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Common mistakes to avoid when using a hedge trimmer
Here's what to watch out for if you want to keep your hedges thriving and your hedge trimmer in top shape
Using a hedge trimmer can be a straightforward task but there are several easy mistakes that can undermine your safety and the quality of the trim you give to your hedges.
Read on for tips that will help you neaten you hedges effectively, prolong the lifespan of your trimmer and avoid any accidents.
Head over to the best hedge trimmers to see which were the most effective and efficient in our tests
1. Pruning during nesting season
Most seasoned gardeners will be aware of this already, but if you're a beginner or a first-time hedge trimmer owner, this is an easy mistake to make.
Nesting season in the UK lasts from late February until August, and using a hedge trimmer during those months can disturb or even harm birds nesting in the hedges.
It’s an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to disturb them. Check for active nests whenever you want to trim a hedge and postpone the job if you find any.
2. Not using protective gear
Using protective gear is always a good idea when operating a power tool as it can help prevent serious injuries. Wearing thick gloves will protect your hands from cuts, while goggles will shield your eyes from flying trimmings and dust.
It's also advised to wear long-sleeved clothing and steel-toed boots for extra protection from accidental cuts during use.
You may also want to wear ear protection as hedge cutting can be a noisy job. Our hedge trimmer reviews will warn you if a hedge trimmer is overly loud or whiny-sounding.
3. Using your hedge trimmer in the rain
Using your hedge trimmer in the rain is strongly discouraged as rain can increase the risk of electric shock.
It can also cause damage and reduce the effectiveness of your trimmer.
By only using your power tool in dry weather, you're preventing moisture from getting into the motor or other components, ensuring it stays in excellent working condition for longer.
4. Using dull blades
Using dull blades can damage the hedging plant, significantly reduce the effectiveness of your trimmer and potentially cause you to have an accident.
Jagged cuts can increase the risk of disease entering the plants. Regular maintenance, which includes sharpening of blades, is also very important as it prevents motor burnout due to unnecessary strain.
Additionally, using dull blades can lead to a higher chance of slips and injuries. Keep the blades sharp to ensure safer operation.
Find out when's the best time to cut your hedges to keep them healthy and looking neat
5. Letting the battery of a cordless trimmer go down to 0%
Once you're ready to store your cordless grass trimmer, keep in mind that letting your battery run out completely contributes towards faster deterioration and ultimately shortens its lifespan.
If you use your grass trimmer regularly, try to charge the battery before it drops below 20%. It's good practice to charge it to over 50% if you're planning on storing it for the winter – check on it every month or so during winter and recharge if necessary.
You should also give it a quick clean before putting it away, so use a dry cloth to wipe it down. Always store it in a dry, cool place and avoid extreme temperatures, such as in a greenhouse or shed.
