Thinking of trimming your hedges yourself? Makes sense. It’s a satisfying task, and once you get going, it feels pretty straightforward. But don’t let that fool you — hedge trimmers are powerful tools. If you’re not careful, a routine garden tidy-up can go south fast.
Whether it’s your first time using one or you’ve done it before, a little safety know-how goes a long way. Here’s what every home gardener should keep in mind.
Know What You’re Holding
Before you even switch it on, take a second to understand the hedge trimmer you’re using. And no, this isn’t about reading every line of the manual (though a glance won’t hurt). Just make sure you’re clear on how it works.
Get familiar with the controls, especially the safety switch. Check the blades for any damage. If they’re dull, don’t just power through. Dull blades are more likely to snag and cause the trimmer to jerk unexpectedly.
Also, don’t skip the basics. Is the cord out of the way? Is the battery charged? Is the weight manageable for you? A quick check before you start can make all the difference once you’re into the job.
Dress for the Job, Not the Weather
Shorts and flip-flops might sound fine on a warm day, but they’re not the right choice when you’re using anything with sharp, fast-moving parts. Protecting yourself doesn’t mean gearing up like a construction worker, but a few simple things matter.
Wear something that covers your arms and legs. Good gloves will help with grip and reduce the impact on your hands. And eye protection? That’s a must. You don’t see it coming when a branch snaps back.
Footwear also gets overlooked a lot. Closed-toe shoes with decent grip will keep you steady, especially if you’re working on uneven ground or around mulch and soil.
Clear the Chaos First
You’re not trimming in a vacuum. There are hoses, tools, toys, and rocks, and if you have pets or kids, probably a few surprises too. Before anything else, give your workspace a once-over.
Move anything that might get in your way. Look at where you’ll be standing and walking. Make sure the ground’s not slippery or unstable. It’s a simple step, but skipping it means you’re dealing with distractions or tripping hazards while holding a live trimmer.
And if you’re using an extension cord? Position it behind you. Better yet, over your shoulder or looped to stay out of the danger zone. One careless move and you could cut through your own power source — or worse.
Keep Both Hands On
Hedge trimmers are designed to be used with two hands. Not for fun, for safety. That second handle isn’t optional. It keeps the blade away from you and helps you control the tool better, especially when trimming at awkward angles or around curves.
Resist the temptation to adjust a branch or move something mid-cut. Turn the trimmer off first. Every time. No exceptions.
It only takes a second for a blade to catch on something and twist — and if your grip isn’t solid, you’re the one who pays for that mistake.
Take Your Time
Trimming can get tiring fast. Your arms might start to ache, especially if you’re reaching up or working for more than half an hour. This is usually when people start rushing, trying to “just finish this bit” before taking a break.
That’s when things go wrong.
Slow down. Take breaks. If you’re sweaty, tired, or distracted, turn it off and come back in ten minutes. A clean cut matters less than staying in one piece.
And keep in mind — if you’re trimming a large hedge, you don’t need to finish it all in one go. Split the work over a couple of days if you need to.
Be Smart About Reach
You know that moment when you think, “I can just stretch a little and get that top corner”? Don’t. That kind of thinking leads straight to lost balance or a dropped trimmer. Neither ends well.
If you can’t comfortably reach a spot with both feet flat on the ground and both hands on the tool, stop. Use a proper step stool or long-reach trimmer if necessary. Not a folding chair. Not a stacked-up bucket. And definitely not a wobbly ladder on soft soil.
Working from a height adds a whole new layer of risk. Only do it if you’ve got the right setup, and even then, stay extra cautious.
Power Down the Moment You Stop
Not mid-task. Not once you’re “almost done.” The moment you stop cutting, turn it off. Set it down with the blades away from you — preferably on a flat, dry surface — and if it’s electric, unplug it.
A surprising number of injuries happen when people try to clear stuck branches or unclog the blades while the machine is still powered. Don’t do that. Power it down first, then check it over.
The same rule goes for stepping away, even for a few seconds. It’s always better to play it safe.
Safety Doesn’t Mean Overthinking It
You don’t have to be paranoid to be safe. Most of this stuff is common sense; it’s just easy to forget when you’re focused on shaping that perfect hedge.
The more comfortable you get with a hedge trimmer, the easier it is to skip steps. That’s usually when accidents happen. Keep your setup clean, your grip steady, and your mindset in check. You’ll not only get better results, you’ll walk away with no regrets.