Use This Hack To Trim Overgrown Grass In A Pinch

If your yard has patches of grass that have grown out of control for a while, and you're looking at towering, chaotic weeds that desperately need a trim, chances are your mower may struggle with the task. Forcing a lawn mower to cut over long grass can cause its engine to overheat. What's more, the weeds may conceal hazards, like rocks or stumps, that can damage the mower. But don't worry, just because a mower isn't up to the task you don't need to waste a day hacking at the grass with a weeding sickle or trying to pull it out manually. Instead, reach for your hedge trimmer and you'll see how easy it is to get your overgrown yard under control.

Hedge trimmers let you make quick work of tall grass, as they easily saw through the stems just as they would through the branches of a hedge. Thanks to their maneuverability and light weight, you can also use them to cut grass in hard-to-reach locations, like under low-growing trees, shrubs, or along the side of a ditch. Below, we'll show you the best way to handle a hedge trimmer properly when cutting overgrown grass so that the chore becomes, well, less of a chore. You'll also find out which hedge trimmers — and blades — are most suitable for cutting grass.

Before you start cutting, take the time to equip yourself properly. Since the grass you're cutting is likely tall, it'll leave much more of a mess than your turf does under the lawnmower. Don't leave these grass clippings on the lawn — the faster you get this debris out of the way, the easier it will be to continue cutting and gauge your progress. So, apart from the hedge trimmer, you should get a rake and a tarp to collect and remove the cut grass. Safety goggles, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt may help protect you from strands of grass or prickly weeds that get in the way.

Once you're ready, the job is quite simple. Just turn the hedge trimmer on, bring it down to the desired level, and move it firmly in an arc through the grass. Then, retrace the same arc backwards to pick up any lucky weeds that escaped your blade on the first go. If you come across tall, thick weeds, it may be easier to cut them a few times starting from the top and working your way down. Continue working your way into the thick of the weeds in the same manner until the mowed grass starts hindering your progress or is otherwise a nuisance. Then, rake up the cut grass and move it to the tarp before continuing with the trimmer. You can add the grass clippings to your DIY compost pile, or dispose of them per local regulations.

Selecting the best type of the trimmer and attachment will help you get through the chore of cutting through overgrown grass faster and easier. Since the chore demands some dexterity and elbow grease on your part, it's best to go with a trimmer that's light and easy to handle. This means that electric trimmers are a more workable option, especially if you have a lot of space to cover. That said, electric trimmers have two minor drawbacks. First, the corded versions need a cable to plug into the power source, and if you're using a cordless one, you must make sure the battery is full before starting. Secondly, electric trimmers are less powerful than their gas counterparts, so if you're cutting through particularly thick weeds, you may find that the device is struggling. Now, apart from the fuel type, consider the configuration of the trimmer. If the grass you're cutting is easily accessible, any lightweight trimmer should do fine. But if they're in a hard-to-reach place — or you just don't feel like bending over — try using an articulating hedge trimmer.

Shorter trimmer blades are more suitable for cutting grass, and give your movements more precision. On the other hand, if you want the trimmed patch to have an even, level look, longer blades make it easier to cut the grass to a consistent height. Finally, if you're left-handed, you'll find it easier to cut grass with a double-sided blade.