How to String Trim Like a Pro

A string trimmer is a must-have tool when it comes to lawn care. It uses a flexible line at the end of a shaft to cut grass, weeds and even light brush depending upon your trimmerÕs size. Using a string trimmer correctly takes a little practice, but the results are worth the effort.

First a few words about trimming safely: Your trimmer came with an operatorÕs manual. Refer to this manual before you use your equipment to make sure that you are operating it correctly and safely.

Never start any outdoor power equipment in a garage, shed or other building.

Also, be cautious when adding fuel. Only add fuel when the trimmer is turned off and has cooled down for at least two minutes, and only do this outdoors.

Before you start your trimmer, be sure children and pets are not in the yard. Never assume that they will remain where you last saw them. Instead, keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. In general, never allow a child under the age of 16 to operate any type of outdoor power equipment.

Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying grass and other debris the trimmer can kick up. Also, always wear appropriate clothing Ð long pants and sturdy shoes Ð never sandals or tennis shoes and wear work gloves to protect your hands.

Only trim when you have enough daylight to see what you are doing.

And donÕt forget that this small length of nylon is very dangerous when it is spinning at the end of your trimmer. It is powerful enough to cause severe injury Ð always keep your clothing and body away from the trimmer head.

Trimming Made Easy

To start your string trimmer, place it on a flat surface such as your driveway.

Refer to the operatorÕs manual for specific instructions regarding your trimmer.

In general, you will need to open the choke by turning the small lever to the ÒfullÓ position and pressing the primer bulb six-to-eight times to provide the right mixture of fuel and air for combustion.

Squeeze the throttle trigger and hold it as you pull the starter cord to start the engine.

Allow the engine to run at the full choke position for a few seconds, then slowly move the lever back to a half-choke position for about 20 more seconds. You can then move the lever to the ÒoffÓ position and you are ready to trim.

Many trimmers come with a shoulder strap to make holding them more comfortable. You should always hold the trimmer so that it is comfortably balanced in both hands.

It takes a little practice to use a string trimmer correctly. Hold the trimmer so that the cutting head is parallel to the ground and about two-to-three inches above it. When you trim, sweep the trimmer from side to side in front of you in a rhythmic motion. DonÕt hold the trimmer at an angle that causes the string to scalp the grass Ð cutting too close damages the grass and will expose bare soil, encouraging weeds to germinate and grow.

Be careful when trimming around trees. Your trees should have a protective ring of mulch around their trunks so that the trimmer string wonÕt come in contact with the trunk. Repeatedly cutting the bark can damage even a mature tree. Never string trim around young trees if there is any chance at all the string will contact the trunk.

To edge along a sidewalk or driveway with a string trimmer, hold the trimmer so that the cutting head is perpendicular to the area you want to cut.

To trim very tall grass, start from the top by taking off a few inches at a time, working your way down.

If your tall grass gets lodged in the trimmer head, turn off the trimmer. Wait until the trimmer head has completely stopped spinning, then disconnect the spark plug. Wear gloves when you carefully remove the trapped material.

When trimming, the more solid objects you hit with the trimmer line (fence posts, rocks, etc.), the more line you will use up. Remember, the tip of the trimmer line is all that must make contact with the grass or weeds to get the job done.

When the trimmer line runs out, you will have to open the trimmer head to add more nylon line.

Refer to the operatorÕs manual to do this correctly. It will eliminate a lot of frustration and get you back trimming again quickly.

Some trimmers come with trimmer line that you simply snap into place Ð this works great for smaller yards.

Your string trimmer is a great tool to help you make your yard look its best. Just remember to respect the power of that spinning nylon string and use your trimmer safely.