Landscaping is a popular hobby, and when it’s done right, it can transform even the simplest of homes into a stunning eye-catch. The reason why landscaping is so popular is probably because: One, it’s incredibly therapeutic; And two, it’s a lot more affordable than hiring a professional landscaper to do the job for you. Having a good-looking yard is now more affordable than ever! If there are some defining aspects of a well maintained yard, those would be a neatly cut lawn and perfectly trimmed hedges. And nowadays, there’s no shortage of power tools to help you out with these important garden chores.
Since we’ve previously covered the lawn mower, today’s topic is another indispensable garden tool – the hedge trimmer. Sure, you can use regular shears, but why not cut down on time, effort and potential painful cuts with one of the large number of cheap hedge trimmers out there. Cheap? Yeah, you’ve heard me. Hedge trimmers are some of the most affordable garden power tools, ranging from 60 dollars for a simple unit to around 200 dollars if you like a model with all the bells and whistles on it. Generally, there are two types of hedge trimmers to choose from – gas or electric powered.
The electric trimmer, considering it’s powered by electricity and has no motor, is a lot lighter than the gas model. This means that it is easier to carry around and manoeuvre, something which is of great benefit for the gardener who wants to test his creative nature with trimming hedges into interesting shapes. But not only does an electric model weigh less, it’s also a lot quieter. So if you have particularly grumpy neighbours, this is the ideal choice. It’s also important to note that most cheap hedge trimmers are usually electric since they have less running parts.
On the topic of electric trimmers, we should mention that there are two types – corded and cordless. Corded models can operate as long as you want them to, but they can restrict your mobility. A corded electric trimmer can be used as far as its cord allows you to. On the other hand, a battery-powered cordless model gives you an unrestricted freedom of movement. However, it won’t last much long before needing a battery recharge. When you have a lot of hedge work, the battery-powered trimmer won’t do you much good.
Bear in mind that the electric trimmers are designed for easier snips and can’t manage well with tougher tasks. Thicker hedge branches require more power, and that’s what gas-powered trimmers are built for. A gas-powered motor allows you to get the most out of this power tool – trim troublesome hedges to perfection while saving time and effort. The biggest downside of this tool is that it can be incredibly loud, therefore make sure you are using it at an appropriate time of the day.
All in all, whichever model you choose from, make sure you know how to operate it. Read the instructions carefully and practice beforehand, but most importantly, don’t forget to be properly dressed and put on some protective gloves.
