How to trim the strong branches of a hedge?

[adamlin]

 

 

Hi, got a Ryobi 600w hedge trimmer but does not handle these strong branches on high position really well. Any suggestions on right tools are really appreciated!

regards

[Jason]

Hi @adamlin,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We're pleased to have you join us and trust that you will receive loads of helpful information, advice and inspiration for all your projects around the house and garden from our clever and creative members. 

I would recommend you consider some quality loppers for this job. As per our Essential garden tools guide, they are essentially secateurs with longer handles, and used for pruning hard-to-reach branches.

Let me also tag @EricL, @Noelle  and @Adam_W for their recommendations.

Jason

[Adam_W]

Hi @adamlin, yes, those thicker branches on hedges can just be a wee bit too much for the average hedge-trimmer.

That Ryobi is a great little machine but probably more in the light-to-medium duty range of cutting. For any of the hedges that get a bit woodier you need more of a professional level machine.
Fact is though that you are likley to only need to cut heavier wood in a hedge ever few years so the investment probably isn't a worthwhile one.
The tool I have found very useful for these situations is a long-reach, telescopic tree or pole pruner with an adjustable head. These allow you to get up to really substantial heights without needing a ladder or platform. The one I've linked to has a cutting capacity of over 30mm so that's more than enough for your type of application. Also useful for heaps of other pruning & trimming jobs.
Two cautions, however, when using these long-reach tools...

- Don't stand directly underneath what you are cutting...

- Always, always, ALWAYS... be aware of the location of overhead power lines and keep well clear of them.

Edit - And should just also add... agree 100% with @Jason's suggestion of long-handled loppers for more difficult, thicker branches. They are a tool-kit must have.

[adamlin]

Thanks Jason

[adamlin]

Hi @Adam_W , thanks for the info! 

How about this Ryobi pole hedge trimmer? Will it do the same job by any chance?

Cheers

[Adam_W]

No worries @adamlin 
Yes, it will for sure but you may still find that the thicker wood is too much for it as its capacity is only 18mm.
The problem also can be not so much the thickness of the bit you're trying to trim as a single bit but when you're trimming a hedge the trimmer may be trying to deal with 4 or 6 branches of that thickness at the same time and it's too much for it.
It really does vary by situation. If you use a technique where you work into the area very progressively, so that it's not congesting the cutting head, then it may not be a problem at all.

[adamlin]

OK, got it. Thanks @Adam_W enjoy the Thursday Avro 

[EricL]

Hello @adamlin

It's great that you've received fantastic advice from @Adam_W. His recommendation is spot on and the tools recommended should work on the thick branches. I'm in total agreement with his safety advice, take all precautions when using a tall tool near low hanging electrical wires. Please keep us updated, we would love to see a photo of the hedge once they've been trimmed.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric