Whether they offer beautiful boarders, shade and privacy or just because, we are all on a mission to achieve the best looking hedge. Cutting a hedge manually can be a time consuming and very labour involved task which is why a hedge trimmer is a very popular tool to have. In the right hands a hedge trimmer can perfectly trim, shape and keep your hedge healthy with ease. With petrol, electric and cordless models available with a range to suit all budgets and needs, most hedge trimmers are now lightweight and very simple to use.
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Husqvarna Hedge Trimmer[/caption]
Makita UH522DX Cordless Hedge Trimmer[/caption]
How to Achieve the Perfect Hedge[/caption]
Stihl Multi Spray[/caption]
Husqvarna Hedge Trimmer[/caption]
Prune
Hedgerows can become very woody as they grow which gives off a unhealthy appearance which loses the manicured hedge finish we all dream off. Young hedges should be pruned from a young age with regular trimming to ensure they will grow into healthy beautiful looking edges.Choosing a Hedge Trimmer
With many brands on the market, choosing a hedge trimmer can be difficult. When choosing your hedge trimmer be sure it suits your needs; cordless models are ideal for those with no power source and with no power cables getting in the way can be easier to manoeuvre, petrol models are ideal for larger and tougher hedges whilst electric models are lighter in weight and very easy to use - just make sure you have a power supply close! Some of the most popular hedge trimmers for domestic homeowners is the Stihl HS45, Husqvarna 122HD and the Makita UH522DZ. [caption id="attachment_866" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Makita UH522DX Cordless Hedge Trimmer[/caption]
Trimming your Hedge
When it comes to trimming your hedge, less is more! Start by taking only small amounts of the hedge to neaten it up without butchering the plant meaning it will continue to grow and flourish. Most hedge trimmers will cut through hedges very quickly so take your time and be patient or you could end up with a very sorry looking bush! When cutting your hedge you should start from the sides and cut from the bottom upwards in the direction of the hedge growth as you will find this much smoother. The bottom the hedge should be wider than the top to ensure day light can reach the bottom of the hedge which encourages healthier growth. [caption id="attachment_868" align="aligncenter" width="300"] How to Achieve the Perfect Hedge[/caption]
Removing Debris
The worse part of the hedge trimming job is dealing with the debris left behind, the easiest way to deal with this is to lay a large sheet on the ground below which should easily catch all the clippings which have fallen off which can be emptied straight into the bin or preferred method of recycling. For those clippings still stubbornly stuck on top of the hedge will need to be picked off by hand - gloves are recommended to save hands and fingers from unwanted pricks! A leaf blower can be a quick and easy way to blow trimmings into a corner before collecting them or why not run your lawnmower over the trimmings which will collect them quickly with little fuss.Keeping your Hedge Trimmer Clean
With any cutting tool it is important your hedge trimmer blade is sharp and clean to ensure you get the best performance from your machine. Blunt and dirty blades can be come stuck due to debris stuck between blades and the trimmer can be come ineffective at cutting. Hedge trimmer blades can be sharpened using a sharpening file and whetstone. Here at World of Power we are huge fans of the Stihl Multispray which helps keep blades running smoothly by stopping resin from sticking to the blades and protecting them against corrosion, this spray should be sprayed on the blade before and after use. [caption id="attachment_869" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Stihl Multi Spray[/caption]
