Choosing and Using a Hedge Trimmer

Trimming your own hedges can be an intimidating process. Getting perfectly even shapes can seem impossible, but it’s a lot easier than you think. Untamed shrubs, bushes, and hedges create a curbside eyesore. On the other hand, a well-maintained hedge is a complement to your lawn, trees, and garden.

If you’re a new homeowner, or new to trimming hedges, you’ll need to invest in a good quality hedge trimmer. The Green Pal recently published a helpful article authored by do-it-yourself expert Joe Truini, who writes articles for the Home Depot. He clearly outlines the hedge trimmer options.

The Ultimate Guide to Trimming Your Own Bushes

“There are three basic types of hedge trimmers: gas-powered, corded electric, and battery-powered cordless. Each comes in various sizes, ranging from about 16 to 24 inches, which is the length of the cutting bar. The type of trimmer to buy depends on several factors, including the size of the hedge, the location of the hedge on the property, personal preference, and cost.

• Gas-powered trimmers have powerful engines that cut the thickest branches quickly and cleanly [without being] tethered to an extension cord.
• Corded electric hedge trimmers are popular because they’re extremely easy to use, very quiet, and virtually maintenance free.
• Cordless hedge trimmers have been around for quite a few years, but have only recently been taken seriously, thanks to the advent of powerful, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries. They’re growing in popularity because they possess the best qualities of both gas and electric trimmers.”

To learn more about the differences in the types of hedge trimmers, check out the full article.

There are so many options of hedge trimmers on the market, it can be difficult to narrow the choices to just one. All homeowners want a trimmer that’s going to be reliable, easy to use, and relatively affordable. GearHungry takes product reviews seriously and delivers what they believe is the best choice for a hedge trimmer in 2019.

11 Best Hedge Trimmers in 2019

“We’ve selected the Black and Decker LHT2436 as our Best Choice hedge trimmer. There are more powerful and cheaper hedge trimmers available, but we think this is the best all-rounder on the market at the minute. It’s a battery-powered cordless trimmer that runs on Black and Deckers’ impressive 40-volt, lithium batteries. They provide 5X more charge than the standard 36-volt alternatives, found in most similar bush trimmers. It doesn’t say exactly how long one charge will last, but they do say that you’ll be able to cut around 6000 square feet of hedge, which should keep you busy for long enough…It has a 24-inch dual-action blade that can cut through branches up to ¾” thick. That makes it easily one of the most powerful hedge trimmers on the market.”

To read more about the Black and Decker LHT2436, or explore other options, check out the full article.

Once you have your tools and equipment, you’re ready to get started. But how do you know when and how to trim your hedges? Mark Wolfe at The Worx Toolshed blog gave some helpful tips on when to trim and how much to cut off in order to maintain the health of the shrub.

How To Trim Hedges

“Beginning after the first flush of new growth in spring, hedges should be trimmed often enough to maintain the desired dimensions. Frequency of trimming varies greatly by species and variety as well as with weather conditions, so begin with a monthly inspection to see how the hedges are growing…To avoid cold damage to tender new growth, stop trimming hedges for the season at about six weeks prior to the first fall frost.

For long-term health, a hedge should be broadest at the base and taper toward the top. This allows sunlight to reach the lower branches and avoids the appearance of bare branches at ground level. For regular maintenance, simply follow the existing contour and trim the overgrown branches and foliage back to a plane that is slightly lower and narrower than the “maintenance” size. By going back a bit further than the desired size, it allows the soft new shoots to grow out and cover the cut ends of branches and leaves for a fresh, clean, more natural look.”

Check out the full article to learn more in depth about how to trim your hedges.

A well-kept hedge is a sign of a well-kept home. It’s an essential part of a beautiful garden and provides a manicured framework for your property. Even a small hedge line can add a big impact when it is maintained. Once you find a trimmer that works for you, and you’ve perfected the art of trimming, this job can be an enjoyable task that is both satisfying and extremely simple.  

The post Choosing and Using a Hedge Trimmer appeared first on Bloomin Gardens Landscaping and Lawn Care.

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