needs, one of its competitors might be a better fit.

1. Greenworks 24V Cordless Shear Shrubber with 1.5Ah Battery

If your primary need is detailed, ground-level shaping rather than high-reach trimming, this Shear Shrubber is a compelling alternative. It’s infinitely lighter and more maneuverable than the pole combo, designed for precision work on small shrubs, garden beds, and ornamental grasses. It’s the scalpel to the pole combo’s sword. You sacrifice all of the reach and the heavy-duty cutting power of the polesaw, but you gain unmatched control for intricate tasks. For homeowners who already have their high branches under control but want to perfect their landscape’s fine details, this dedicated tool is an excellent, and very affordable, choice.

2. BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 24-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

For those whose main challenge is taming massive, dense hedges and who have little need for a polesaw, this BLACK+DECKER model is a worthy contender. The step up to a 40V power platform generally translates to more cutting torque, allowing it to chew through thicker branches with less chance of bogging down. Its 24-inch blade also provides slightly more reach and coverage per pass than the Greenworks trimmer. This is a dedicated, powerful hedge-taming machine. You lose the 2-in-1 versatility and the pole for extended reach, but if your sole focus is on powerful hedge maintenance, the extra voltage and blade length make it a superior specialized tool.

3. Greenworks Pro 80V 26″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer Tool Only

This is the heavyweight champion of the group. The Greenworks Pro 80V model is aimed at the prosumer or homeowner with a very large property and demanding tasks. The 80V power is a significant leap, providing performance that rivals gas-powered models. It’s designed for cutting thick, woody hedges all day long. However, the key distinction is that it’s sold as a “tool only,” meaning you must already own or be prepared to purchase the expensive 80V batteries and charger separately. This makes it a fantastic option for someone already invested in the Greenworks 80V ecosystem, but a much more expensive entry point for a new user.

The Final Cut: Is the Greenworks 24V Combo Right for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Greenworks 24V Polesaw + Hedge Trimmer Combo is a fantastic tool that delivers on its promise of versatile, convenient yard maintenance. It packs enough power for the vast majority of residential tasks, from pruning pesky tree limbs to sculpting unruly hedges. The 2-in-1 design offers exceptional value, saving both money and precious storage space. Features like the pivoting trimmer head and tool-less chain tensioning are thoughtful additions that make the user experience smoother and more efficient. Its primary drawback is its weight, which is a necessary trade-off for its reach and functionality but requires a degree of physical strength to manage comfortably.

We wholeheartedly recommend this combo kit to the budget-conscious homeowner with a typical suburban yard who wants to take control of their property maintenance without the hassle of gas engines or the expense of hiring professionals. It’s the perfect solution for tackling those tasks you only need to do a few times a year but want to do right. If you’re ready to safely and efficiently tame your yard’s vertical growth, the Greenworks 24V Polesaw + Hedge Trimmer Combo is an investment that will pay for itself in convenience and satisfaction. You can grab this versatile yard-taming duo and see for yourself.