Best Hedge Trimmers

 Gas powered trimmers are certainly the strongest,
Electric hedge trimmers are probably the mostcutting branches up to ¾-inch in diameter. They are
popular. They can cut branches up to ½-inch inportable, but the most expensive of the powered
diameter. They're light, least expensive, and quiet.trimmers. However, they pollute, give off fumes and
Plus, they don't pollute like a gas-powered trimmers.are heavy. Gas powered models are best for large
On the downside, the electric hedge trimmers requireyards or professional use.
a power cord that can be awkward to maneuverOther features to look for in your trimmer include
while you trim. This also limits your range of trimmingsafety switches. Many models require both hands to
to within a certain distance to a power outlet.be on the trimmer before it will run. This greatly
Battery powered hedge trimmers eliminate the needreduces the chance of cutting a finger. Some have
for a power cord, so are more portable. However,lock-on and lock-off switches that don't require you
they aren't as strong as the gas or electric trimmersto have both hands on the trimmer to operate.
and generally last about 45 minutes before you needAlthough, more convenient, they are more
to recharge the battery or replace it. These are bestdangerous.
for small trimming jobs.The best trimmers will have two, double-sided,
Charlie Nardozzi has worked for more than 20 yearsdual-action blades that pass by each other making for
bringing expert gardening information to homea cleaner, easier cut. The blade lengths range from 13
gardeners through radio, television, and the printedto 30 inches long. For homeowners blade lengths are
page. He delights in making gardening informationbetween 16 and 24 inches long for the best balance
simple, easy, fun and accessible to everyone. Hisand weight. However, longer blades allow you to cut
energy, exuberance, and love of the natural worldwider hedges in one pass. Good quality trimmers will
also make Charlie an exciting public speaker andhave blades that stop quickly after letting go of the
presenter. He presently is the senior horticulturist andhandle as a way to avoid injury. Gas powered
spokesperson for the National Gardening Associationtrimmer blades should stop while the engine idles and
(NGA). He also writes the national news for thehave vibration controls to minimize hand and arm
Regional Reports Newsletter, conducts mediafatigue. Some gas power models also have safety
interviews about gardening and NGA providesshields to protect the user from flying debris.
horticultural consultation to NGA programs and writesFor tall shrubs consider a pole trimmer. These gas or
a free Edible Landscaping e-newsletter. In 2005, heelectric powered trimmers are safer than standing on
was the host of PBS's Garden Smart, reaching morea ladder and trying to trim with a traditional model.
than 60 million households. He has also been aPole trimmers that are dedicated to just trimming are
gardening expert on many national syndicatedbetter than string trimmers with a pole pruning
television shows such as HGTV's Today at Home andattachments.
Way to Grow, Discovery Channel's Home Matters,When buying a trimmer, check for good balance and
DIY's Ask DIY, as well as appearing on QVC and thecomfortable grips. Although most trimmers weigh less
Home Shopping Network. At his home in Vermont, hethan twelve pounds, they can be tiring to use over
co-hosts In The Garden tips on the local CBS affiliatetime if the handles are awkward and the unit
television station (WCAX-Channel 3), a weekly, call-inimbalanced. As with any power tool, wear protective
radio show on WJOY-1230AM and is a commentatorgoggles, gloves, sturdy shoes, and ear protection (for
at Vermont Public Radio.gas powered models).