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- Photo: g-hat / Flickr
A row of hedges provides an elegant, long-lasting and natural alternative to artificial fencing, while still offering privacy and security. Fortunately, caring for hedges has never been easier, and numerous options exist for making sure your hedges look their best.
Hedges should be trimmed at least twice a year to promote new and even growth. As they can become overgrown easily, summer is the perfect time to trim. Keep your hedges in control with a hedge trimmer that will save you many hours compared to manual cutting.
Power
When deciding which hedge trimmer is right for you, there are a few things to consider. One of these is power. Hedge trimmers are powered in three distinct ways: petrol, mains power, or via a rechargeable battery.
Petrol-powered hedge trimmers can be used anywhere, and the lack of cord means they’re quite flexible and can be operated easily. They’re great for large areas and more frequent use. Petrol trimmers also offer the most power, perfect for cutting through thick branches. These trimmers, however, are often heavier, noisier and more expensive, and a ready supply of petrol is required in order to ensure even cutting over long hedge areas.
Trimmers that use mains power are the most popular because they are low in cost and easy to use: just plug them in and go. They are available in a range of power options. While these trimmers are generally quieter and more eco-friendly, they’re not ideal in situations where the power source is far away from the hedges. There’s also the danger of cutting the cord accidentally during trimming, so it’s recommended to use an RCD adapter which will protect you from electric shock should the power supply be cut.
Rechargeable trimmers offer the best of both worlds in that they are lightweight and convenient. Recommended for smaller jobs, they are cordless and ideal for light use, but often require long periods of charging – and they don’t offer the longest operating time. To ensure continuous use, it’s best to purchase at least one additional battery and to charge both before you plan to trim.
Blade size
In general, the longer the blade of your trimmer, the shorter the time it takes to trim. It’s recommended to use the following guide when selecting blade length:
Small hedges: up to 46 cm
Medium hedges: up to 56 cm
Large hedges: 57 cm or higher
Also consider the teeth spacing of your trimmer: a greater amount of spacing enables you to cut through thicker branches.
Extras
- Photo: Stock.Xchng
Many hedge trimmers are equipped with additional features to make your trimming experience that much easier. Bosch’s AHS 7000-Pro T is designed with an optimised centre of gravity, which ensures proper weight balance and provides users with easy handling and comfort. Black & Decker’s GT516 trimmer offers a protective hand guard to shield against flying clippings. If you have a large area to trim, look for a trimmer with an ergonomic handle to minimise stress on your wrists and back, as well as one that offers low vibration. Clippings collectors are also available to ease clean-up. Some trimmers even offer telescoping poles to better access taller, hard-to-reach hedges.
Safety
As with any power tool, safety should be of the utmost importance when using a hedge trimmer. As seen last week in Oswestry, accidents with hedge trimmers can cause serious injury. When using your trimmer, protect your eyes with safety goggles, and wear heavy-duty work footwear, preferably with steel reinforcements. If using an electric trimmer, keep the cord out of the cutting area, and use an RCD adapter. Use both hands to operate the trimmer, and if possible use one that requires two-handed start. Make sure that the blades have stopped completely and that the power source is off before removing any jammed clippings. Read the manufacturer’s guide thoroughly – they will often include tips on obtaining the best possible trimming results.
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