Picking the Right String Trimmer

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Veronica Lorson Fowler

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Photo Credit: Black & Decker Corp.

Pick a string trimmer that best fits your yard-care needs.

If you’ve got a yard, chances are you need a string trimmer. After all, lawn mowers just can’t get into all those little corners of your garden. And just like shopping for all your other yard equipment, you face a variety of choices when it comes to this handy power tool. Let me break the options down:

Electric-powered string trimmers are generally less powerful than gas models, but they’re less expensive and quiet enough that you won’t worry about waking the neighbors. They’re also extremely light – some weighing as little as 5 pounds! Startup is a breeze with all electrical trimmers, too: It’s usually nothing more than flipping a switch. Also, as with all electric tools, maintenance is minimal and there’s no need for an annual tune-up.

Corded models, as the name suggests, plug into outdoor outlets. However, the cords can be extremely annoying and prone to cuts. Don’t forget to consider the cord’s length, too (usually about 100 feet). This obviously limits how far you can go from the outlet, so these models are usually a better choice for small yards. Depending on how well the trimmer is designed, the cord may also tend to come unplugged.

If you feel a corded model is a little awkward to handle, consider a battery-powered trimmer. Just beware: The batteries may tend to be a little on the wimpy side – with just enough power to do lighter chores like trimming short grass. Also, the charge generally holds for only about 30 minutes. (But you can always invest in a second battery, so one can be on the charger while you’re using the other.)

Unfortunately, the technology behind rechargeable batteries has a way to go, in that they can make for heavy tools. In fact, some battery-trimmers can weigh as much as gas-powered versions. And as with all rechargeable batteries, they don’t last forever. Depending on how often you charge and use your battery, you may need to replace it sooner than you’d like. But whether you choose a corded or battery-operated electric model, the price point is excellent: Corded trimmers sell between $20-$75, while battery-powered versions are typically $25-$100.

Warnings

Be careful trimming around your plants! String trimmer damage is a common cause of tree and shrub death. Gardeners trying to get every last bit of grass often unknowingly nick the trunk, damaging the plant’s bark. The injury can kill small trees and serves as an entry point for insects and disease for trees of any size!

Tips

To avoid accidentally injuring your trees and shrubs with a string trimmer, mulch around them rather than letting grass grow there. Just spread a 1- to 3-inch layer of wood chips or other organic mulch around the plant base. For best results, spread mulch out as far as the drip line (as far as the branches extend).
The very thing that makes trimmers so cool – that fishing line-like string that does the actual cutting – also creates the biggest headaches. Tangled string or running out of it are chronic problems, so look for smart designs that minimize string issues. Also keep an eye out for packaging that specifically touts a model as one that prevents tangling and jamming and has easily replaceable string.

Buy

Lowe’s carries a wide assortment of String Trimmers – click here to see what’s available in your area.
Find nearest Lowe’s…

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