May 15th, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Spring is here at summer is fast approaching this means more days spent in the garden enjoying some fresh air under the sunshine! Summer and spring also mean flowers, grass and hedges all being to flourish seeing an increase in growth – so if you have noticed your hedges getting a little unruly with the increase in the sunshine it may be time for a trim. The best way to do this is of course with hedge trimmers, electric hedge trimmers making taming wild and unruly bushes a breeze, though we understand that if it is not something you are familiar with it can be quite intimidating. In this blog, we will go over some safety tips for you to follow to hopefully instil a little more confidence to get those hedges back under control!           

Choose the Right Model

If you have yet to buy a hedge trimmer then it is important when choosing a model to opt for one that is suitable for you – expensive, feature-packed models can be enticing however if you struggle to use them not only can it be a waste of money you risk but yourself in danger. So, before making your purchase here are a few things to consider. How much weight you can comfortably hold? Trimming the hedges can be quite a lengthy chore and it will only become harder if you are struggling to hold the weight of your hedge trimmer. What size blades do you need? If you only have small hedges then handheld compact models will offer better precision than larger blades. Is a cordless model more suitable – for example, those with larger gardens will benefit from cordless models as they will not be restricted by wires. These are just a few things to think about, so before committing to a purchase why not take some time to list out what you need?

Always Read the Manufacturer's Instructions.

First and foremost, familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions. This one may seem obvious if this is something you always do, but for many people, this isn’t always the case, in fact, I’m guilty myself of simply learning as I go on more than one occasion. However, when it comes to machinery that has some impressively sharp blades it should definitely be a priority to get familiar with the operating instructions.

The manual will usually include all kinds of important information such as the voltage required, and what kind of fuel to use (if applicable) and you will also find vital information such as where to locate any emergency stop buttons and how to set up your trimmer for the first time, after all, you don’t want any vital parts falling off halfway through the job! these will often include information on any emergency stop functions and help you to ensure you have set your trimmer upright for the first use.  If you have purchased your unit second-hand and there are no instructions included these can usually be found on the manufacturer’s websites or alternatively, you may be able to find tutorials on YouTube.

Safety Gear is Important

It may be tempting to simply crack on with the job without wearing the correct protective gear, however, it is recommended for a reason and it’s much better to be safe than sorry. So be sure to invest in some protective gear such as work gloves, they will protect your hand from debris while also making it easier to keep a secure grip on your hedge trimmer. While it may seem, excessive protective googles are also encouraged, after the blades move incredibly fast so it is quite normal to give debris, leaves and twigs flying around during the process which will not only be painful if it was to get in your eyes, but we can’t say we encourage using blades with your eyes closed either! We also recommend wearing clothes that will cover your arms and legs to protect you from falling debris it is also recommended to wear closed-toe sturdy shoes to give you better footing as well protecting your feet from any falling debris.

Avoid Loose Clothing or Jewellery 

Another obvious but easily overlooked tip to keep in mind is to ensure that the clothes you are wearing are not too loose, this is to prevent things such as shirt sleeves, jackets are trousers from becoming caught in the blades, it also goes without saying that any jewellery that may become stuck on the blades should be removed.

Protect You Ears

Although many power tools are much quieter now than their predecessors it is still highly encouraged to wear ear protection when using any power tool, including hedge trimmers. The loud noise of a hedge trimmer can cause short-term or long-term damage to your hearing – even with more modern trimmers that run quitter, if they are going to be used for extended periods of time it is better to err on the side of caution than to take a gamble with your wellbeing.

There are a couple of options for protecting your ears while using your hedge trimmer, earplugs are the most common type of hearing protection this is due to their low cost and that more often than not most people find them more comfortable – these kinds of earplugs can be easily found in the travel section of most supermarket or pharmacies. Earplugs come in different sizes so they can fit comfortably in any sized ear canal but make sure yours fit comfortably and will not fall out while using the. If you plan on using them more frequently then you can pay extra to invest in custom-moulded earplugs that fit perfectly into your specific ear shape so there aren't any gaps between them and the wall of your outer ear canal while more expensive these earplugs offer better protection against high decibel levels (upwards from 90 dB). Earmuffs are another common option for keeping out loud noises while working with power tools like hedge trimmers; these sit over both ears similar to headphones and block out sound while remaining breathable.

Keep Your Work Area Clear.

Before you begin trimming down your hedges, be sure to clear the route you will use, and remove any obstacles such as garden furniture, tools or decoration.  Not only will this remove any tripping hazard but it will save you from having to stop and start to clear your way as you go. Keep all children and pets away from the area too so that you do not become distracted or they do not get in the way while working. Finally, while trimming your hedges and using any power tool, take frequent breaks, pushing on when you become too tired can result in accidents that could otherwise be easily avoided.

We hope the tips covered in this guide will be of some help to you when getting started on your journey using a hedge trimmer for the first time. The most important thing to remember especially while you are still getting used to operating your hedge trimmer is to take things slowly and to be careful. Don’t rush and take breaks when you feel like you need them.