Both hedge cutters and trimmers should be known to well-rounded gardeners. You'll be employing one of those gadgets to maintain any hedge-like plants in your area under control and well-kept. But many individuals aren't aware of the differences between the two.
The majority of people—including many gardeners—believe that hedge trimmers and cutters are interchangeable. Although they may appear to be capable of performing comparable jobs, trimmers and cutters each have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to preserving the desired appearance of your hedges.
This type of information is useful whether you already have a green thumb or are just starting gardening. If you didn't know there was a distinction between hedge cutters and trimmers and want to learn more about it, you've come to the right place.
What Exactly Is A Hedge?
Hedges can be used for a variety of purposes, including plant art, as perfectly coiffed sentries marking a path, and as a type of plant fence. Hedges are an excellent way to define the boundaries of your space without ruining the ambiance of your garden with an unsightly wooden fence. Not to mention that hedges keep small animals out of your prized plot.
Hedge Trimmers and Cutters of Various Types
While hedge cutters and trimmers are two distinct tools, they do share some characteristics. Both cutters and trimmers can be powered by a variety of sources. The following are detailed descriptions of the three most common:
- Electric - These trimmers and cutters are a terrific method to reduce the stress on the hand that is holding the shears. Compared to going manual, you will have to do a lot less labor, but they can typically only cut through quarter- to half-inch thick hedges.
While their reduced weight makes them easier to use than gas cutters, it also means that they are less concerned with adding safety safeguards.
- Gas-powered cutters and trimmers are far more powerful than their electric-powered counterparts. Most gas-powered cutters can cut through three-quarter-inch thick hedges and sometimes even full-inch thick branches.
They also have more strokes per minute and much better blade gaps, allowing you to complete the job faster and more efficiently. Gas-powered cutters are usually the best bet if you have a large amount of work to do on a large property.
While they are heavier and more powerful than electric cutters, making them slightly more dangerous, they frequently include a tip guard. The tip guard prevents the saw's tip from coming into contact with any body parts, greatly reducing the risk of injury. - Although cordless (battery-powered) hedge cutters and trimmers are probably the safest kinds generally, they're typically not all that much safer than using a manual hedge cutter or trimmer.
These are frequently the more affordable choice, and you also have the extra benefit of avoiding all the wiring required by the other two options. Simply put, they take longer to do the task, and they want full payment before beginning any substantial work.
What Is the Distinction Between a Hedge Trimmer and a Hedge Cutter?
While the tools appear similar and serve similar functions, the functions are sufficiently different that using the wrong one for the wrong task can result in a variety of problems ranging from tool damage to hedge damage.
Hedge Trimmers
This tool does exactly what its name implies: it trims your hedges. Newer baby hedges that have recently been planted and are still in the process of forming do not require much attention. Light pruning with shears or Hedge Trimming is acceptable on occasion.
Depending on the desired look, you can start using the hedge trimmers more liberally once the hedges have become more pronounced. Your hedges will remain neat, compact, and dense with the help of the trimmer.
Trimmers are more frequently employed for light branch and bush work. You'll use your hedge trimmer more frequently to perfect your hedges the more elaborate the effect you're going for. Tree Removal Ottawa provides the right instruments for the task here, whether you want a more complex appearance or just a simple pruned boxed hedge effect.
If you have more casual hedges, a good trim once a year is ideal. If your hedges are more formal and you take pride in them, you'll want them to be nice and evened out. These should be trimmed at least twice a year.
Hedge Cutters
When it comes to your hedges, cutters take care of the heavier work, while trimmers tackle the lighter, more delicate tasks. These must manage a much larger and typically thicker burden, thus they are much more durable.
Before the plants have finished their formation, avoid using cutters on hedges or bushes. While cutters can more easily be used on hedges that are already established, they should nevertheless only be utilized for significant work.
Finishing touches should not be done with cutters. They are more effective at cutting through thicker hedges and breaking down larger branches. Hedge cutters typically have larger blades, making them ideal for large jobs requiring chopping and cutting rather than shaping.
Hedges are typically cut on an annual basis, but it depends on the type of hedge. Conifer, evergreen, hornbeam, and beech all have their quirks that must be considered when cutting and trimming.
To Conclude
Hedge cutters and hedge trimmers are not the same things, despite having many similarities. The task will take an eternity if you try to use trimmers for tasks that call for cutters, or your trimmers may break on the larger branches.
You risk destroying the shape and/or appearance of your lovely hedge or shrub if you attempt to use cutters to complete a task that calls for trimmers.
Both of these tools should be in your toolbox to manage your hedges. Cutters remove any large, difficult branches or clumps from your bushes, and trimmers give your hedges the last touches you want for a properly manicured appearance.
