The electric trimmer offers an efficient method for maintaining the shape and density of evergreen bushes, providing a uniform finish difficult to achieve with manual shears. This tool, whether corded or battery-powered, simplifies shearing shrubs into formal hedges or distinct landscape shapes. Using the trimmer allows for quick removal of new, soft growth, which is the primary goal when maintaining the size of an established evergreen bush.
Essential Preparation and Safety Checks
Before trimming, a thorough check of the electric trimmer is necessary to ensure safe operation. Examine the cord for fraying, cuts, or exposed wires if corded, or confirm the battery is fully charged and securely seated if cordless. Inspect the blades to ensure they are sharp, secure, and free from debris, as dull blades can tear branches and strain the motor.
Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to guard against flying debris. Safety glasses or goggles are required to protect the eyes from wood chips and needles. Heavy-duty, non-slip gloves should be worn to improve grip, reduce vibration strain, and shield hands from the sharp blades.
Preparation of the work area is equally important, especially when a cord is involved. Clear the ground around the bushes of any tripping hazards, such as tools, toys, or loose garden hoses. When operating a corded trimmer, always keep the power cord behind you and away from the cutting path to prevent accidentally severing it.
Understanding Evergreen Trimming Principles
The timing of trimming is directly related to the plant’s natural growth cycle and subsequent ability to recover. For most evergreens, the optimal time for shearing is either in late winter or early spring just before new growth begins, or in mid-summer after the initial flush of growth has hardened. Trimming during the mid-summer semi-dormant period allows the cuts to heal quickly and new buds to form for the following year.
A fundamental principle when using an electric trimmer on most conifers is the strict avoidance of cutting into “old wood,” which is the interior section of the branch lacking green needles or foliage. Species like pines, spruces, and many junipers do not possess latent buds on these bare, woody sections. Cutting into this dead zone will result in permanent, unsightly bare patches.
Certain evergreens, such as yews and some arborvitae, are exceptions, as they can produce new growth from older wood, making them tolerant of heavy pruning or shearing. For these forgiving species, annual shearing can be done after the new growth has expanded, sometimes requiring a follow-up trim later in the season. Regardless of the species, the goal is typically to remove only the tips of the newest growth, which encourages a denser, more compact outer layer of foliage.
Step-by-Step Trimming Techniques
Establishing the desired final shape is the first step before applying the electric trimmer to the bush. For a healthy, dense hedge, the profile should be tapered so the base is slightly wider than the top. This specific shape ensures that sunlight reaches the lower branches, preventing them from becoming shaded out and dying back, which can leave the bottom of the bush bare.
Begin by trimming the vertical sides of the bush, moving the trimmer in long, smooth, sweeping arcs rather than short, choppy motions. This technique uses the full length of the cutting bar and helps to create a uniformly flat or curved surface. When cutting the sides, hold the trimmer blade parallel to the desired plane of the bush, which may require a slightly angled grip for the tapered profile.
After the sides are complete, move to the top of the bush, holding the trimmer horizontally and using the same broad, sweeping motion to level the surface. For tall bushes or hedges, it is best to start at the bottom and work upward, allowing you to continually assess the progress and shape. Always remove a small amount of material at a time, typically no more than the newest one-third of the growth, stepping back periodically to check the overall form from a distance.
Post-Trimming Care and Clean Up
Immediately after the shaping is complete, clearing the surrounding area of debris is important for the health of the bush. Clippings left on the ground or within the foliage can trap moisture and reduce air circulation, creating an environment favorable for fungal diseases and pests. Raking or blowing away the trimmings prevents them from smothering the grass below and reduces the chance of attracting unwanted insects.
The electric trimmer itself requires immediate cleaning to maintain its function and longevity. Disconnect the power source, either by unplugging the cord or removing the battery, before attempting any maintenance. Wipe down the blades to remove the sticky resin and sap from the evergreen, which can cause the blades to bind and dull quickly.
A light application of lubricating oil or a blade cleaner should be applied to the cutting bar to protect the metal from corrosion and ensure the blades move freely for the next use. Finally, if the weather has been dry, providing the trimmed bushes with a deep watering can help reduce plant stress and encourage a quick recovery.