Hedge trimming tools buying guide

Trimming a hedge is an operation that requires the use of specific tools. The first issue is the trimming itself, in other words cutting leaves, stalks and branches. Then you have to consider working at height, or put another way, how to reach the top of a hedge. Another area that mustn't be neglected is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Last but not least, collecting and handling garden waste and, in some cases, work site signage.

Plant pruning tools

There are two categories of trimming tools: manual or power tools. Here are the most common ones:

• secateurs, a manual tool to cut small branches;

• tree pruners, designed to cut medium-sized branches;

• telescopic tree pruners, to reach high up medium-sized branches;

• shears, the ideal tool for trimming low hedges and finishing;

• hedge trimmers, a power tool that lets you trim faster;

• Petrol hedge trimmers, a longer appliance to trim bigger or taller hedges;

• chainsaws, a power tool to chop down overgrown hedges by cutting through large branches or trunks;

• long-reach chainsaws, with a telescopic pole to reach the furthest branches or trunks from a scaffold, for example.

Traditional or landscape hedges are usually around 2 metres tall. In order to reach the top of these hedges and be able to trim them, you will need tools suitable for working at height. The person carrying out this work is responsible for choosing their own equipment, which should be suitable for both the terrain and the height of the hedge. It's vital to be aware of the potential risk of a fall and to take the necessary precautions. Here is the most common equipment:

• step stools for low heights, ideal for very short-term use for small, low hedges on flat ground;

• ladders and step ladders are useful for medium heights, but they are not work platforms, i.e. they shouldn't be used repeatedly or long-term;

• scaffold towers are available for flat ground as well as in more sophisticated versions for sloping terrain. These offer safe access to the top of hedges, provided that the manufacturer's instructions are followed and you choose a version suitable for the height and terrain you will be working on.

Doing the job properly includes protecting yourself! PPE or Personal Protective Equipment keeps you protected from noise and the risk of injury. It offers optimal comfort on the worksite while boosting the user's performance. Here are a few examples:

• protective gloves - these protect your hands and limit the damage in case of injury with a cutting tool;

• eye protection - to protect your eyes against plant debris;

• ear defenders - they reduce the noise level of machines, thus ensuring good hearing protection;

• safety shoes - thanks to their reinforced toe-caps and soles, they protect against the risk of puncture by thorny shrubs, for example;

• high vis vests - for use when trimming hedges on a traffic lane;

• safety harness - provides back support when using a long-reach hedge trimmer or chainsaw.

Note that workwear and rainwear can also be worn for enhanced comfort in normal or bad weather.

When you trim a hedge, you inevitably produce garden waste. This will need to be gathered and either disposed of or processed. The following are handy for this purpose:

• a rake to move and collect green waste;

• a snow shovel - that's right! This is handy for gathering large amounts of garden waste;

• tarpaulin, ideally measuring 1.5 - 2 m by 4 - 6 m long, depending on the length of the hedge. This is a good trick: the clippings will fall onto the tarp as you trim, you can move it with you and once it's full, just take it straight to the skip to empty it directly;

• leaf blower, a power tool to finish up the job and leave the area looking neat and tidy;

• garden shredder, to shred branches that can then be recycled as mulch for your flower beds and vegetable patches.

Where part of the pruning is carried out on a public or private traffic lane, you will have to signpost the work being carried out. In certain circumstances, for example if the road or street has heavy traffic, you will have to apply in advance for authorisation from the relevant authority. In this case, you will need to make inquiries before starting work. The most common types of site signage are:

• traffic cones, used to mark the perimeter of the site;

• road signs, to be situated according to the type of road;

• high vis jackets, use of which is mandatory in some cases.