- Trimming the hedges is just part of the landscaping chores many people must do during the growing season. Hedge trimmers come in a variety of sizes and types to make that job a little bit easier. The type of trimmer used depends on the job it is used for. There are large yards where the hedges are far away from an electrical source and then there are the hedges close to the house that just need some new growth cut off in the spring and fall. Whatever the job may be, there is a trimmer out there for it. In some cases, you may even need two separate trimmers, one for detailed work and one for heavy duty work.
-
Hedge trimmers come in electric corded, gas and rechargeable electric types. Most of the time they are used according to preference, but sometimes the job demands a certain type of trimmer. Corded electric trimmers are the most common and economical but if your hedges are over 100 feet away they aren't the most feasible. They are also the lightest weight, which makes them easier to carry around while getting the job done. Gas powered trimmers are the best for hedges over 100 feet away from a power source, but are heavier than the corded ones. This makes it harder on the user if there are a lot of hedges to trim. Battery operated trimmers are also heavy and can only be used for a half hour to three hours at a time depending on the style of trimmer. They are convenient in the fact that you can go anywhere with them though and you can always take along extra batteries.
The blades range in length from six to 28 inches. The six-inch trimmer is used mostly for detail work on small hedges or topiaries. The average person needs a trimmer with a blade no larger than 18 inches and the larger ones are used mostly commercially. The larger the blade, the heavier the trimmer is going to be. And the heavier the trimmer, the harder it is to control and the user is more likely to have an accident with it. Each person should use a trimmer that she feels comfortable carrying around. -
Some hedge trimmers have reciprocating blades and some have non-reciprocating blades. The non-reciprocating blade leaves the hedge looking more shredded than cut. A reciprocating blade actually has two blades that work in opposite directions and leave the hedge with a nice clean cut. The hedge trimmer is placed parallel to the line to be cut and glided over the area. The blades should cut a nice straight line. The user may have to make more than one pass over the hedge if it's been left unruly for some time.
Hedges don't have to be straight; you can make them into balls or any design you like. If there is a high hedge that must be trimmed, you should use an extension pole that attaches to the trimmer and allows you to reach places you would normally need a ladder for. Trying to balance on a ladder and using a hedge trimmer is not a good idea and can result in injury. Any time you are using sharp power tools such as hedge trimmers, if you get tired, stop and go back and finish later.
