At Millers, we have extensive knowledge in the area of Garden and Forest Machinery. We stock a range of powered hedge trimmers and safety equipment to ensure that you have everything you need to get the job done. Follow our quick tips below to ensure that you achieve great garden hedging this year.

Safety first

Our experience has thought us that, safety should always be your first thought. Always use recommended protective clothing such as visors, goggles and protective footwear. Each tool that you use will also have additional safety instructions when using a powered hedge trimmer.

Each hedging variety differs

New hedges should be pruned from an early stage to establish a shape and prevent leggy, unhealthy growth. The amount you prune back, and the frequency of your cut will depend on the type of hedge. Once the hedge is established, regular maintenance will ensure it keeps healthy and neat. If you’re experienced you can cut a hedge by eye, but it can be a good idea to set your lines with lengths of string taut between canes.

Keep the Trimmer Sharp

Sounds fairly obvious but keep the trimmer blades sharp before and during the job. If you only use the machinery very sporadically, it could be time to get them sharpened. If cut branch tips appear ragged or the blade is regularly snagging on the hedging, the blades are probably blunt and tearing rather than slicing material. Drop your trimmer in to our workshop for a quick sharpening service.

Keep the Machinery Clean and Oiled

A blade that is not clean is not in efficient working order. As a hedge is trimmed, sap builds up on the blades, setting hard like glue. At this stage, you should aim to regularly clean your tools with an adequate cleaning solution. We stock a range of appropriate cleaning products to help you with proper maintenance.

Follow a Process and use the Angles

Cut the vertical sides of the hedge first, using an upward and downward sweeping motion and moving forwards along the hedge as you work. Following a process like this will ensure that you have consistency along the hedge. When trimming the top of a hedge, angle the blades at around 10° to the horizontal and use a horizontal scything motion to sweep cut material off the hedge.

Getting the Hedges in Shape

To create topiary shapes, it’s best to choose densely growing, typically evergreen species such as box or yew. Thick branches, branching into finer and finer twigs form the main lines of the finished shape. To train the branches in the right direction, fasten the flexible twigs with wire. Common geometric shapes such as cubes, cones, spirals, arches and even artistic shapes can be achieved if maintained and professionally cut.

Always remember, it is important not to cut too early in the year so as to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

We operate a machinery servicing and maintenance service in our dedicated workshop. Give our team a call or drop by the store to talk to our friendly team.