A freshly mowed lawn without neat edges is like a pie without sauce. It just won’t do. Wielding a brushcutter, line trimmer, strimmer, Whipper Snipper – call it what you will – does take a little know-how though. Here are some “tricks” picked up over many thousands of hours.

1. First things first

I would never operate my petrol-driven equipment without hearing and eye protection, as well as long trousers. Bits of stick and stone and other objects are constantly flying in the air. And according to safety experts, permanent hearing damage occurs with an alarmingly short period of time. Stickers on my machines let me know what decibels they are capable of pumping out.

2. Now for the cord

It comes in a range of thicknesses. In my business I use 3mm to 3.3mm for all applications. It is enough to get through chest-high grass, but still gives a neat finish in manicured residential properties. The trick is adjusting the length of the cutting cord to fit the situation. The longer the cord, the more power – but it also means the cord is more likely to snap, particularly if you are hitting it up against concrete or rocks.

3. Don’t store the cord in the sun

It makes it brittle, along with your temperament. Some operators soak the cord in water to soften it again. I prefer an aftermarket alloy “head” that requires manual feed of the cord. These are popular with many operators and are readily available. I just find these simple to load with cord and easy to operate.

4. Get to know how to clean your air filter 

These can clog up relatively quickly and be the primary cause of a number of ailments for your machine. Also, pay particular attention to the fuel/oil mix for your machine, if it is a two-stroke. Don’t just guess how much oil to add. Litre containers which allow you to measure the mix are readily available.

5. Now, for a neat finish

When it comes to edging a small channel between a concrete path or the kerb and the lawn, turn your machine on its side. It’s infinitely easier and quicker however to have a dedicated edger, which is how many professionals get that look that has mechanical precision.