Have you just got an electric trimmer but are feeling a bit confused about how to use it properly? Well, it’s natural for you to feel overwhelmed as there are some safety concerns too!
But it’s also true that getting an electric trimmer is the best way to keep your landscape well-maintained. If your neighbors aren’t jealous of your lawn, life will become dull in no time!
Don’t worry; I’ve got your back! Here I’ll share all the tips and tricks on how to trim bushes with an electric trimmer. By the time you finish reading, even Martha Stewart will be pleased when she sees lawn bushes!
So without wasting much time, let’s dive in!
Shaping the Bushes with an Electric Trimmer – The Ultimate Guide
The electric trimmers are one of the most popular tools among homeowners. It is easy to use, doesn’t need any hectic maintenance, and is available within an affordable price range. So you can see, this machine is invented to make your life breezier than ever.
However, you can buy some trimmers at a super cheap price point but you shouldn’t get them to ensure better safety. You can’t say what type of service you will get from a low-end product.
So it is better to buy a high-quality tool with a little bulky check. After all, you only live once, don’t you?
On top of everything, these electric trimmers come in a compact size. Hence, even if you don’t have any experience, you can use it for maintaining a small to mid-size lawn without any trouble.
How to Trim Bushes with an Electric Trimmer – Some Pro Tips
Now it is time for me to tell you about how to shape the bushes with an electric trimmer. Don’t worry; it is not a hectic task. Thus, with some practice, you will become an expert in no time!
Shaping Into Straight Lines
If you are new at this, eyeballing a straight line while cutting will be complicated for you. Even professionals face some difficulties while maintaining accuracy!
So, to achieve perfection here is a trick you can use.
All you have to do is to place two stakes or canes on either side of the bushes. Then, tie the strings to form a stretched tight line. After that, the canes will act as a vertical guide and you can cut the hedges more accurately than ever!
Tapered Shape
When you see tapered-shaped bushes or hedges, you instantly begin to feel fancy. To be honest, you are not alone!
If you want your landscape to look like that, you should start from the top and gradually make your way down to the bottom. Just remember that the top will be a little thinner than the bottom to get evenly distributed sunlight.
Regular Shaping
If you trim the bushes regularly, your yard will look sleek and welcoming. Or else, your house will look like the dragon’s keep, and you don’t want that!
For your regular trimming session, you can use cardboard to guide your electric trimmer. If you want a rounded shape, start about 3-inch from the top and move the trimmer away from your bode to create a carve.
When you are done with one side, you have to move to the other side and use the same motion. This isn’t a time-consuming process so you can easily do it once in a while.
Safety Tips for Using an Electric Trimmer
The only drawback of an electric trimmer is that it isn’t the safest tool out there. But you can easily avoid hazards if you follow some regular safety tips to ensure better protection.
Here is a quick guide for you that will help you to prevent accidents during your bush-trimming sessions.
Check the Weather
As you are using an electric trimmer, you must check the weather before you turn on the machine. Even there is a minimum chance of raining, you shouldn’t think about shaping the hedges at that moment.
However, if you are planning to get electrocuted and become a superhero, you can do whatever you want. But there is a 100% chance that you will end up being dead, so keep that in mind!
Wear Proper Outfit
You should always wear properly fitted clothes while trimming. Otherwise, your clothes can get caught to your clothes! Moreover, you should put on some sturdy footwear to secure your feet’ position, which will allow you to have stability while working.
Another important thing is that you can wear is protective goggles. It will shield your eyes from the pieces of sharp branches and leaves. So, while working on your lawn, you should dress to impress!
Keep the Area Clean
If there is anything between you and the bushes, you need to remove it right away. It will allow you to have easy access to all the branches and you can finish your task effortlessly.
How Do You Maintain Your Electric Trimmer?
When you are done with cutting, it is time for you to clean your electric trimmer. Otherwise, you will not get an optimal service from it.
First of all, place the trimmer in a flat service and clean the debris and dirt from the blade. After that, follow the instruction manual that came with the machine and clean the parts according to that.
In this way, you can increase the longevity of the machine and get a better value for the money.
What is the Best Time for Trimming Bushes?
You shouldn’t trim the hedges and bushes in the early spring as the birds are nesting at that time of the year. For the best experience, you should perform trimming in the late spring or the summer.
And if you want to manage a weekly maintenance routine, you can trim the leaves and branches in the morning or afternoon. If you cut the branches in the heat of the day, the sensitive parts will get damaged in harsh sunlight. And that’s not a good thing at all!
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, you have learned how to trim bushes with an electric trimmer. Well, my instruction was to the point and I included all the tips to make your experience effortless, that’s all you need!
To be honest, trimming hedges and bushes is easier than you think when you are using an electric trimmer. And after a while, you will start to love this chore, trust me!