Tips about Working with Hedge Trimmers - 0 views
started by Otis McGuire on 23 May 12
started by Otis McGuire on 23 May 12
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started by Otis McGuire on 23 May 12
The Hedge trimmer has become indispensable piece of gardening equipment for all homeowners, and gardening enthusiasts. This powerful little device has revolutionised how we can keep our garden areas neat, tidy, and in control. They have turned a once tedious and frustrating garden chore in to a fast easy and rewarding task.
Add design to your garden with Topiary
In fact the hedge trimmer has added an extra dimension to garden design. Once upon a time, the hedge was little more than a partition - a symbol reflecting the beginning and end of a property. Now you can add an element of design to your garden hedges with topiary. Whereas topiary goes back many centuries it was rarely seen in the common English country garden. This simple little appliance has made this sculpting hobby easy and fast. This can be fun for all the family as you decide what animal your little hedge is going to represent next!
When should you trim your garden hedges?
The answer to this question really depends on your overall individual circumstances. If you have recently planted in your garden you will need to regularly prune the growth for the first 2 years. This is called "formative pruning" and is usually carried out in winter or spring.
After this initial period you will need to carry out "maintenance pruning" This depends a lot on growth but on average for formal hedges it is advised once a year and for informal hedges - twice a year.
The fundamental hedge trimming motion
Whenever using a hedge trimmer keep the blade parallel to the hedge and use a wide sweeping action. Always work from the bottom of the hedge and move up. In this way the cut leaves and foliage will fall away from the blade and out of your line of vision. Experts advise that it is useful to cut back the vertical edges of the hedge first. The skill is in using an upwards and downwards motion and move forward along the hedge as you work. When cutting the top of the hedge try to keep the blade at a 10 degree angle to the horizontal while moving the appliance like a scythe.
Trimming Formal Hedges
It can be quite difficult creating perfect symmetrical lines when you only have your eyes to guide you, and by default you are so close to the hedge itself. One method that many gardening experts use is to obtain a piece of string (the length of the hedge) and two stout lengths of cane. Once the string is held taut between the two canes, you will have created a continuous line to cut the top of the hedge evenly.
Perhaps you are feeling more courageous and fancy a bit of topiary. Let's say you want to cut the hedge to the shape of an arch. The best way to do this is with the aid of a template. Place the template on the hedge and cut following the line of the template, moving it along as you proceed.
Dealing with High Hedges
Long Reach Hedge Trimmers are especially designed for gardeners who need to work on high hedges. The handle extends to increase the overall reach of the trimmer and the blade can be aligned so it lies horizontal to the top of the hedge. This little device can not only make your job a lot easier, if it gets rid of the need for ladders, it can also make it a great deal safer too.
Looking after the Blade
If a blade is not sharp it can do harm to your garden plants. When the hedge trimmer blade has become blunt you will find that instead of cutting through foliage branches and twigs neatly you will actually be pulling at them and ultimately tearing the plant. Also if the blade is not sharp it makes your work doubly hard. You will be putting much more work in to a job that may necessarily be quite straight forward. Keep your trimmer blade sharp by regularly visiting your manufacturers approved dealer.
In the same way you should ensure that the blade is clean at all times. When you are cutting through stems and branches, sap seeps out onto the hedge trimmer blade. Over time, if the sap is not cleaned off the blade, it will set like glue. The effect is the same as if the blade is blunt. You begin tearing and pulling at the plants rather than making a clear cut. A resin solvent is useful for cleaning the blade and can be obtained from all good DIY stores.
Safety Tips
Get to know the appliance before you begin
The hedge trimmer is a very powerful device and if not used properly or correctly could also be very dangerous. Before using the device for the first time read the accompanying manual thoroughly taking heed of all warnings and cautionary advice. Familiarise yourself with the product. Before you switch it on hold it in your hands, feel its weight and ensure you are aware of where all the appropriate buttons are and how to use them.
Wear the correct clothing
Garden gloves are advised for holding the garden trimmer. They will not only protect your hands from sharp objects around you but they will help you keep the appliance firmly in your hands. You should also protect your eyes from objects which may fly back from the blade into your face. Special protective glasses can be bought from any good DIY or online store.
Be careful not to wear loose clothing or jewellery as this may get caught up in the workings of the machine or the blade. If you have long hair it is a good idea to wear a suitable hat, or tie it back behind your head.
Check safety features are in place before use
Before using your hedge trimmer ensure the lock feature is in the "lock" position and that the blade guard is firmly in place to protect your hands against the blade. The best electric hedge trimmers will also feature a cord retainer. This neat little feature prevents the trimmer from becoming unplugged. If you are using an extension ensure that it is big enough to carry the voltage required by your product. If not it could lead to a drop in the line power and to the hedge trimmer overheating.