Can You Use a Hedge Trimmer to Cut Weeds

Trimming plants is an effective way of keeping your garden tidy. While a trimmer is specifically used to prune hedges and shrubs in some situations, you can use it as a weed cutter. However, you’ll need the right approach to avoid damaging the surrounding vegetation.

It’s essential to consider several factors, such as safety, the type of weeds you need to cut, the right tool, and timing. In this article, I’ll explain these factors and the techniques regarding using a hedge trimmer to cut weeds.

Can You Use a Hedge Trimmer to Cut Weeds

A hedge trimmer is a multi-purpose gardening tool for more than just trimming your shrubs. It is also helpful in getting rid of overgrown weeds. But before using the trimmer to cut weeds, take into account several factors that impact its efficacy.

I’ve discussed these factors like blade length, cutting capacity, proper technique, and the size and type of weeds you need to cut in detail below. So have a look:

Safety Precautions to Consider

Before cutting weeds with a trimmer, the first thing is to take safety precautions to avert injury to yourself and others. Here are some essential things to keep in mind:

• Wear protective gloves, eye and ear wear, and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself against potential bruises and flying debris.
• Check the trimmer for any loose parts or damage, and ensure the blades are sharp. If the tool shows signs of wear or misalignment, don’t use it until it is repaired.
• Never use the tool in rainy or stormy weather, mainly if you use an electric trimmer. Wet conditions can cause the device to slip and increase the risk of electric shock.
• If using a fuel-powered trimmer, keep its tank clear from the cutting area, or if using an electric trimmer, keep its cord away while cutting weeds.
• Always grip the tool with both hands to prevent it from slipping or endangering you.
• Hold the trimmer at waist height to avoid losing control of the tool.
• Take frequent breaks while cutting weeds to avert fatigue, especially when the area of cutting is large.

Related: Can You Use Electric Hedge Trimmer In The Rain

Type of Trimmer to Choose

You must first assess the cutting area to choose a suitable trimmer for chopping weeds. So, look for a tool that is easy to maneuver. A petrol trimmer will be ideal as it requires more dexterity to cut weeds. It will have more power to cut through weeds.

In addition, you can use it to chop large areas of plants as it won’t hamper you with its cord. However, a fuel-powered trimmer is not lightweight, and you’ll require a professional hand to control it. If you want a lighter tool go for an electric or battery-operated trimmer.

Required Blade Length

Only with the right trimmer blade length you can effectively cut and maintain your yard area. The size of the blade for cutting weeds with a trimmer depends on the plants’ height and density. Also, consider your own comfort level and physical ability to handle a trimmer.

Typically, you’ll need a longer blade to chop thicker weeds. A length of at least 22 inches allows enough control and maneuverability for the blade to cut through taller and denser weeds. However, if the weeds are not too tall and thick, a blade length of 18 inches will be more appropriate.

Cutting Capacity of the Trimmer

When choosing a trimmer to chop weeds, selecting one with high cutting capacity is essential. This will ensure the tool can cut different types of weeds. Also, consider the power source of the device.

Usually, electric and battery-operated trimmers have a lower cutting capacity due to the difference in blade length and motor power. A trimmer designed specifically for cutting weeds comes with a cutting capacity of ¾ inches or more. This means it can take on thick and touch weeds effectively.

Types of Weeds a Trimmer Can Cut

A trimmer can chop various types of weeds, but it mainly depends on the tool’s type and vegetation density. Here are the most common types of weeds a trimmer can cut:

Soft Stem

Weeds having soft stems are easy to cut by the trimmer that can make quick work of them, leaving your yard tidy. They include chickweed, clover, and dandelions.

Thin Stem

A trimmer can also chop weeds with thin stems but make sure you don’t damage the vegetation close to them. Thin-stem weeds include thistle or plantain.

Young

Young weeds are easier to chop with a trimmer than mature ones. However, when cutting them, make sure not to use the tool forcefully, as it could damage their roots and potential growth.

Woody

Some weeds come with woody stems that are quite challenging to cut with a trimmer. They include woody vines and blackberry brambles. In such cases, it’s better not to use a trimmer on tough stems because it is not designed to be used on woody and thick branches.

Related: Can a Hedge Trimmer Cut Through Small Branches?

The Right Timing to Cut Weeds

The most suitable time to cut weeds depends on several factors, such as weather conditions, growth stage, and weed type. Generally, it’s ideal to cut weeds with a trimmer when they are smaller, hasn’t gone to seed, and are much more manageable.

For weeds germinating and dying within a year, it’s best to cut them before they grow more than 6 inches in height. Weather is also an essential factor to consider when chopping weeds with a trimmer.

Avoid cutting them if the ground is muddy or wet, as it can damage the soil or the plants nearby. In addition, never cut the weeds during the hot season or if there is a drought, as it can cause them stress.

The best time to chop weeds with a trimmer is before they have a chance to seed or when they are small. Also, make sure to check the weather conditions before beginning the task.

The Proper Technique to Cut Weeds

You must know the proper technique to cut weeds with a trimmer. To do that, walk around your garden to assess the areas where weeds are growing. It’s important to focus only on areas of weed growth to prevent damaging nearby vegetation.

Also, take care not to hurt the tree bark or shrubs when trimming the weeds around them. Start by hacking at the areas where the growth is denser but work in small sections for an even cut. To get precise cutting, adjust the blade angle to match the weed growth angle.

Use the trimmer in a sweeping motion. First, start with the bottom of the vegetation and head upwards, moving the tool iside-to-sideside motion. Once you’ve finished cutting weeds, clean the area of loose leaves and debris. This will prevent them from spreading out.

FAQs

What can you use a hedge trimmer for?

You can use a trimmer for pruning hedges, shaping plants, cutting weeds, and trimming grass. However, they are not designed for heavy-duty pruning.

Can you use a trimmer for weeds?

Yes, you can use a trimmer for cutting weeds that are young or have soft or thin stems. Though a trimmer can’t be used to cut tough and woody vegetation.

Can you use a hedge trimmer to cut grass?

While trimmers are primarily designed to shape and prune hedges and shrubs, some models that come with shear attachment can also cut grass.

Is it better to cut or pull weeds?

It depends on how much the area where weeds are growing. If they are small in size and cover only a little patch of your garden, pulling them out is the best way. But if they cover a large area, cutting them is the perfect solution.

Can you use an electric hedge trimmer on a wet hedge?

Never use an electric trimmer on a wet hedge, as the dampness could cause the tool to slip, and there is also the risk of potential electric shock.

Do weeds grow back if you cut them?

If you pull the weeds out, including their root, they won’t regrow. But if they have deeper roots and you cut them at the base with a trimmer, they will grow again.

Final Thoughts

Can you use a hedge trimmer to cut weeds? In short, the answer is that trimmers are versatile tools you can not only use to trim and shape shrubs and hedges but also to cut weeds. Choosing this tool for the job helps you maintain your garden and also to keep the growth of weeds under control.

A trimmer can be an effective pruning tool with a suitable model, timing, cutting capacity, blade length, proper technique, and weather conditions.

Also, taking safety measures and considering the type of weeds you want to cut before using this tool is crucial. While you can remove some weeds by hand, understanding this method’s limitations and the strength of the trimmer can help you make an informed decision.