15
Tips for best trimming results:
•
Before starting the hedge trimmer, maintain proper footing and balance and do not
overreach. Wear safety goggles, non-skid footwear, and rubber gloves. Hold the tool with
both hands with the cutting blades directed away from you. Always use the hedge trimmer
properly.
•
Do not trim too much at once. This can cause the blades to bind and slow, reducing the
cutting efficiency.
•
Do not force the hedge trimmer through heavy shrubbery. This can cause the blades to bind
and slow down. If the blades slow down, reduce the pace of your work.
•
When trimming new growth, use a wide sweeping action, so that the stems are fed directly
into the cutting blade. Older growth will have thicker stems and will be trimmed most easily
by using a sawing movement.
•
Always cut stems or twigs that are less than 3/4 in (19 mm) thick. Use a non-powered hand
saw or pruning saw to trim large stems.
Top Cutting (Fig . 7)
Use a wide sweeping motion. A slight
downward tilt of the cutting blades in the
direction of motion gives the best cutting
results. If desired, you can use a string to
help guide you as you cut your hedge level.
Decide how high you want the hedge to be.
Then, stretch a piece of string along the hedge
at this height. Trim the hedge just above this
guideline.
Side Cutting (Fig . 8)
When trimming the sides of the hedge, begin at the bottom and cut upwards. Trim the side
of a hedge so that it will be slightly narrower at the top. This shape will expose more of the
hedge, resulting in a more uniform growth.
Fig. 8
Fig. 7
