The first time I heard this suggestion, I genuinely laughed. But using a hedge trimmer to cut grass is not as stupid as it sounds, especially tall grass. You see, when you have super tall grass to tackle, a lawn mower is often not going to be an option. And a lot of string trimmers will struggle too. You need something to slice right through the top layer of grass to bring it down to a length that is more manageable for a lawn mower.
I’ve rarely (never) had the need to use a hedge trimmer to cut grass myself, as I try my best to keep on top of my lawn maintenance, but I have heard stories of yard care contractors using one in extreme cases. If you have an area of grass that wouldn’t be out of place in a jungle, follow the steps below to bring it back under control.
How to Use a Hedge Trimmer to Cut Grass
If you’ve never used a hedge trimmer to cut grass before (I don’t think you’re alone), follow the steps below to do the job safely and effectively.
Inspect the Area First
This is important because long grass can hide a whole manner of things beneath it. I’m talking rocks, metal pipes, garden ornaments. With super long grass, there really could be anything under there, and you’re not going to want your hedge trimmer connecting with anything solid, as you might damage the blade.
So before you start cutting the grass, walk through the area and check that there’s nothing that might cause a problem. If you find anything, remove it.
Dress for the Occasion
The following things are not all strictly necessary, but they’re advisable for safety reasons. Wearing safety glasses is a good idea, as debris can kick up, and it’s a good idea to remove any jewelry that is not tight-fitting, such as chains and necklaces. It’s also a good idea to tie long hair up (wouldn’t want that getting caught in a hedge trimmer!).
Keep the Cable Clear
If you’re using a corded electric trimmer, you’re also going to need to be careful with the power cord – if you’ve ever used a corded mower, you’ll know what a pain this is. Make sure it’s always kept out of the way so that there’s no chance that you could accidentally cut through it with your trimmer. If you’re using a gas or battery-powered trimmer, obviously ignore this.
Bend Your Knees
Take hold of your trimmer with one hand on the front and one on the back, and start it up. Posture is kind of important when you’re using a hedge trimmer to cut grass. I don’t know this for sure, but I’d imagine it’s quite easy to do your back in if you’re not careful, as the times I’ve seen people doing this, the position their back was in was the exact opposite of that they show in every workplace safety video I’ve ever seen.
Try not to bend your back over double. Bend your knees instead to get a bit lower. If you find this difficult, try kneeling down on your knees instead. This will allow you to have more control over your trimmer.
Keep the Blade Level and Move It Slowly
You’re not going to want to cut too close to the ground, as the quality of the finish won’t be like what a lawn mower would produce. So position your hedge trimmer several inches off the ground, and make sure you maintain the blade horizontal and parallel to the ground at all times. You’re going to want to move the blade nice and slowly – that’s key. This is especially important if the grass is thick and will ensure your trimmer doesn’t get overwhelmed and can do its job effectively.
Pause Periodically to Clear Clippings
As the grass clippings in this scenario are so long, it can get a little confusing as to what you’ve cut and what you haven’t if you don’t clear the clippings away. So tackle the job in sections and then pause to clear clippings. That way, you’ll have a clearer view of what you still need to cut.
As a quick side note. Ever wondered what to do with grass clippings after mowing? There are actually quite a few options. From simply depositing them into a yard waste container, to adding them to a compost pile to drying them out and using them as bedding for any pets you might have.
When Should You Cut Grass with a Hedge Trimmer
A hedge trimmer is designed to trim hedges. I say that as I want to make it clear that a hedge trimmer is not a tool you should normally use to cut grass with. It should only really be used if you’re dealing with extremely overgrown grass or you need a way to cut grass without a lawn mower as you don’t have one at your disposal.
Advantages of Cutting Long Grass with a Hedge Trimmer
There are a few different tools you could use to cut long grass down to size, including hedge shears, a scythe or a machete. 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.
- It’s less effort so if you don’t feel like sweating buckets to tame the wilderness, here’s your solution.
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