Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle Whitley
If you are like me, your life is pretty hectic, and there are only so many hours in the day to get things done. There have been many times I have been out doing yard work and a rainstorm either has just come up or has just passed. I have often wondered, can you use cordless hedge trimmers in the rain or when it is wet?
I guess the answer is really maybe, but you more than likely shouldn’t use a battery powered tool in the rain unless it is rated to work in that type of environment. Some models from EGO and others are weather resistant.
It is always best to do any yard work when it is dry, but I do understand the busy lifestyles we all lead now, and that sometimes we just can’t work when it is 100% dry outside.
Table of Contents
What Are Electric Hedge Trimmers?
Hedge trimmers come in different sizes, but most have a length of about 22 -24 inches. Many homeowners use them to cut back tall plants such as shrubs and hedges
Dual-action trimmers allow you to make cuts from either side of the blade, but they require more power than single-action models. Single-action trimmers only have one sharpened edge, so you need to be careful about cutting too close together. Electric hedge trimmers can cut up to a ½” diameter.
What happens when the hedges are wet?
A hedge trimmer can’t tell whether or not a hedge is wet or dry. It cuts through both types of hedges equally well. But since it’s designed to cut through thick branches, it works better on dry ones than wet ones.
Wet hedges and shrubs will tend to leave much more debris on the blades, which can cause issues with performance if too much buildup is left on the blades.
How to Use an Electric Hedge Trimmer After the Rain
You should be careful about using your electric hedge trimmer after heavy rains because you don’t want to get moisture near the electric motor or components on your hedge trimmer.
Wet shrubs can be more difficult to deal with than trimming dry bushes because the branches get softer and bendier when they’re wet. Dry sticks are easier to break than when the wood is hard and dry.
You’re also going to want to immediately clean off the hedge trimmer after you finish trimming. Moisture will ruin trimmer blades is left on there for extended periods of time. Also, the moisture will remove the lubrication oil that keeps the blades running smoothly.
Is It Better To Cut A Hedge When It’s Wet Or Dry?
You should trim your hedges when they are dry. Wet plants may be weak and break easily as you try to cut them.
Also when cutting shrubs or hedges the debris tends to stick to you and your trimmer. This makes for harder trimmer cleanup and harder cleanup of the trimmings.
Dress for Safety
Always wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, including pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Wear safety goggles while using tools or working around sharp items. Don’t let anything touch your face.
Gloves will help protect your hands for branches and from the trimmer blade. Your feet need to be protected as well with closed-toe shoes.
Some tips while cutting wet hedges
Sharp Blade Teeth
You need to sharpen your teeth before trimming the hedge. Cutting a wet hedge reduces the cutting efficiency of the blade, so you need to make sure the blades are not dull or you might be getting more tearing of the branches and cutting them
Blade Lubrication
Make sure that you properly lubricate the blades before using them as it will ensure that there won’t be any issues with the efficiency or performance of the device. Also, if you do get cuts while trimming the grass, you should immediately stop using the tool until you’ve cleaned up the wound.
Say No to Rust
Protecting the teeth by keeping them dry is very important. After using the trimmer, make sure to wipe off any moisture before storing it. You should use a lubricant to protect it from rust but don’t store it around water or leave it exposed to excessive humidity.
Protect Yourself
You should always wear safety goggles or glasses because if you lose them, you may end up getting injured by the blade. Also, don’t forget about the gloves as they help prevent cuts on your hands. Finally, make sure your feet are well protected by boots or shoes.
Keep Your Blade in Good Condition
Sharpening a dull blade takes time and patience. You should use a hedge trimmer sharpener like a bastard file, angle grinder, or a rotary tool like the Dremel.
Sharpening your blades is easy if you follow the instructions below. Cutting your shrubbery with a dull blade can make them look ragged and damaged, causing your shrubs to get torn up as well.
Not properly maintaining the blade could lead to extra expense, since you might have to replace the blade if it gets damaged.
Cordless Hedge Trimmers in the Rain – Probably not a Good Idea
Well, it might not have been the answer you were looking for, but using a cordless or corded electric hedge trimmer in the rain is not a good idea. You can cut hedges after a rainstorm, but you need to make sure you take care of your hedge trimmer afterward and get it dried off, relubricted, and cleaned up.
Hedge Trimmer Manufacturers
