A pole hedge trimmer (1) which is balanced about a pole axis (1200) and which has a handle (800) which can be operated with a single hand to orient the trimming blade (560) at a desired trimming angle. A pole hedge trimmer (1) having a trimmer assembly (490) having a motor unit (400) and a trimmer unit (700), in which the trimmer assembly (490) is supported by a pole at a distance from a power unit (110) and the motor unit (400) and trimmer unit (700) are generally in balance with one another about a pole axis (1200). The pole hedge trimmer (1) can have a position system for orienting a trimmer blade (560) using an orientation handle (800) configured for one-handed operation by an operator to position the trimmer blade (560). The pole hedge trimmer (1) can be a low-profile hedge trimmer allowing for very close trimming to surfaces.
