" wrote:

Hi all,

I need to purchase a hedge trimmer. I have the manual kind ("giant
shears") but am discovering that I have too many bushes/too little time
to keep up with this kind. Having decided to get an electric hedge
trimmer, I went online to read up and, of course, discovered that there
are a zillion makes and models and a wide price range.

What do you think is important to look for in an electric hedge
trimmer? Do you have a model you would recommend? I have a mix of
shrubs, including boxwood, yews, euonymous, spreading juniper, etc.
All are short, "edge of the walkway" shrubs, i.e., I'm not maintaining
a tall privacy hedge or anything (won't be using the trimmer on a
ladder or overhead).

All advice appreciated -- thanks in advance!

Jo Ann

For an electric one the cheap Black & Decker ones do fine. Be sure to
get a supply of cheap short extension cords to use at the trimmer end
for all the times you cut through the cord. You can use a good extension
cord for the rest of the length. Also get a few of those snap on cord
locks to keep the sections from unplugging as you drag them through the
yard. The gas trimmers are a lot more expensive but don't have these
problems.

W.P.