Hedge Trimming Made Easy
Trimming a hedge is certainly not done as often as mowing or edging – but it’s equally important. I normally use my electric hedge trimmer 2 – 3 times per year. Having a good light weight electric model around the house makes the job much easier and not something to dread. You can still get the old manual scissor style hedge trimmer but I wouldn’t seriously consider or recommend it for anything but the lightest needs or very small jobs.
These days’ hedge trimmers come in a large variety of styles and power options. Their costs generally correspond with their capabilities. Heavier duty hedge trimmer models are typically gas powered, and sport longer blade lengths. For most around the house jobs though an electric hedge trimmer is perfect. I use a corded model myself – but have noticed a growing number of battery operated models. Many are distinguished by the maximum branch widths they can cut. Using a short bladed electric hedge trimmer on a very wide hedge is not only inefficient it is dangerous. You only have to fall into a hedge with an electric hedge trimmer once to appreciate that.
If you’ve never operated an electric hedge trimmer before it’s important to understand that using one for anything more than just a few minutes at a time is very physically demanding. It’s not unlike holding a bucket of water with both hands – with both arms extended. It can tire you very quickly, so periodic pauses are an important part of using an electric hedge trimmer safely and responsibly. Accidents with electric hedge trimmers are almost always the result of the combination of fatigue and carelessness.
It is sad but true that trimming hedges is often one of those tasks that get neglected. Neglecting a hedge can also have incredibly negative consequences. Overgrown hedges can actually ruin the surface of brick or siding on your home if left untrimmed. The regular use of an electric hedge trimmer can also prevent what I call the runaway hedge syndrome. If you’ve ever had to cut back a 6 foot hedge to half its current height you’ll know exactly what I mean. It ends up with large empty areas containing only large bare branches. It takes years for hedges to recover from such a trimming.
The approach I take is to get out my electric hedge trimmers at least twice a year. It’s a predictable amount of effort, the trimmings aren’t overwhelming, and the hedges will stay looking nicer throughout the seasons. I actually use my electric hedge trimmer to even up and round up small bushes and occasionally the low hanging smaller branches of trees.