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can hedge trimmers cut tree branches

by Cassie Wilderman Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Even the heavy-duty hedge trimmers with wider grooves don't have the horsepower to cut through tree branches. Fact is, hedge trimmers can't do the job of more suitable trimming tools like pruning shears or loppers. For the best results, use one of these three essential tools for trimming trees.May 28, 2019

How to use a hedge trimmer?

A hedge trimmer is designed to cut tree leaves, soft twigs, branches, and the bush part of a plant. You can use a hand saw or a chainsaw to cut through the thick branches of a tree. Or, if you like, you can get a pole saw to get the best cutting experience. Pole saws come in a variety of sizes, andyou can choose one easily.

Is a Stihl hedge cutter a trimmer?

Every spring I usually dust down our Stihl hedge cutter, refuel it and fire it up to cut the hedges around our garden. It’s a superb piece of heavy duty kit – but it’s too powerful to be described as just a hedge trimmer (more on this below).

What did people do with hedge shears before hedge trimmers?

Before the invention of gas- and electric-powered hedge trimmers, people kept their shrubs neat and manicured the good old-fashioned way with a pair of manual hedge shears like these ones from Tabor Tools.

What's the best way to trim a boxwood hedge?

Whether you're growing boxwoods as a low foundation hedge or larger shrubs as a screen for backyard privacy, there are plenty of tools available that make hedge trimming much easier. Since there are so many hedge trimmers on the market, with gas-powered, corded electric, and cordless options, it can be tough knowing which ones to go for.

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How big of a branch can a hedge trimmer cut?

Hedge trimmers, whether gas, electric or battery powered, are ideal for cutting hedges and thin branches up to about 3/4 inch. Anything bigger than this could snag on the teeth of the trimmer and cause it to seize up, so it's best to use a more powerful hedge cutter or chainsaw for larger branches.

What can I cut with a hedge trimmer?

Hedge Trimmer UsesTrim and shape hedgerows, medium-to-large bushes and deep, hard-to-reach bushes.Prune perennials, grasses and ground cover.Any branches that fit between the teeth of your trimmer's blade. ... Cut down large weeds and overgrowth, but only when they are dry.

Will a hedge trimmer cut through thick branches?

In short, yes. Getting a hedge trimmer to deal with thicker branches and shrubbery is likely to make your life a lot easier, given the power they hold and how much quicker they'll be able to cut down branches than if you were do it manually, for instance.

Can I use a hedge trimmer to cut brush?

0:034:38An Alternative Use for Hedge Trimmers - Brush Hogging - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll that stuff right let's put it normal pretty common but what some of you don't know if you liveMoreAll that stuff right let's put it normal pretty common but what some of you don't know if you live in a more rural area especially. Is you could also use a hedge trimmer for brush hogs.

How do you trim trees with hedge trimmers?

0:501:44How To Trim a Shrub With a Hedge Trimmer | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd in this is going to give light to the bottom of the bush over there. This winter wicks picksMoreAnd in this is going to give light to the bottom of the bush over there. This winter wicks picks from Home Depot I'm trimming the Bush richer hedge trimmer.

What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter?

Hedge Trimmers Vs Hedge Cutters Basically, the clue is in their names; while they both essentially cut hedges, one is for light work (trimming) while the other handles heavy-duty work (cutting). For the most part, you'll only need a hedge trimmer. These are used to shape the hedges and keep them under control.

How do you cut thick branches?

0:342:24How to Cut a Tree Branch Properly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMaking the right cut to a tree branch or thick limb involves a three cut approach the first cut isMoreMaking the right cut to a tree branch or thick limb involves a three cut approach the first cut is made one or two feet out from the trunk. This cut starts on the underside of the limb.

How thick can Stihl hedge trimmer cut?

If you do need something for bigger hedges though, the STIHL HSA 45 is an extremely light cordless hedge trimmer. It has a built-in battery so it's very easy to use, and is perfectly suited to trimming back annual growth around 8mm thick.

How thick should a hedge trimmer be?

1:264:32Best Hedge Trimmers For Thick Branches: Our Top Picks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReach design that allows you to trim longer hedges the rear handle also rotates at 180 degreesMoreReach design that allows you to trim longer hedges the rear handle also rotates at 180 degrees facilitating ideal hand positioning. Whether you're trimming vertically or horizontally. The black decker

Should I get a hedge trimmer or chainsaw?

A chainsaw is better suited for cutting thick surfaces like tree trunks and thick branches, or even whole trees. A thicker tree branch will take longer as it eats through the material. A hedge trimmer is best suited to chop and prune small thin branches and trim leafy hedges.

How do you cut a thick brush?

5 Tools for Clearing Brush by HandAxes and Hatchets. A good, sharp ax and a smaller hatchet allow you to hack your way through thick brush and shrubs. ... Chainsaw. For bigger trees or large clusters of them, a chainsaw is far more efficient than an ax. ... Brush Grubber. ... Spade. ... Pruning Tools. ... Rotary Cutter. ... Root Grapple. ... Clearing.More items...•

Can a hedge trimmer cut bamboo?

If you are creating a small hedge or maintaining a ground cover bamboo, a hedge trimmer is helpful. A ladder is usually not needed – even a 25 foot tall cane is easy to grab and bend down to trim.

Can hedge trimmer be used to cut grass?

Here are a few advantages that a hedge trimmer has over those other options when it comes to cutting grass. It's motorized so you can cut long grass much more quickly and effectively. A level cut is easier to achieve with a hedge trimmer than with alternatives when cutting long grass.

Should I get a hedge trimmer or chainsaw?

A chainsaw is better suited for cutting thick surfaces like tree trunks and thick branches, or even whole trees. A thicker tree branch will take longer as it eats through the material. A hedge trimmer is best suited to chop and prune small thin branches and trim leafy hedges.

Can hedge trimmers cut blackberry bushes?

STIHL Hedge Trimmers These powerful trimmers pack a punch that can easily tackle tough blackberries and are versatile and light-weight to spruce up your garden.

Can a hedge trimmer cut bamboo?

If you are creating a small hedge or maintaining a ground cover bamboo, a hedge trimmer is helpful. A ladder is usually not needed – even a 25 foot tall cane is easy to grab and bend down to trim.

What is the difference between a hedge cutter and trimmer?

A hedge trimmer is a smaller and more precise tool than a hedge cutter. Hedge trimmers are used to trim small areas and to create intricate shapes, while hedge cutters are used to cut through thicker growth and to create large, flat surfaces.

Can I use string trimmer for bushes?

A string trimmer can be an effective tool for trimming bushes, but it is important to use the right settings and techniques to avoid damaging the plants. For best results, use a trimmer with a guard or shield to protect the plants from the spinning line, and be careful not to cut into the bark of the bushes.

Can you use hedge trimmer on shrubs?

Yes, you can use a hedge trimmer on shrubs—just be careful not to damage the shrub.

How do you protect trees from string trimmers?

If you need to protect trees from string trimmers, you can use a variety of methods, including:

What is the way to mow tall grass?

The best way to mow tall grass is to use a push mower or a riding mower.

How tall is too tall to cut grass?

Generally speaking, however, most people would find it difficult to cut grass if they were taller than about 6 feet (1.8 meters).

How short should you cut long grass?

The length you are cutting it from, and the look you are going for. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should cut long grass down to 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm).

Tree branch pruning: Which tools can you use?

From the burly branches of an oak tree to the skinny limbs of a dogwood, tree branches come in all sorts of sizes. That means there are a variety of tools to look to when it’s time to prune.

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How big a branch can a hedge trimmer cut?

Hedge trimmers cannot cut branches that are more than ¾” (2.54 cm) in diameter. Theoretically, hedge trimmers can cut some branches, but the further down you cut, the thicker the branches will become. At this point you should use garden or pruning shears, loppers, a pruning saw, or a chainsaw.

What can a hedge trimmer cut?

Trim and shape hedgerows, medium-to-large bushes and deep, hard-to-reach bushes.

Can you cut thick branches with hedge trimmer?

The hedge trimmers for thick branches are usually powerful, resulting in high-end performance. You will easily be able to take great care of your lawn with the hedge trimmer. These units make cutting through hard-to-reach areas more accessible.

Can I use a chainsaw as a hedge trimmer?

You can use a chainsaw to trim a hedge and it will make quickly cut through shrubs and hedge plants. However a chainsaw is not as precise as using hedge trimmers or shears and should be saved for tough trimming jobs or working with trees.

Can you use a pole saw to cut down a tree?

Pole saws are great for trimming tree limbs and branches that are hard to reach. So instead of using a ladder, getting a good pole saw is a better idea. Just like the chainsaw, pole saws come in different types – manual, electric, and gas-powered pole saws. A gas-powered pole saw is like a chainsaw with an extension.

Will a hedge trimmer cut weeds?

Although, theoretically, a hedge trimmer could cut any weeds, using it to cut small weeds in a lawn or garden would be extremely inefficient. If, on the other hand, you want to clear brush or remove weeds from hedges, then a hedge trimmer can be a useful tool that will trim down the foliage you don't need.

How big of a limb can I cut with a pole saw?

Pole saws are intended for use on limbs up to a couple of inches thick. The thicker the wood, the more dangerous, and the slower and more tiring it will be to cut.Sep 7, 2021

Will a Hedge Trimmer Cut Briars?

By all means,some people think using a hedge trimmer to cut briars is overblowing because they can be easily cut with a machete and large blades. However, using a hedge trimmer has some benefits and if you’re comfortable with this machine, go for it. Nothing gives the smooth cutting experience like this does.

What is a hedge trimmer?

A good hedge trimmer can be used to cut a variety of plants. It’s important to use them only for the work they were designed to do and avoid using as a universal tree maintenance machine. Let’s see how they can be useful;

Can hedge trimmers cut through trees?

Hedge trimmers, depending on the size, can be quite powerful that it may seem like they can cut through thick tree branches with ease. The misconception comes mainly from their large size. They kinda look like chainsaws, and it’s not strange to think of these two as the same, at least for someone who isn’t clear about them.

Can you use a hedge trimmer to cut branches?

Can you use a hedge trimmer to cut branches? Yes, you can, but that’s not what the machine was designed for. The blades of the trimmer aren’t strong enough to cut through hard wood branches. You’ll end up with uneven cuts on the branches, and your trimmer is likely to get damaged. You don’t want that to happen, right?

Hedge Trimmer Cut Capacity

The average hedge trimmer has a cutting capacity of ¾ inches. This means it will cut a branch of ¾ inch, with some effort. There are two main conditions that affect the trimmer cut capacity.

What Can a Hedge Trimmer Cut?

People can use hedge trimmers to cut many other things besides hedges. Everyone needs a versatile tool to maintain a spectacularly landscaped yard. Hedge trimmers are most often used to trim overgrown foliage. So let me address some of the common questions I receive from our readers.

Are Hedge Trimmers Safe?

Hedge trimmers are as safe as the operator using them, and a careless operator can lead to accidents or injury. Protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses are crucial when operating a hedge trimmer.

How much does a Worx hedge trimmer weigh?

Even with the battery attached, the tool weighs just 5.5 pounds.

How many square feet can a cordless hedge trimmer tackle?

The cordless hedge trimmer comes with a 20-volt lithium-ion battery that can tackle up to 3,000 square feet on a single charge.

How big of a branch can a hedge trimmer cut?

You'll also want to take note of the branch diameter that each hedge trimmer is designed to cut through. "The most powerful hedge trimmers can only cut 1 1/2-inch limbs," says Marmaduke. But don't choose a hedge trimmer solely based on what you think it looks like it can handle: "The spacing of the trimmer's teeth is not indicative of the size of the branch that can be cut, so it's important to not just buy a trimmer because it appears to have cutting teeth spaced the size of the branch you intend to cut," he adds.

Why trim boxwoods?

Trimming your hedges is an essential part of maintaining a tidy-looking yard. Whether you're growing boxwoods as a low foundation hedge or larger shrubs as a screen for providing backyard privacy, there are plenty of tools available that make hedge trimming much easier.

How long should a hedge trimmer be?

The length of the blade you need (many are between 18 and 22 inches) depends on the size of your hedges and shrubs. "Keep in mind that if you have deep shrubs, extra length means trimming at more comfortable angles," says Marmaduke.

What is the blade size of a Troy Bilt hedge trimmer?

This gas-powered hedge trimmer from Troy-Bilt has a 22-inch blade with a cutting capacity of 7/16 of an inch, but it really stands out because of its unique pole design. " [It has an] articulating head that can be adjusted to trim things at chest level or far above your head, all while staying ergonomic and safe," says Marmaduke, who recommends this type for people with tall shrubs and hedges. "This means that you can change the angle of the cutting blade without changing how you stand and hold the trimmer." The blade can be adjusted from 0 to 135 degrees locks into place at various angles. The pole hedge trimmer is even attachment capable, which means it works with Trimmer Plus attachments to make the tool even more versatile.

What is Poulan Pro?

Poulan Pro's gas-powered hedge trimmer has a powerful two-cycle engine and a 22-inch dual-sided blade that can cut through thicker branches (up to 1 inch in diameter). This hedge trimmer has a rotating handle that makes it comfortable to hold and easy to control at various angles.

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