| Before getting started, read the owner's manual if | | | | The operator could slip on wet grass and lose |
| possible to understand how the machine works | | | | footing, causing injury. |
| and any nuances with that particular model. Add | | | | For electric models, make sure the area where |
| fuel if necessary, or plug in an electrical model. | | | | the cord runs is free of water, snow and excess |
| Send all children and pets inside, and check the | | | | moisture. |
| weather forecast. | | | | Trim only the excess from the hedges. Do not |
| Start at the top on one side and sweep across in | | | | cut more than 6 inches at a time with the hedge |
| one direction with measured speed. Do not go | | | | trimmer. Being over-zealous can result in a very |
| back and forth. | | | | small bush with damaged branches too thick to |
| Hold the equipment straight, not at an angle, to | | | | cut with a hedge trimmer. |
| avoid a sloping or dipping appearance. | | | | Do not cut back bushes in the hottest part of the |
| Do not make the top narrower than the bottom. | | | | summer. The plants are already stressed, and this |
| It should resemble an inverted cone. | | | | could lead to their injury or even death. |
| Avoid the lollipop look unless it is a topiary. | | | | Do not trim blooming bushes. Not only will this |
| Remove all dead and loose branches and | | | | take away from their natural beauty, it could |
| trimmings at the end. Air and sun should be able | | | | prevent future blooms, depending on the species. |
| to circulate through the branches. | | | | Properly dispose of the trimmings when the job is |
| Wear safety equipment. This includes gloves, | | | | complete. Use them in compost or grind them up |
| glasses, long sleeves, long pants and a head | | | | with a mulcher for nutrients and protection from |
| covering. | | | | washouts in gardens or around trees on an incline. |
| Do not use hedge trimmers in inclement weather. | | | | |