A clean, neatly trimmed edge plays a big part in growing a lawn to be proud of. Should you choose an electric or gas powered tool for the purpose?
Apart from a lawn mower, the most important tools for maintaining a top quality lawn are the rotary edging tools known variously as strimmers, weed whackers, or brush cutters. The thin, hard, nylon cord that whizzes at high velocity, may not be suitable for creating a neat edge in the first place, but is very effective in maintaining one afterwards. Which type is most appropriate for the home gardener, and how are they best used?
Electric or gas tools?
Broadly speaking, there are two types of strimmer to choose from. Strimmers that run on petrol, (usually petrol/oil mixtures) are the preferred choice of professional gardeners, as they have far more power and are therefore suitable for heavy-duty work. The quality tools made by the reputable companies could be about four or five times the price of their electric counterparts, but should last the home gardener a lifetime if looked after properly. Maintaining the strimmer simply involves depositing it once a year at a workshop specializing in power-tool repair and maintenance.
By way of comparison, the lifespan of the electric-powered strimmers is often very limited indeed. The cheap products tossed on the market now and again, end up at the back of the garden shed in no time, although the products marketed by the well-known manufactures may be good for a number of years. Price however is not the only parameter to consider.
*Electric strimmers lack the power to efficiently deal with the tough leaves of many perennial lawn species, like, Kikuyu, St.Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia, although they may be adequate for species that have soft leaves, like Festuca and Ryegrass. Similarly, electrically powered tools can be sufficient for very small backyard lawns, but for large areas, the home gardener should consider investing in a quality gas-powered strimmer.
*Ergonomically, electric strimmers are undesirable if there is a lot of regular work to be undertaken. As the motors are placed at the far end of the machine, (away from the body) it follows that they are top heavy. As with lifting heavy objects, the weight should always be as close to the body as possible, to avoid damage to muscles and ligaments. Petrol strimmers on the other hand are so designed that the weight is properly distributed, thereby reducing the risk of tendonitis and chronic back problems. What price do you place on that?
Strimmers are dangerous!
When using a strimmer, always remember that you are operating a potentially lethal machine. The greatest danger comes from small pebbles that fly at tremendous velocity after being hit by the end of the nylon chord. Both the operator and passers-by are equally vulnerable, so the former must always wear protective clothing for eyes and face, while ensuring that no persons are within a radius of at least 15 meters. (45ft) Approved ear mufflers are also an absolute requirement. In both these respects, electric tools are far less dangerous than petrol ones.
Damage to plants
Tremendous damage is caused to garden plants by misuse of rotary strimmers, especially the highly powered, gas-operated ones. Accidentally chopping down the odd Iris or Tulip, is the least of the trouble. Of far more significance are the wounds sometimes inflicted on tree trunks, where in some cases, the flow of matter in the tree (water, nutrients and photsynthates) is so disrupted as to cause its early demise. So as a precautionary rule of thumb, never work within at least 50cm (1-2ft) from the trunk of trees shrubs. Cut the grass that is growing close by the tree , with good old-fashioned garden sheers.
About the author
My name is Jonathan Ya’akobi.I’ve been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984.I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners.I also teach horticulture to students on training courses.I’d love to help you get the very best from your garden,so you’re welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com or contact mejonathan@dryclimategardening.com
Tags: brush cutters, electric counterparts, festuca, gas tools, hard nylon, high velocity, home gardener, kikuyu, lawn species, nylon cord, oil mixtures, power tool repair, professional gardeners, quality gas, quality lawn, reputable companies, strimmer, weed whackers, whizzes, zoysia
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