As autumn takes a hold and winter edges that little bit closer, gardeners around the country are preparing for that end-of-year trim to clean up their hedges. If you intend to cut your hedge in the next few weeks there are a number of factors to consider if you are going to do a good job safely.
If your hedge is low and short a pair of garden shears may be all you need to do the job. However, if your hedge is more than three metres long, if it is more than a metre in height, or you have more than one hedge, then you will probably choose a power tool. Trueshopping has a number of different hedge cutters and you should try to choose the one that suits both you and the job it's being used for.
The Trueshopping range contains the three main types of hedge cutter: cordless, electric and petrol operated. The Draper Expert petrol hedge trimmer is our most powerful model, featuring a double-sided dual reciprocating blade for enhanced cutting efficiency and a five-position rotating back handle for user comfort. This petrol powered model will make short work of the longest, highest hedge. However, petrol models do tend to be heavier than other types, so you must be confident that you can hold it for the duration of the task. There are obvious dangers in dropping a hedge cutter if you get too tired to hold it. Also, a heavier tool is more likely to cause back problems, especially if you have to stretch to reach across a hedge or to cut in a confined area.
At Trueshopping we have a number of electric hedge trimmers, including the Draper 600 watt, 600mm model and the Draper 520 watt 500mm model. Both these quality hedge trimmers are equipped with a two-handed safety switch, hand guard and ‘quick stop’ blade braking. They are supplied complete with a blade storage sheath, a BS approved 3-pin moulded plug and approximately 10 metres of cable. Both models are considerably lighter than the petrol model, but lack the petrol trimmer’s flexibility because of the cable connection.
Our Trueshopping Cordless hedge trimmer does match the petrol cutter for flexibility, but does not have the same power and needs to be re-charged after approximately 20 minutes’ use, making it the ideal tool for the smaller hedge.
Safety
You don't need formal training to operate a hedge cutter, but it's worth getting a few tips by watching others do it first. You should also follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. You should take great care as you move along the hedge side, ensuring that no branches or roots are protruding, causing a trip. Even more dangerous is working at height and you should have an assistant to steady any stepladders, so that you do not overbalance on uneven ground. If you cannot reach the top of the hedge from stepladders, it may be better to employ a professional to do the job, rather than using ladders or hiring scaffolding.
Sturdy footwear, complete body cover and protective gloves are a must. Eye protection is a good idea as the machines can throw sharp debris a considerable distance. You may wish to wear ear defenders, especially if you are operating a petrol hedge trimmer.
Cutting
You should start by cutting the side of the hedge. The depth of the cut will depend on the type of tree. Some, like privet, hawthorn and beech, can be cut back hard, but conifers and yew struggle to re-generate if you cut into the stems. When you think you have cut your hedge well on the side, use a stick or a rake to tap along the edge and you will find that some small branches that have been trapped will spring out so that you can trim them too.
Once you have cut the sides, you can then tackle the top. You should take great care not to lean into the hedge because, apart from spoiling the shape, you are in danger of falling through and injuring yourself. When you are cutting, you should try to sweep the blades from right to left holding your left hand close to you. As you sweep, the cuttings will fall straight off of the hedge. It is useful to have a stick which can reach to the far side of the hedge to sweep off the remaining cuttings.
