How I got Over My String Trimmer Phobia
It started with string trimmer denial: Do I really need to invest in a new piece of equipment in a quest for landscape perfection? Wasn't it enough to keep my lawn mowed to the right height? Were some overgrown stragglers in hard-to-reach areas all that bad?
But then came the next phase: String trimmer envy. As I nonchalantly observed my neighbors using their trimmers to effortlessly whisk away grass around trees, rocks, fences, garden beds and the edges along pavement, the craving for my own trimmer set in. And when I tried to achieve the same effect on my lawn with clippers or just pulling out clumps with my own fists (with too much effort and less than satisfactory results) I caved to the craving. It was time to add to my lawn care arsenal.
I started out strong. I did my research to choose the just-right string trimmer for my yard. (Find what you need to know in How to Choose a String Trimmer.) I brought my new purchase home full of hopes and dreams. But then something happened. My brand new string trimmer remained in its box in my garage for weeks. It was string trimmer phobia!
While I watched others work their string trimmers without an issue, I was a little freaked out by the idea of exposed, spinning nylon line. Then came another thought: What happens when it's time to change the line? Will I have a clue of what to do?
It was hard to confess my fear, but I first tried to talk it through with my trimmer-wizard neighbors and friends. They assured me that using and maintaining a trimmer was safe and easy. That helped, but I needed more to get over the hump. I needed more knowledge…and I needed to face the owner's manual!
The owner's manual provided all the information on safety, operation and maintenance. I also found helpful tips that answered the great unknowns on the Yard Smarts video tutorial, How to String Trim like a Pro.
Key pointers included:
Safety
Never operate a string trimmer when people or pets are nearby.
Always wear eye protection when using your string trimmer.
Wear protective clothing such as long pants, closed-toe shoes and gloves.
Start the engine where the cutting head can�t touch anything.
Keep the string head below waist level at all times during operation Operation
Know the length of the cutting line so you won't accidentally injure desirable plants and young trees.
Work from left to right to keep trimmings from being thrown back toward you.
Tilt the trimmer approximately 30 degrees to the left for trimming along walks, driveways, and curbs.
For mowing with the trimmer, keep the cutting head parallel to the ground.
For edging, adjust the handle and hold the cutting head at a 90-degree angle. Maintenance
Find a good place to store the trimmer where it's out of reach of children.
Empty fuel tank before storage to prevent gum deposits from forming.
And my favorite: To replace the line, simply remove the spool from the cutting head. Either put in a new spool of the same type of line, or wind new line on the spool and put it back in place. That's not so hard, after all! You can see how easy it is on a YouTube video, How to Restring Your Trimmer.
Once my string trimmer concerns were confronted, my confidence began to grow as quickly as my lawn's edges. I was ready to give my lawn extra pruning that transformed its appearance from acceptable to awesome. So do your research — and don't fear the trimmer!
