How Many Weeds Can a Weed Cutter Cut.....?

One of the greatest inventions in the landscape business has got to be the monofilament line weed trimmer. Since that's an ungainly name, what do you call it? For many people it is a "Weedeater", although some like to correct you and say "Weed Whacker". Both names are manufacturer trademarks that have become synonymous with the tool. It is the same for other products like Scotch brand tape. When you are wrapping Christmas gifts you don't just ask for the "transparent tape".

So with dozens of models available from a variety of manufacturers, how do you choose the type and model of weed trimmer that is right for you? The first decision is whether to use gas-powered or electric. The electric trimmer might be right for you if:
•	Your property is relatively small
•	The farthest distance to the property line is less than 100 feet
•	The extent of your weed problem is grass growing next to a fence or tree
•	You have an external electrical outlet
•	Your physical strength requires a lighter machine

A gas-powered trimmer is the right choice if:
•	You have a larger property or several properties to trim
•	You have more and dense patches of thick weeds requiring more cutting horsepower
•	You are at a remote location where electricity is not an option
•	You are able to carry the additional weight of the gas engine

The next choice is whether to use a model which uses the traditional monofilament ("fishing") line or one that uses plastic or metal blades. Generally, if the density of weeds is light, go with the monofilament style. If your weeds are woodier-stemmed, or thicker, you may want to go with blades. Blades come in a couple of different styles, depending on the model of trimmer. Some blades are like small 2 to 6-inch-long serrated knife blades, others look more like a small circular saw blade. The circular saw blade types are more for commercial, industrial use and are more durable. If the trimmer is for home use, go with the monofilament variety, especially if there is any chance that children may be operating the tool.

The weed trimmer has improved the level of production dramatically and so there was a string of other ideas that came along to "enhance" the tool. Today you can buy attachments to rototill your garden, shear a hedge or saw a branch from a tree. Each has its limitations but each has a useful application. Part of your choice will be to decide for what other purposes you want to use your weed cutter.

The biggest breakthrough in the last 10 years has got to be the addition of an edger head on the end of a trimmer shaft. In the past, an edger was a big 3-wheeled machine with a multi-horsepower motor that was cumbersome to operate and expensive to own. The new state-of-the-art edger is lightweight, fuel efficient and extremely maneuverable. With the addition of an edger blade in a metal housing and a tiny wheel to help guide it along, the weed trimmer is transformed into a highly-productive lawn edger.

If you want to learn more about the equipment used by Northwest Landscape Services, call or contact us today! Better yet, save yourself the expense, hassle, and work by letting Northwest Landscape Services handle all your property landscaping needs.

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Call or contact Northwest Landscaping Services today to learn more about how we can implement a water-conservation program to help you save money!

Northwest Landscape Services
P.O. Box 864
6303 233rd Place SE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Toll Free 1-866-236-7263 Local 425-481-0919
E-mail Fax 425-485-9601

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