How to Master the Hedge Trimmer: Tips and Tricks
Perfectly neat hedges can help form some very interesting textures and shapes. You can also make borders that are quite beautiful and even breathtaking at times. Enjoy privacy and shade as well.
You can use a handy pair of hedge trimmers in order to cut a hedge into absolutely any shape that you desire. Enjoy a hedge that is both neat and healthy after you have finished your handiwork.
However, mastering the hedge trimmer is not a walk in the park; you must learn how to safely and efficiently use it before you get to work. Proper maintenance is also key. If you do not take care of your power tools, then their performance will suffer, and you will need to replace them quicker.
Here, we will teach you how to master the hedge trimmer by providing you with some handy tips and tricks.
Types of Hedge Trimmers
Gas-powered hedge trimmers have very powerful engines. They are able to cut even the thickest branches in a clean and quick manner, so they are strongly recommended if you have a heavy-duty task before you.
Corded-electric trimmers are very popular due to their ease of use. They also do not require any maintenance and make very little to no noise, so you can work during the night without disturbing your loved ones or your neighbours.
Battery-powered cordless hedge trimmers are also quite popular. They possess the qualities of both corded-electric and gas-powered hedge trimmers, so you are basically getting the best of both worlds.
If outstanding cutting performance is what you are after, then look no further than STIHL. STIHL-based power tools are known for their premium level quality, while also not being too hard on the wallet.
STIHL products run the gamut, though, so you need to first determine what your needs are before you go shopping. You can opt for petrol-based, battery-based, or electric-based hedge trimmers, to name a few different STIHL products.
Also, if you are thinking of upgrading your entire garden tool kit, then you may want to look into the KombiSystem hedge trimmer. While there are many state-of-the-art STIHL products on the market, the KombiSystem hedge trimmer is truly top-of-the-line.
The system is very flexible, thus allowing you to choose from several different engine units. You can mix and match with up to 13 different tool attachments if you wish. Add a powered brush, pole pruner, brushcutter, blower, or any other attachment to your tool repertoire to keep your garden in tip-top condition.
Know the Basics
Safety always comes first. Therefore, use protection in order to guard your feet, hands, ears, and eyes from serious harm. The clothing that you wear must also be appropriate, including clean and comfortable pants.
It is also very important that you read the included safety manual from top to bottom. Learn the dos and don’ts before you even turn the unit on, and learn how to best take care of it while it is not in use in order to enjoy it for years.
The extension cord should be held in place, and the trimmer blades of the unit should also be lubricated before and after you use it. Obstructions can also get in the way and cause you to tumble and injure your face and/or knees.
Peruse the workspace in order to identify any obstacles, and store them safely away before you begin working. As long as you operate your garden tools with safety in mind, you should be able to perform all of your chores without risk of injury to you or others.
Plan Your Hedge Design
Begin by setting up the design that you wish to achieve. Next, add some much needed structure with which to work with. You may decide that you want to add a privacy screen. Sculpted and/or planted hedges may also be a part of your overall design scheme.
It is ideal to create a landscape that is unique and creative in order to add some curb appeal to your home.
Prune Hedges From a Young Age
Hedges will become thick and woody as they grow, which will make it increasingly tough to properly maintain them. It is best to take care of them while they are still young and tender. Please remember to also trim your hedges on a regular basis.
Start out Slowly
Begin by removing tiny amounts off of your hedges. Hedge trimmers are also known for cutting very quickly, so it is important to take your time.
Begin from the sides, and then proceed to cut from the bottom up. It is also important to remember to cut in the exact direction of the growth.
Handle the Debris
The cleanup process after you are finished trimming your hedges will not be child’s play. Place a very large garden sheet below the workspace. Any extra debris can be taken care of by running the area over with your trusty lawnmower.
Keep the Trimmer Clean
Your trimmer will collect sap, dirt, and other residue over time. When the residue accumulates, your trimmer’s blades will not be able to cut as efficiently as before. After you have turned off the machine, remember to remove any debris, twigs, and leaves that have become stuck.
Afterwards, wipe the blades clean using a clean and dry cloth before storing the unit.
Keep the Blades Sharp
You can use your cutting tool of choice in order to sharpen the blades of the unit. It is also important to move in the direction of the cutting edge if you don’t want to dull the blades. Any build-up that has formed in the base of the unit should also be removed accordingly.
Types of Bushes to Trim With a Hedge Trimmer
Holly Bushes, Hawthorn, Privet, Boxwoods, and Hornbeam are just some of the types of bushes that you can cut with your hedge trimmer. Shrubs should also be trimmed during the dormant seasons of the year, which include the late winter months as well as the fall.
As well, flowering shrubs should not be trimmed during the early spring to be on the safe side.
Time to Trim Like a Pro!
It is important to not rush. Rome was not built in a day, so take the time to trim like a pro in order to avoid accidents or botched work. Allow the blades to do most of the work, and learn how to use a hedge trimmer both properly and safely before you turn the machine on.
If you have any doubts or do not have any confidence in your abilities, then please use a guide, or speak to someone who has more experience before you start working on your hedges. A local expert dealer may be able to recommend the best tool for the job.
As long as you take it slow and allow the blades to do most of the cutting, you should become a trimming pro in just a few days. The end result is that you will have beautiful and healthy hedges that will become the pride and joy of the neighbourhood.
Author Bio:
Stephanie Alexander is a blogger. She is currently a blog manager, predominantly based in the Greater Toronto Area, managing content for a few different blogs for different clients with wildly varying information needs or topics of interest. She likes to research topics mainly related to home improvement. Most recently she graduated from the University of British Columbia with her Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Creative Writing with Honours.