Cutting your lawn with a string trimmer, often called a weed wacker, is a great way to tackle tricky spots and give your yard a clean, finished look. This quick and easy guide will show you how to cut grass with weed wacker effectively and safely. It’s perfect for edges, around trees, and areas your mower can’t reach. With the right technique, you can get professional-looking results without much effort at all.
Let’s get you started with everything you need to know, from choosing your tool to the final clean-up.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Gathering your gear before heading outside makes the whole process smoother. Here’s a basic list:
* A gas, electric, or battery-powered weed wacker (string trimmer).
* The correct trimmer line for your model. Check your manual.
* Safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
* Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (preferably work boots).
* Long pants to protect your legs.
* Work gloves for a better grip and hand protection.
* Hearing protection if using a loud gas model.
How to Cut Grass With Weed Wacker
This main section covers the core technique. Think of it as mowing, but with a handheld tool. The goal is to create an even cut, not just whack weeds randomly.
Preparing Your Trimmer and the Area
First, get your tool and work area ready. A little prep prevents problems later.
Inspect your weed wacker. Make sure it has enough fuel or battery charge. Check that the trimmer head has sufficient line. If you need to reload it, do that now following the manufacturer’s instructions—it’s much easier on a workbench than in the yard.
Next, walk the area you plan to trim. Pick up any sticks, stones, toys, or garden hoses. These can be thrown by the trimmer line or damage your tool. It’s also a good idea to mark sprinkler heads or delicate plants with a small flag so you don’t accidentally hit them.
The Essential Safety Check
Safety is the most important step. Never skip this part.
Always put on your safety glasses first. Then, wear your long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. If your trimmer is very loud, put in your earplugs or put on earmuffs. Clear any bystanders, especially kids and pets, from the area. Hold the trimmer firmly with both hands before starting it, keeping it away from your body and anything you don’t want to cut.
Mastering the Cutting Technique
Good technique gives you a clean cut and reduces fatigue. Here’s how to do it right.
1. The Right Stance and Grip
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability. Hold the shaft with your dominant hand on the trigger handle and your other hand on the auxiliary handle. Keep a firm but comfortable grip.
2. The Sweet Spot for Cutting
For cutting grass, you want to use the very tip of the trimmer line. This is where it moves fastest and cuts most cleanly. Hold the head so the string is parallel to the ground and just barely skims the grass tops.
3. The Proper Motion
Use a smooth, sweeping motion from side to side, similar to using a scythe. Let the tool do the work—don’t force it into the grass. Move your whole upper body, not just your arms, and walk forward slowly as you swing. Overlap each swing slightly to avoid missing strips.
4. Managing Your Line
The line will wear down as you use it. To feed fresh line on most models, you gently tap the head on the ground while the trimmer is running at high speed. Refer to your manual for the exact method, as it varies by model. Don’t let the line get too short, as this makes the motor work harder.
Tackling Different Lawn Areas
Different parts of your yard need a slightly different approach.
Around Trees and Garden Beds
Walk around the object, keeping the trimmer head a few inches away from the bark or plant stems. Use a careful, controlled side-to-side motion. Angling the head slightly can help you get a vertical edge without damaging the tree.
Along Fences and Walls
Start at the base and work upward in a controlled arc. Be careful of hitting the fence, as this can damage both the fence and your trimmer line. Go slow to maintain a consistent edge.
On Slopes and Uneven Ground
Always stand sideways on a slope, with your feet horizontal across the hill. This gives you better balance. Trim in a direction that goes across the slope, not straight up and down, for better control and safety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch for.
* Cutting Too Low: Scaping the soil or cutting into the dirt. This damages the grass crowns, invites weeds, and throws debris everywhere.
* Holding the Head at the Wrong Angle: This can create uneven cuts or dig into the turf.
* Using Dull or Wrong Line: Worn-out line tears grass instead of cutting it, leaving a brown, ragged look. Make sure your using the line diameter recommended for your tool.
* Skipping Maintenance: After use, always clean off grass clippings from the head and air vents to prevent overheating.
Post-Trimming Cleanup and Tool Care
You’re almost done! Proper cleanup extends your tool’s life.
First, turn off the trimmer and disconnect the spark plug wire (for gas models) or battery. Let it cool down. Use a brush or cloth to wipe away all grass clippings and dirt from the cutting head, shield, and engine area.
Check the trimmer line for wear and reload the spool if it’s getting low, so it’s ready for next time. For gas models, consider adding a fuel stabilizer if you won’t be using it for a month or more. Store your tool in a dry, clean place.
FAQ: Your Weed Wacker Questions Answered
Q: What’s the best time of day to trim grass?
A: Early morning or late afternoon is ideal. Avoid the heat of the day to reduce stress on both you and your grass plants.
Q: Can I use a weed wacker to cut my whole lawn?
A: It’s not recommended for large, open areas. A lawn mower is far more efficient. The weed wacker is best for trimming edges and spots the mower misses.
Q: How often should I trim?
A: Typically, you’ll trim every time you mow. This keeps edges neat and prevents grass from growing over into beds or onto hardscapes.
Q: Why does my trimmer line keep breaking?
A: This is often caused by hitting hard objects like rocks, fences, or concrete. Try to maintain a consistent distance and use a line thickness that’s suitable for your machine’s power.
Q: What’s the difference between trimming and edging?
A: Trimming cuts grass in places your mower can’t reach. Edging creates a distinct, clean vertical cut along sidewalks or driveways. Some trimmers have an edging function that lets you rotate the head.
Learning to use your weed wacker properly makes a huge difference in your lawn’s appearance. It’s about control and precision, not just power. With these steps, you can confidently handle those tricky areas and achieve that crisp, manicured look that makes a yard stand out. Remember to always prioritize safety, maintain your tool, and let the speed of the string do the cutting for you.