If you have hedges to maintain, you can benefit from the use of a motorized hedge clipper. This equipment makes it easy to tame overgrown hedges and maintain a beautiful border around your outdoor space. While hedge clippers are pretty simple to operate, they do come with a slight learning curve! This guide from North Georgia Equipment Sales explains how to make the best use of your hedge clipper. If you need more advice on operating a hedge clipper, we encourage you to consult our qualified team members. North Georgia Equipment Sales is your local equipment dealer serving Rock Spring and Summerville, GA.
Select the Right Model
First of all, make sure you have the right hedge clipper for your application. Just like hedges come in many different shapes and sizes, there are many different options available for hedge clippers. If your hedges are on the taller side, you should reach for a longer piece of equipment that can reach those high branches. Meanwhile, if you will be working in a tight space, a compact model is going to serve you better. You should also consider whether you would prefer a gas model for its longer running time or an electric model for easier maintenance.
Read the Operating Manual
Before using your hedge clipper for the first time, make sure to read the operating manual from cover to cover. Even if you have used a hedge clipper before, keep in mind that each model is different. The user manual will contain model-specific operating and maintenance instructions that should be followed closely to ensure optimal safety and efficiency.
Account for the Season
Your approach to hedge trimming should vary depending on the season, the amount of rainfall in your area, and whether or not you have flowering hedges. You can trim non-flowering hedges as needed to prevent weed growth and maintain the desired shape. This usually averages to about 6-8 weeks during the warmer months, and less frequently during the winter. Freshly planted hedges should be trimmed early and often to stimulate new growth.
Meanwhile, if you have flowering hedges, your trimming schedule will be determined by when the flowers blossom. Hedges that blossom in the spring can be trimmed right after blossoming, while hedges that blossom in the summer can be trimmed in the winter or spring.
Use the Right Technique
Operating a hedge clipper is fairly straightforward, but if you start trimming away at your hedges without any attention to technique, you might be disappointed with the results. Start by focusing on the “problem areas” and trimming back overgrown branches. After that, you can restore each individual bush to the desired shape. Remember to prune the base near the roots, and to clear enough foliage to allow air and sunlight to pass through your hedges.
We hope you found these instructions helpful! If you have any questions about hedge clippers, please feel free to contact North Georgia Equipment Sales. We proudly serve the region of Chattanooga, TN, at our dealerships in Rock Spring and Summerville, GA.