How do you maintain your hedge trimmer?

If you maintain your hedge trimmer, you ensure you can enjoy it for longer. A well-maintained hedge trimmer is also easier to trim with. Follow the next 3 steps to keep your hedge trimmer in good condition.

• Step 1: clean your hedge trimmer
• Step 2: sharpen your hedge trimmer
• Step 3: get your hedge trimmer ready for winter

While you cut your hedge, branches and leaves may end up between the blades of your hedge trimmer. These leave dirt and juices behind, which affects the blades. After every trimming session, you should remove the dirt with a hard nylon brush. Clean the blades of your hedge trimmer with alcohol. If your hedge suffers from mold or caterpillars, you should also clean the blades with alcohol in between. Grease the blades with grease spray after each use.

Grab a file or grinder, work gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protectors. Make sure the hedge trimmer is off. Sharpen along the angle of the blade. You can find the correct angle in the manual. Sharpen all cutting edges with about 10 movements per plane. Only do this in the direction of the sharpest edge of the blade. Carefully sharpen the back of the blades with a sharpening stone.

You don't have to trim the hedge in the winter. That's why you should store your hedge trimmer in your shed or garage for a couple of months. Make sure the blades are clean and greased. Make sure you store it in a place that's as dry as possible. That way, you can easily trim with your hedge trimmer again after the winter.