15 Actionable Hedge Trimming Safety Tips That Will Protect You From Danger

A hedge trimmer of superior quality is long-lasting, solid, and smooth, giving the impression that strenuous labour is nearly effortless. It is essential, however, for an operator to maintain a state of vigilance about safety and to avoid allowing themselves to be lulled into a false sense of comfort. Even while many of the hedge trimmers available today are engineered to be safer than they have ever been, there is not much that can be done to prevent reckless operation.

Do you agree that power tools are fantastic? We will be able to accomplish a lot more in a shorter amount of time. In addition to this, they eliminate the strenuous work involved in gardening, which frees up more time for us to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Hedge clippers are just one example of these kinds of instruments, and they are exceptionally efficient. If you can picture yourself performing the identical task with hand shears, you'll get an idea of how beneficial they are.

The effects, on the other hand, can be hazardous or even lethal if they are not handled with the necessary attention and care.

There have been reports of people being electrocuted and suffering severe lacerations, some of which have led to their deaths.

Have a look at our advice regarding the safe use of hedge trimmers to find out how to lessen the likelihood that you or a member of your family will sustain an injury.

Preparation

Always make sure to perform a thorough inspection of the working environment before beginning any project.

Here’s an idea of what to look out for:

To begin, remove any obstructions that may be in the area.

Such things as hoses, toys, garbage, and plant pots are included. The majority of garden accidents that are reported each year are caused by people tripping over pots that they failed to notice were there.

Children

Make sure that any children are kept well out of the way. Even though they might want to assist you, it is in your best interest to prevent them from getting within roughly 40 feet of you (preferably, you should make sure that everyone, not just children, remains out of the way). Under no circumstances should parents ever permit their children to use the device.

Check bushes for hidden hazards

Old fence posts can cause the tool to become damaged, which may result in you dropping it or losing your balance. In addition to this, you need to look for bird nests. It is a violation of the law to bother or damage them, but it can be dangerous if one of the parents becomes startled and flies out of the hedge. In addition to this, you should remove any dirt, branches, or twigs that become caught on the blades.

Keep pets out of the way

When you are sweeping a razor-sharp blade about, the last point you need is an inquisitive dog to trip you, knock you down, or distract you while you are doing it.

Never Operate A Hedge Trimmer Under The Influence!

It should go without saying, but consuming alcohol and then deciding to prune the bushes and shrubs is not the wisest course of action. To be aware of any potential dangers, you need to have a reasonable level of physical fitness and health, in addition to a level head and a bright intellect.

Electric Hedge Trimmers

When utilising these, there is a greater possibility of receiving an electric shock. Nonetheless, you may expect double insulation from any reputable manufacturer. To lessen the likelihood of receiving an electric shock, you should also check to see if your house has a built-in circuit breaker and an RCD (residual current device).

During the time that you are working, make sure that the wire is kept far behind you over your shoulder. This will prevent you from accidentally cutting through it.

It's possible that your hedge trimmer will also need an extension lead. Before turning on the machine, check to see that it has been completely unwound, and keep it at least a safe distance away from any body of water, including ponds and pools.

Read the Owner’s Manual

This is a safety measure that is frequently skipped when working on most outside tasks. If you operate your hedge trimmer without first reading and comprehending the owner's manual, you risk making errors that could endanger you and cost you money. Ensuring that it is used correctly can also help to lengthen the lifetime of your hedge trimmer. It is to your greatest advantage to read the manual, even though doing so could feel like a burden or take up much of your time.

Safety Equipment

It is easy to be tempted to disobey recommendations on the use of protective clothing. Because, after all, we're just going to be gardening; what could possibly go wrong? And for those who were alive in the 1970s, when health and safety were not yet a concern, very few individuals ever wore anything even somewhat similar, and they managed just fine. At the very least, it is what we would like to believe! Our experienced team is equipped for any removal job, big or small.

However, it is a fact that accidents have occurred in the past and continue to occur now. It is prudent to protect oneself from potential harm by taking the required safeguards. Why should one take the chance when there are so many ways to protect themselves from getting hurt?

The following is a list of things that you ought to think about:

Protective Gloves

Even though you have probably heard that you should never put on gloves when working with power tools, this rule does not apply to using a hedge trimmer. An angle grinder or anything else that rotates, as there is a genuine possibility that a glove could become stuck in the mechanism; however, instruments having two operating handles, such as hedge trimmers and chainsaws, are highly recommended.

Always choose heavy-duty ones, but double-check to make sure they fit properly. Wearing gloves that are too large will be a nuisance and will prevent you from gripping the hedge trimmer in a secure manner.

It is imperative that you wear them not only when you are operating the machine but also when you are checking the blades so that you do not accidentally cut yourself.

When you are working, they will also cover you from cuts and scratches that could be caused by twigs.

Safety Goggles

When operating a hedge trimmer, many individuals do not believe that protective goggles are necessary. Moreover, the reciprocating blades are sharp and have the potential to propel a flying twig directly to your face at a fast rate of speed.

Is it really worth putting on a set of goggles if it means you could lose your sight in the process?

Again, a nice pair can be purchased somewhere in the region of ten pounds, which is an excellent investment in your health and well-being.

It is also advisable to wear sturdy shoes rather than sandals or flip-flops and to avoid wearing loose, baggy clothing that could potentially get caught on branches or in the blades of the mower.

It would be best if you made the most of any and all opportunities to protect yourself because they are provided to your advantage.

Inspect Your Hedge Trimmer

It's possible that you may avoid harm by performing a quick check before and after you use your hedge trimmer. Check that the blades are nice and sharp before continuing. When the blades on your hedge trimmer become dull, they will lose their ability to cut through branches efficiently. If you find yourself sawing or hacking through your branches with your hedge trimmer, you might consider replacing or sharpening the blades on your hedge trimmer.

Check to see if any of the parts of your hedge trimmer are broken or damaged. If you locate any broken or damaged parts, you should refrain from using your hedge trimmer until you can replace them. This is exactly the situation in which it would be helpful to have read the owner's manual! Find the phone number to call to place an order for replacement components by consulting the owner's manual. In addition to this, you will want to make sure that the cord is in good functioning condition and that it is not frayed or broken in any way.

Take a Good Look

It is essential to be aware of your surroundings before using your hedge trimmer, so make sure you do so now. It is necessary to remove any large or loose debris that may be reached by hand. This includes limbs, sticks, rocks, hoses, and gutters, among other things. Keep an eye out for anything that could cause your hedge trimmer to ricochet back toward you while you are working so that you can avoid getting cut. Maintaining a tidy work area allows you to concentrate more clearly on the hedge that needs to be trimmed. A clutter-free working environment does not involve the presence of any animals or children of any age. While you are operating a hedge trimmer, it is best if other people stay at least 40 feet away from you. This is because the noise from the machine can be distracting.

Safely Start the Engine

When it comes to protecting yourself and others while using a hedge trimmer, one of the most challenging aspects is likely getting the machine started. Put the hedge trimmer on the floor with the blades pointing away from you so that you may work safely. While keeping one hand firmly on the hedge trimmer to hold it in place, use the other hand to start the engine on the device. If you use this approach to activate your hedge trimmer, you can be assured that it will start without causing any unexpected backlash and that it will be safe to use. If your hedge cutter has a pull-start engine, this is a very necessary safety precaution to take. When starting the pull-start, do not wrap the thread around your hand.

Safely Using the Hedge Trimmer

When operating the hedge trimmer, it is imperative to exercise prudence and common sense. To prevent electric shock or other problems, you should minimise using the hedge trimmer while the weather is moist. After you have activated the hedge trimmer, you must ensure that it is always under your supervision. To avoid reckless accidents, you should always turn it off before moving it from one spot to another. Do not apply an excessive amount of force if you are having trouble cutting through the stiff vegetation. Keep two hands on the hedge trimmer at all times while you are working with it because it is easy for it to rebound or bounce off of thick branches. The last factor you want is for a hedge trimmer that you are using to unexpectedly get away from you while you are working with it.

Stay Focused

Maintain a heightened awareness of your surroundings at all times while you are working. Even though you should have cleaned up your workstation by now, you still need to be on the lookout for anything that could create an issue. If you have an electric hedge trimmer, for instance, you need to pay attention to the cord so that you don't get tangled up in it. It is imperative that you do not move in a sloppy or inattentive manner. It is more prudent to make deliberate strokes that are directed upward and away from the body. Because of this, it is unlikely that it will slip and cause you to sustain an injury. If you want to do the trimming task successfully, don't be afraid to take your time and work gradually.

Avoid Working In Wet Weather

It is never a smart option to use a hedge trimmer when it is tilted downward, even though the weather makes this task more difficult. Because of obvious reasons, this is of the utmost importance when working with an electric hedge trimmer.

However, even machines driven by gasoline or batteries won't function as well, so the outcomes will be disappointing. Additionally, the likelihood of slipping is increased when conditions are damp.

After the rain stops, it is possible to trim wet hedges, but it is strongly recommended that you do not use an electric hedge trimmer with a power chord for this task.

When performed on dry days, hedge pruning is both more effective and safer than when performed on wet days. Nevertheless, pay attention to the potential for slipping during and after periods of rain, and try to avoid using power equipment while the weather is moist.

Watch Your Footing

Maintain a steady footing by keeping both of your feet on the ground. If you are working on something that requires you to reach or lean, you should try to avoid being on stools or ladders as much as possible. If you need to trim further than you can reach, you should consider utilising suitable hedge-trimming accessories to expand your reach.

Your posture is crucial! To prevent yourself from overreaching, you must ensure that your feet are firmly planted on the ground and that you maintain a reasonable distance from the hedge.

Under NO circumstances should you raise the hedge trimmer over your head. If your hedges are taller than five feet, you should utilise a set of steps or a ladder that has been made expressly for use in gardens.

If you want to scale the hedge without risking your safety, using these is your best bet.

It is important to keep in mind that a conventional stepladder cannot be used since its feet will sink into the soft ground, placing you in jeopardy when you are standing halfway up the ladder.

You might think about purchasing a tripod ladder for your own protection. These have a base that is fanned out, which makes them far more secure than traditional "A-frame" ladders and enables you to function normally at greater heights.

Never walk back while using a hedge trimmer at ground level, as there is a high probability that you will fall over.

When You Are Finished

When you are not using the hedge trimmer, make sure to keep your hand off the switch so that you do not inadvertently turn it on. Even when the machine is turned off, you should keep your arms away from the blades of the hedge trimmer. If you need to check your hedge trimmer while you're working on a job, make sure you turn it off and disconnect it first to prevent it from starting by accident. When you have finished your work, you should always unplug the device. You should promptly clean and store your hedge trimmer so that it can continue to be used effectively for a long time. It is recommended that you keep your hedge trimmer up high in your workshed because it is such a strong tool. Because of this, it is not accessible to youngsters of a younger age.

Manual Hedge Trimmers

If you don't want to use a power tool to trim your hedges, you may also get hedge trimmers that you must manually operate. Even though it might appear that using a manual hedge trimmer presents a far lower risk, it is still very important to work carefully with these devices. Be careful not to cut yourself, as the blades are still razor-sharp. Watch where you point them. When trimming hedges manually, you should avoid working on high stools or ladders and instead stay on the ground. It is simple to overextend oneself and lose one's footing, both of which can lead to a fall if neither precaution is taken. Wearing your safety gloves at all times is still recommended to prevent unpleasant blisters.

Get the Timing Right

When it comes to cutting a hedge, getting the timing just right is of the utmost importance.

Trimming a hedge should be done at least once per year, if not more frequently, according to most experts. Annual pruning encourages thick growth, which gives a hedge the appearance of being in good condition and full of vitality. Additionally, it benefits the habitats of several animals.

The summer is traditionally the greatest season to trim hedges, but you should always double verify when is optimal for your specific species.

The optimum time to trim conifer hedges is throughout the summer, but you should never trim them after August because doing so can promote the growth of barren areas. Never prune conifer hedges past the point where there is green growth, as the plant will not regrow after that point.

Yew hedges can be safely trimmed up until the beginning of fall, although you should strive to get it done before October.

Hedgerows composed of cherry laurel and boxwood often require two to three trimmings per year. Beginning in the middle of the spring and ending in the fall. If you have a holly hedge, you will only need to give it one trimming in the late summer. In the late summer, hornbeams and beeches only require one trimming to look their best. Hedgerows composed of hawthorn often require two trimmings per year, once in the summer and once in the fall. To maintain their excellent appearance and dense coverage, privet hedges require significantly more frequent and extensive pruning—typically three to four cuttings per year, beginning in the spring and continuing through the fall.

Using our tree ID pages, you can determine when the individual species need pruning the most.

Use a Cutting Template

You can ensure that your hedge is even and symmetrical by tying a string between 2 canes and running it along the peak of the hedge. This will serve as a guide for you to work to as you trim the hedge.

To assist you in forming an arch at the apex of your hedge, for instance, you may carve a template out of a piece of plywood or cardboard. Put it on top of the hedge, and then follow it as you make your cuts.

If you are trimming the hedge using shears, you may maintain an even height of the top of the hedge by ensuring that the blades of the shears remain parallel to the line of the hedge as you work. The next step is to use a power trimmer to cut the hedge in a wide, sweeping motion while keeping the blade parallel to the hedge. Beginning at the base of the hedge, work your way up. When done in this manner, the leaf that you are removing from the hedge will fall away in an orderly fashion.

Make it Wider At Ground Level

It is recommended by a great number of authorities that hedges be trimmed so that they are wider at the bottom than they are at the top.

If you cut it perfectly straight, the top of the plant will receive an increased amount of light as a result. As a consequence of this, it will become more powerful, the base will become frailer, and you will ultimately be left with bare stems at the tip of the plant.

To allow light to reach the base of a formal hedge, it is best if it is somewhat tapered on both sides.

It is recommended that hedges be trimmed so that they are wider at the base than they are at the top.

Stay on the right side of the law

Before beginning any work, you must determine whether or not the hedgerow in question is protected to comply with the law.

If it is restricted, an application will be required before any kind of work may be done on it.

Care for your hedge

Conditions that are humid and lack adequate ventilation can make some hedge plants more susceptible to fungal infections. Always remove extra clippings from your hedge by brushing them away, and gather any that have fallen near the base. If at all possible, position a plastic sheet underneath the hedge so that it may collect the hedge clippings as they fall, which will make it much simpler for you to get rid of them.

Generally, feeding hedges and maintaining a consistent watering schedule results in favourable growth. In the spring, apply fertiliser, and then, after the weeds have been suppressed, mulch the area with garden compost. This will enable the soil to retain moisture and will strengthen the soil's structure.

In Conclusion

Utilising a hedge trimmer is an effective tool for creating a well-manicured hedge, bush, or shrub in your yard. Even though most of these safety guidelines are basic, it is still important to review them quickly. When working with a hedge trimmer, it is simple to become complacent and reckless and to forget that the equipment is a strong and sharp gardening implement. If you are not yet a confident gardener, ask our professionals for help.

And finally, here are a few words on the most important matters:

• Check that the hedge trimmer you have is in working order and that it is of sufficient quality. You should be able to cut at various angles with the best residential hedge trimmer since it has a swivelling handle and double-sided, reciprocating blades. This will save you time and ensure that your hands are under less pressure. Have a look at the buying guides that we have for hedge trimmers on these pages.
• Always examine your hedge for obstructions, especially bird nests, and remove any that you find. This indicates that you should inspect before pruning to ensure that you do not cause harm to nesting birds or disturb them during the nesting season, which runs from March 1st to July 31st.
• Make sure that your hedge trimmers are in good working order. Always ensure the blades are sharp and oiled, and clean them well after each usage. Blades that have been blunted are less functional and can pose a safety risk. If the device you are using is powered by gasoline, you should perform routine maintenance on it and avoid leaving the tank full of fuel for extended periods of time. If you have a trimmer that is powered by batteries, you need to make sure that the batteries are properly charged and stored in the appropriate circumstances.
• Make it a priority to do as many practical and protective items of clothing as you possibly can. Both sturdy gardening gloves and goggles are highly recommended for this activity. If a flying twig hits you in the eye, it's possible that you could lose your sight. A good pair of sturdy and practical shoes (NO open-toed sandals), well-fitted clothing (nothing too loose or flappy that could get caught up in the blades), and ear protectors are also beneficial.
• When the weather is damp, you shouldn't use your trimmer. It won't be as effective, and it can be harmful, particularly if you have a hedge trimmer that is powered by an electric cord connected to the mains.
• When you use hedge trimmers, you must ensure that you are fully aware, not fatigued, physically fit, and psychologically prepared (or any other garden equipment). Fatigue is a major risk factor, and you absolutely must avoid drinking alcohol either before using hedge clippers or while using them.
• If you are working with an electric hedge trimmer that is powered by a mains outlet, you should always have the cable draped over your shoulder and moving in front of you. Cables have been severed by too many people, including some that I know personally.
• When you are using a hedge trimmer, you should never raise it above your head. If the peak of the hedge is too high, you can either use a stable ladder or a platform system, or you can invest in an excellent long-reach hedge trimmer.
• When you are trimming a hedge, you should always go in a forward direction along it. NEVER walk backward. You are going to harm yourself if you trip or slip.