How To Use A Hedge Trimmer

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Though gardens are peaceful places where you can relax, there are lots of jobs that you will have to complete to keep your garden in order. This includes watering your plant and pruning hedges.

Hedge trimmers are useful and versatile tools that can make gardening extremely easy. With the aid of your trimmers, you will have perfectly manicured bushes and hedges.

As a consequence, your neighbors will become envious when they see your perfect garden!

So if you are unfamiliar with hedge trimmers, this step-by-step guide will lead you through the entire process. 

How To Use A Hedge Trimmer

Equipment

For these steps, you will only need a few pieces of equipment. Namely, you need:

  • A hedge trimmer: Though it may sound obvious for this task, choosing a good hedge trimmer is essential. We recommend that you shop around to find the best trimmer.
  • Protective clothing: Wearing fitted clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty is your best option. It’s also advised that you wear protective goggles and gloves.
  • Protective sheet: A sheet will reduce the amount of cleaning up that you’ve got to do.
  • Hedge trimmer lubricant: Oil to lubricate your trimmer can be found online and in specialist stores.
  • A clean cloth and soapy water: This is essential for cleaning.

Instructions

To use this essential gardening tool, all you have to do is:

  1. Look around the hedge area. Specifically, you should look out for animals that you could harm, such as nesting birds. You should also ensure that no electrical cables are in the way, as damaging these cables could prove problematic.
  2. Don the right clothing. Though hedge trimmers are useful tools, they can also be dangerous when misused. It’s recommended that you wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Baggy clothing should be avoided, as this can become caught. Ear defenders, gloves, and ear defenders are also advised.
  3. Lay a protective sheet on the area surrounding the hedge or bush. This way, you can easily collect the cuttings and broken branches. This makes the cleaning process much simpler!
  4. If you have a corded trimmer, plug it into a suitable socket. Meanwhile, if you are using a cordless trimmer, ensure that it has sufficient charge.
  5. Now you can begin trimming! When doing so, you must hold the tool correctly. Firstly, the blade should always be facing away from your body as a safety precaution. Use the hand grips, ensuring that your thumb is on the handle. You should always hold it with two hands, as this will give you more control.
  6. Once you’ve nailed the correct form, you should start to gently cut the base of the hedge. It’s best to do this carefully so that you don’t take too much of the hedge off in one fell swoop. Horizontal swings are preferable, though vertical motions will also suffice.
  7. Gradually move upward so that you can trim the upper section of the hedge. Make sure that you trim the entire hedge. If not, you will create a patchy look. Consider the shape of the hedge, as this will give you the best aesthetic.
  8. Go back over any sections of the hedge that need touching up. You may want to use shears to achieve a cleaner look. Once you’re happy with the results, turn off the trimmer and use the aforementioned sheet to clean up the debris.
  9. After each use, you should give your trimmer a thorough clean. Usually, a cloth dipped in soapy water can be used to rub the trimmer so that it’s clean. Of course, be careful when handling the blade. For specific details, it’s best to check the care instructions for your specific model. After all, every trimmer is different. 
  10. Once you’ve cleaned the hedge trimmer, lubricate it. Doing so will clean the blade and prevent rusting, thus ensuring that your hedge trimmer works for a long time!

When Is The Best Time To Trim Hedges?

Often, winter is considered the best time to trim the hedges. This is because the hedges will likely be dormant at this stage.

Just bear in mind that this time of year will likely be chilly, so you may want to wear multiple layers when gardening in winter.

Spring and early fall are also excellent times to do this activity. It’s best to avoid trimming over summer, as this will be the time in which your hedge will grow the most.

An important consideration is the fact that every type of hedge will be different. Therefore, this will affect the ideal time to trim your hedges and bushes.

How Can You Choose A Hedge Trimmer?

Choosing the perfect hedge trimmer is an important yet tricky decision. To help you, here are the main considerations that must be taken into account:

  • The price: consider how much you are willing to spend on your trimmer. Avoid expensive models if you are shopping on a budget.
  • Cordless vs corded: hedge trimmers are either powered by a cord or battery. There are pros and cons to both forms. Corded trimmers can be used whenever you want, but the cord can get in the way. Meanwhile, cordless models won’t have this issue, but you must remember to recharge this device.
  • Blade length: longer blades are recommended for larger bushes and hedges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Trim Grass With Hedge Trimmers?

Hedge trimmers aren’t just used for cutting hedges. For instance, you can technically use your trimmer to cut grass. It works particularly well for long grass, as it can easily remove length. 

However, this is not the recommended method, as it will be more time-consuming than using a lawn mower.

Are Hedge Trimmers Simple To Use?

Yes, hedge trimmers are fairly simple to use. If you are a beginner, it’s best to practice using these trimmers, specifically the sweeping motion required. 

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy gardening, a hedge trimmer is an essential tool that will keep your hedges looking well-maintained. With any luck, you will now be able to perfectly use a hedge trimmer that will give you a breathtaking garden!

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