Abstract: A new electric hedge trimmer utilizes an innovative metal wire whip, rotating at high speed inside a dish-shaped whip and chip guard, to cut hedge, bushes, vine and other relatively large-stemmed foliage effectively, safely and conveniently, as described above and as facilitated by a system of switches and handles. The wire whip can be constructed from any one of several metals, alloys or space-age composite wires to enhance performance and durability. However, scrap copper wire has been used to cut hedge five times faster and better than existing methods such as plastic monofilament or heavy metal blade cutters. For optimum performance, the wire whip is rotated at speeds in the order of 10,000 to 20,000 RPM which are easily attainable by modern motors. A close-coupled loop handle, a self-storing extension handle and a substitute extension handle provide for use of the device on low, medium or high growing foliage.