Five Features to Look for in an Electric Hedge Trimmer

Articles on Hedges | Topics: hedges, hedge, bushes, bush

by Grayson Jefferson

Electric hedge trimmers can really make the task of pruning quick and painless. While some people prefer softly pruning with handheld trimmers, others appreciate the ease of technology. If you have a large amount of hedges on your property or are simply looking for an easy way to get your pruning done and over, consider purchasing an electric hedge trimmer. You can find them at most home improvement stores or even in the garden area of your local general merchandise stores. Although you may find this product a bit much to purchase when you are only planning on using it once a year, it will likely come in handy for other jobs as well and last for up to twenty years or more. When deciding to purchase an electric hedge trimmer, be sure to look for these five features. They will help make the job even more tolerable.

Cordless Versions

When you begin shopping for an electric hedge trimmer you will likely notice there are three different power types to choose from. You can choose a corded trimmer, which will be less expensive, if you have only small jobs to do. You can also choose a gas powered trimmer if you have a large property or need to use the trimmer for long periods of time. The best overall choice however is the cordless trimmer. These trimmers are great for all sized projects and are easy to deal with. They require less maintenance than the gas powered trimmers and are easier to use than the corded varieties. If you want a great hedge trimmer, a cordless version is the one to choose.

Easy To Handle

The way a trimmer handles is one of the most important aspects to using it successfully. If you are a smaller person, you will certainly want to pay close attention to this. Some trimmers are bulky and heavy to hold. Never buy a trimmer that you feel is too difficult to pick up and hold steady. There are many lightweight options that are perfect for males and females. They are especially great if you are trimming a large area. You don't want to get tired halfway through and not be able to lug around your heavy trimmer to finish the job! So, be sure to try out the models in the store to see which fits you best.

Easy Spool Changes

Historical Quote

It was because of me. Rumors reached Inman that I had made a deal with Bob Dole whereby Dole would fill a paper sack full of doggie poo, set it on fire, put it on Inman’s porch, ring the doorbell, and then we would hide in the bushes and giggle when Inman came to stamp out the fire. I am not proud of this. But this is what we do in journalism.

—Roger Simon, U.S. syndicated columnist. Quoted in Newsweek, p. 15 (January 31, 1990)

Something that most people neglect to check out before buying is the spool changing procedures for the model of their choice. Different brands and models will offer different ways to change the spool. Take a look at the model in the store and see if it seems easy to change the spool. If you think it looks hard in the store, chances are it will be just as difficult at home. Keep this in mind when choosing. Most stores will have each model put together for you to see up close, so it should be easy to get an idea of how this task will go.

Edging Converter

When you are planning to use your trimmer once a year for your hedges, it can be frustrating to shell out the money for one. However, today you can find trimmers that not only work for hedges, but also convert to other useful things. One thing to look for in an electric hedge trimmer is an edging conversion. Many hedge trimmers can now convert to an edger. This can be great for any weekly or monthly edging you perform. It basically allows you to have two tools in one machine. Be sure the conversion is an easy one so you will be more likely to use the tool more often.

Vegetation Guard

If your hedges are close to other vegetation that you don't want to harm, consider finding a trimmer with a vegetation guard. There are many gardeners who won't let their spouse work the mower or trimmer because they run over their plants. This is a great way to avoid this accident. A vegetation guard will allow you to trim the hedges or grass without harming any plants nearby. Although you may not see this as a necessary option, you will find it easier to trim when your trimmer contains this luxury.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Five Features to Look for in an Electric Hedge Trimmer" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FlowersPlantsGardening.com.

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