Hedge Trimming for Beginners

Hedges can require a lot of work to maintain. Depending on the size of the hedge, it can take a long time and be challenging to complete the task even with the right equipment.

With the use of a hedge trimmer, it will be easier to get the ideal shape you are after for your hedges or shrubs using less effort and saving your time as well. This will make the task more efficient, effective, safer, and quicker with the correct hedge trimmer. Here are the key points you need to know to choose the best hedge trimmer to complete your hedge trimming project.

Learn About Hedging Basics.

A hedge trimmer can be an excellent tool for homeowners who enjoy gardening and want to keep their landscape looking neat and tidy. To see a video of one of our staff completing this task click here

Choose the Right Tool.

There are several different kinds of hedge trimmers available with petrol and battery options being the most common. There are a variety of sizes from extension trimmers to small hand held, each with its own advantages and disadvantages and very different price points, with some machines costing well over $1000.00. If you plan to use your hedge trimmer regularly as part of your ongoing landscape maintenance, consider investing in a machine that suits your task at hand and is fairly easy to maintain. You’ll also want to make sure that the blade is well kept and sharpened after each use to ensure a clean cut to help promote new growth once the job is completed.

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While some trimmers will say they can cut bigger branches, please remember hedge trimmers are designed for fine trimming and cutting through these branches can damage blades and gearboxes, so it is recommended you use loppers or a chainsaw for this.
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Know How Much You Need To Trim.

Before you buy a hedge trimmer, consider what area you need to cover in trimming your hedge, ie. height, width and overall length of the hedges. If you only plan to use the trimmer occasionally, then a cheaper option may be sufficient. However, if you plan to use it regularly, then you’ll probably want to invest in a quality machine. Depending on the variety of hedges in your garden, you may require more than one hedge trimmer to complete the task effectively.

Be Patient.

Don’t expect to cut your first hedge perfectly on day one. It takes practice and patience to become an expert at hedge trimming. You can start by practicing on a few small bushes or shrubs, but remember it is like a bad haircut and will grow back if you do make a mistake or take a small chunk out. If this does happen make sure to fertilize with an organic fertilizer to help promote regrowth as soon as you are done. As you feel comfortable, you will become more efficient at this.

Safety.

Safety has to be the main priority while using machines as powerful as a hedge trimmer. Any machines with blades can cause serious injury. Anyone who has never used a hedge trimmer before should take care to understand the safety features and pay close attention to all instructions for use. Even experienced users of hedge trimmers can easily injure themselves if not taking proper care. All types of hedge trimmers should be regularly serviced to make sure the machine is running safely at all times.

It is also important to make sure you keep a safe distance from others including animals to complete your project. You need to be aware of any overhead power lines, fences, water pipes or any structures in or around your hedge.

Speak with your local dealer to make sure you get the right tool for the right project. We are always here to help with hedge trimming jobs you may need. Just fill out the form and we will get it trimmed for you.