When it comes to trimming bushes and trees, we generally come across a few appliances, like chainsaws, shears, and hedge trimmers—all with their own benefits and drawbacks. They are made to perform different tasks, and you cannot use one for all purposes.
Are you thinking about doing some pruning in the garden? Well, you have to consider whether your hedge trimmer is suitable for cutting small branches.
Want to change the look of your backyard by shaping the bushes or hedges? The same point repeats!
Well, the straight answer is YES! In case the branches are small and thin, the trimmer is strong enough to get this job perfectly done. On the contrary, when the branches are super large and thick, the hedge trimmer blades won’t be able to cut them properly.
The manufacturers basically set this limitation, and the best way to check how much thickness the trimmer can handle is by checking the product manual.
Do not forget to read the manual, so you don’t attempt to cut thick branches with the tool. Otherwise, you’ll end up with many bents & damaged trimmer. And you don’t want that, right?
Now, let’s discuss how you can identify which specific length your tool can cut without being damaged. By the end of the blog, you will also have top-notch recommendations on cutting branches with hedge trimmer safely.
Hedge Trimmer Cut Capacity
Normally, the hedge trimmer comes with a trimming capacity of almost ¾ inches. It means that you will be able to cut the branches of ¾ inches with just a little effort.
Well, there are two major conditions that affect the cut capacity of the trimmer:
- The power of the machine to articulate trimmer blades to trim through any material.
- The gap between the teeth is also an obvious restricting factor.
How To Identify If A Hedge Trimmer Is Suitable For Branch Cutting
Selecting the suitable tool for the task is very crucial, and that goes for the hedge trimmers too. When it comes to trimming branches, a trimmer is a much better choice compared to a manual saw.
Hedge trimmers are not just efficient and fast, but they are also equipped with sharp blades. If you want to see if the trimmer is a perfect fit for all your needs, have a close look at the core points.
Moreover, the blades you choose are of great importance. Notice what type of wood would be good for the trimmer. In general, the blades should have the capacity to cut a minimum of ¾ inches.
However, if you want a larger capacity trimmer, you can search for one in the market. Also, it’s perfect to go for double-sided reciprocating blades that’ll offer a much cleaner cut & reduce tearing because both blades independently move in their direction – a big point to its versatility and ease.
By keeping all these points in mind, you will be able to identify which one goes smoothly with all your trimming requirements.
Related: How to Trim Holly Bushes With Hedge Trimmer
Can Branches Be Cut With Electric Or Petrol Hedge Trimmers?
There is a huge variety of different trimmers available out there, and each of them comes with unique capabilities and features. Due to this, it can be super challenging for you to decide which type can serve you the best.
So here, I’m going to outline the top three prominent hedge trimmer types to help you examine which is worth considering;
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Electric Hedge Trimmers:
These kinds of trimmers are the best match for the branches with medium size that are close enough to the ground. In general, they use a motor to trim through branches smoothly – making them a famous choice among gardeners and homeowners.
Limitations:
Electric trimmers also have some limitations like any other tool. They can’t trim tough trees or large branches, and they tend to be less strong and efficient compared to petrol hedge trimmers. Plus, Cutting branches with battery hedge trimmer and an electric trimmer also lacks the factor of durability.
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Petrol Hedge Trimmers:
A petrol trimmer is ideal for cutting bigger branches that are away from the ground. Furthermore, they utilize the petrol engine for trimming through all the branches in a convenient way. It makes them a very reasonable and easy option for many professionals, especially landscapers.
Limitations:
Regardless of their top-notch benefits, they do come with a few limitations. Petrol trimmers can only be used outdoors, need more maintenance compared to electric ones, and are less powerful than electric trimmers.
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Combinational Hedge Trimmers:
Combinational hedge trimmers are a hybrid between petrol and electric hedge trimmers and contain the high-end features of both types into one incredible machine. While cutting small branches, they use an electric motor.
On the other side, they switch over to the specific petrol engine while trimming the tougher or larger branches. All this makes the combinational hedge trimmers an optimal option for both professionals and homeowners who need versatility in the machine’s arsenal.
Note: Cutting branches with gas hedge trimmer can also be a good idea, but it has some limitations compared to petrol and electric ones.
Related: Can You Use Electric Hedge Trimmer In The Rain
Recommendations On How To Safely Cut Branches With A Hedge Trimmer
Hedge trimmers are undeniably the best tool for cutting off bushes and trees safely. They can be utilized to remove leaves, small branches, and twigs from the plants that you’re working with. Anyhow, there are a few factors to remember while using the hedge trimmer.
These guidelines will help you make effective and safe cuts with your tool:
- First, it’s necessary for you to comprehend the different kinds of branches that you can cut with the right trimmer. Hedge trimmers mostly come equipped with sharp blades that are designed for the trimming of branches. Plus, these blades contain serrated edges that aid them in trimming through hard branches without damaging the foliage.
- Always give importance to your safety while using the trimmer. Make sure to wear gloves and goggles for protection. While working around any sort of bush or tree, be sure to keenly observe every safety precaution before starting your job.
- Another important factor in your bucket list should be maintaining the hedge trimmer appropriately, as it matters a lot if you want it to last longer. This way, your product will not only be durable, but it will affect its functionality too.
- When choosing the trimmer, it’s essential to consider aspects like blade type and size, dimensions, weight, and power requirements of the machine itself. Do not forget to see your personal needs and preferences and select the tool accordingly. It is also beneficial to consult with an expert before settling on any decisions about the trimmer.
Now that you have explored the top recommendations, read on to acknowledge the tips & tricks to keep the trimmer in a suitable shape:
Tip 1. Clean all debris from its blades whenever you use it.
Tip 2. Avoid over-tightening the tool’s shaft.
Tip 3. Oil all the moving parts every 2 – 3 months.
Tip 4. Store the trimmer indoors (when not in consistent use)
Tip 5. Replace damaged or worn-out parts if necessary!
Related: How to Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer? A Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How Large of a Branch Can a Hedge Trimmer Cut?
Hedge trimmers can cut the branches up to ¾ inches. If you are attempting to trim something bigger than this, it could snag on the trimmer’s teeth & cause it to seize up. Therefore, it’s better to use a manual saw or chainsaw for bigger branches.
2) How Thick of a Limb Can a Hedge Trimmer Cut?
Hedge trimmers can typically cut limbs that are almost an inch thick. And the thickest limb that this tool can trim is roughly 2.5 inches, which will be the maximum reach of their sharp blades.
3) What Size Branch Can a Stihl Hedge Trimmer Cut?
Stihl hedge trimmers contain built-in batteries, so they are super convenient to use., & are ideally suited to cutting back annual growth of almost 8mm thickness. Plus, they are packed with incredible features, with a 20″/50 cm double-sided blade length, integrated screw-on top protector and cut protection.
4) What To Use To Cut Small Branches?
Pruning shears are ideal for trimming small twigs and branches up to 1 inch. To touch up live, small branches, get yourself quality bypass pruning shears. Also, this tool highly resembles a pair of scissors & is efficient for cutting small branches at even awkward angles.
5) Does Trimming a Hedge Make it Grow Thicker?
Well, hedges are formed from specific upward-growing plants. And to encourage the thick hedge, all the growth tips should be removed. It eventually develops laterals. Plus, clipping the laterals let them become highly dense with foliage.
6) Can I cut large tree branches with hedge trimmer?
No! Even the built-in hedge trimmers with heavy-duty material cannot cut the three branches because they do not have enough horsepower to do so. In fact, they can’t do the job as efficiently as other trimming tools, like loppers, shears, or pruning. For satisfying results, use one of these tools to trim tree branches.
Bottom Line
Hedge trimmers are valuable tools for effectively and safely cutting through branches off bushes and trees. But, it’s necessary to select the right product for the job. Plus, you also need to understand its limitations.
In this blog, I have clearly explained everything you should know, whether it’s about limitations, how to use them safely, or which trimmers are ideal for cutting small branches. No matter which trimming task you are performing, ensure that you’re using all the important safety measures.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, trim out the branches, and have great FUN!
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