Getting your lawn looking neat doesn’t always require a big mower. Sometimes, you just need to know how to cut grass with weed wacker to tackle those tricky spots. A string trimmer, often called a weed eater, is perfect for edging, cutting around obstacles, and managing areas your mower can’t reach. This guide will show you the quick and easy way to get a clean, professional-looking finish without the hassle.
It’s a simple tool, but using it correctly makes a huge difference in your results and safety. Let’s get you set up for success.
How to Cut Grass With Weed Wacker
Before you even start the engine, a little preparation goes a long way. Rushing in can lead to a messy job or even damage to your property.
Step 1: Gear Up for Safety
A weed wacker spins a nylon string at incredibly high speeds. It can throw debris like rocks, sticks, and grass clippings with force. Always wear the right protective gear:
* Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are non-negotiable. They prevent dust and debris from causing serious eye injury.
* Long Pants & Closed-Toe Shoes: Wear sturdy pants and boots or thick shoes to protect your legs and feet.
* Hearing Protection: Gas-powered trimmers are loud. Use earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing, especially for longer sessions.
* Gloves: They improve your grip and protect your hands from vibration and flying material.
Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area
Walk the area you plan to trim. Look for and remove any large obstacles that could become dangerous projectiles or damage the trimmer line.
* Clear away sticks, stones, toys, and dog bones.
* If you have delicate plants or flowers nearby, consider laying down a board or piece of cardboard as a temporary shield from flying debris.
* Check for wires, sprinkler heads, or landscape lighting that could be hit.
Step 3: Check Your Equipment
Give your weed wacker a quick once-over. For electric models, ensure the battery is charged or the cord is long enough and placed safely. For gas models, check the fuel and oil levels.
Most importantly, inspect the trimmer line. It should be the correct diameter for your machine and long enough to cut effectively. If it’s worn short, you’ll need to “bump” feed more line or manually extend it according to your model’s instructions. A short line makes you work harder and gives poor results.
Choosing the Right Trimmer Line
Not all trimmer line is the same. Using the wrong type can affect performance.
* Round Line: The most common. Good for general grass and light weeds.
* Shaped Line (Square, Star, etc.): Cuts more aggressively. Better for thicker weeds and brush.
* Multi-Sided Line: Offers a balance, providing a cleaner cut on grass than round line sometimes.
Step 4: The Correct Trimming Technique
This is the key to a clean cut and avoiding fatigue. Doing it wrong can scalp your lawn or leave it looking uneven.
* Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for balance. Hold the trimmer firmly with both hands.
* Swing Motion: Don’t just use your arms. Pivot from your waist, swinging the trimmer in a smooth, controlled arc from side to side. Keep the head level.
* The Cutting Zone: The very tip of the trimmer line, about 2-4 inches out, does the cutting. This is where it’s moving fastest. Don’t try to cut with the full length of the string pressed into the grass.
Direction of Cut: Always swing the trimmer so that debris is thrown away from you, your house, windows, and cars. Usually, this means swinging from right to left if you’re right-handed.
* Overlap Your Swings: Like mowing, slightly overlap each arc to ensure you don’t miss any strips of grass.
Cutting Tall Grass and Weeds
If the area is overgrown, don’t try to cut it all at once. You’ll stall the machine and wrap debris around the head. Use a layered approach:
1. Start at the top, taking off the first third of the growth.
2. Make another pass to cut the next third.
3. Finally, trim it down to your desired height on the last pass.
Step 5: Mastering Edging
One of the best uses for a weed wacker is creating a crisp edge along sidewalks and driveways. It’s simple but requires a steady hand.
* Tilt the trimmer so the string is vertical and just barely touches the concrete.
* Slowly walk along the edge, letting the string clean up the grass overhang. A steady pace gives a straighter line.
* For a really sharp edge, you can sometimes use a dedicated edging attachment or a half-moon edging tool first, then maintain it with the trimmer.
Step 6: Post-Use Cleanup and Storage
A few minutes of care after you finish will make your tool last much longer.
* Wipe down the trimmer head and shaft to remove grass and moisture.
* For gas models, check the air filter and clean it if needed.
* Store the trimmer in a dry place, hanging it up if possible to avoid bending the shaft.
* If storing for a long time (like over winter), follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fuel stabilization.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch for:
* Scalping the Lawn: Holding the trimmer too low or at an angle can dig into the soil and scalp the grass, leaving brown spots.
* “Painting” with the Trimmer: Moving the head too slowly or holding it in one place. This damages the grass and wastes line.
* Ignoring the Line Length: Working with a line that’s too short is inefficient and hard on the machine’s engine or motor.
* Forgetting Safety Gear: It only takes one small stone to cause a big problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best time of day to use a weed wacker?
Early morning or late afternoon is ideal. The grass is dry (avoiding clumping), and it’s cooler for you to work. Try not to trim in the heat of the day when grass is stressed.
Can I use a weed wacker to cut my whole lawn?
You can, but it’s not recommended for large areas. It’s very time-consuming and physically demanding. A lawn mower is far more efficient for the main body of your lawn. The weed wacker is best for trimming and edging where the mower can’t reach.
How do I stop the trimmer line from breaking so often?
Frequent breakage is often caused by hitting hard surfaces like rocks, concrete, or fence posts. Be mindful of where the tip of the line is. Also, ensure you’re using the correct line thickness and type for your trimmer model.
What’s the difference between a weed wacker and an edger?
A weed wacker (string trimmer) is primarily for cutting grass and weeds in places a mower can’t. An edger is a dedicated tool, often with a metal blade, designed specifically to cut a vertical edge along hardscapes. Many weed wackers have an edging function where you can rotate the head.
Is it better to have a gas or electric weed eater?
It depends on your needs. Electric models (corded or battery) are quieter, lighter, and require less maintenance. They’re great for small to medium yards. Gas models offer more power and complete freedom of movement, making them better for large properties or heavy-duty cutting.
By following these steps, you’ll find that knowing how to cut grass with weed wacker is a simple skill that instantly improves your lawn’s appearance. With a bit of practice, you’ll be trimming and edging like a pro, giving your yard that clean, cared-for look that makes all the difference. Remember, saftey first, take your time, and let the tool do the work for you.