When it comes to keeping the lawn edges neatly trimmed, there is only one tool for the job and that is a string trimmer (aka weed whacker or weed eater). Grass can often get tricky to reach along a fence line, around trees or bedside flowerbeds with a lawn mower, but with the addition of this yard tool it is made that little bit easier.
But how do you go about getting your hands on one of the best string trimmers? What should, and shouldn't you, be looking out for? We caught up with the experts to find out how to choose a string trimmer; one which is on budget and suits your requirements.
How to choose a string trimmer
1. What's your budget?
Probably the most important thing to think about before you choose a string trimmer is what can you afford?
Marek Bowers, a sustainable garden designer and founder of Bolder Green, told Top Ten Reviews: "If you have a limited budget then corded electric trimmers are usually the most affordable, followed by battery-powered models.
"For those with a bigger budget, gas-powered trimmers and high-end battery-powered models offer more capabilities and durability, but at a higher price point."
2. Consider the type of trimmer
The next thing to consider when choosing a string trimmer is the power source. Do you want a corded electric, battery-powered or gas-powered string trimmer?
Marek says: "If you have a small yard and don't mind using an extension cord, a corded electric trimmer is a good choice because it is lightweight, low-maintenance and usually more affordable.
"If you have a medium-sized yard, then a battery-powered trimmer offers good mobility without the hassle of cords. Look for models with long battery life and fast charging times.
"If you have a large yard or heavy-duty trimming needs, I would recommend a gas-powered trimmer. This provides the most power and flexibility but requires more maintenance and is heavier."
Marek Bowers is founder of Bolder Green, a website that helps people create eco-friendly yards. As a sustainable garden designer and landscaping expert, he works with clients to create beautiful eco spaces.
Daniel Brooks, garden expert and the founder of BuyLawnTurf, told Top Ten Reviews: "A corded trimmer will give you time to carefully trim your garden and space without the worry of losing power. While a wireless, battery operated trimmer will give you more flexibility and range of movement, but you're limited on usage time.
"A petrol trimmer is a great option for large open spaces such as public space and commercial maintenance work."
3. What kind of shaft do you need?
If you need to trim decks, under shrubs or other hard-to-reach areas, then look for what is known as a 'straight shaft' trimmer, as this provides better reach and versatility, recommends Marek.
This type of trimmer tends to have a solid steel driveshaft that is more durable than plastic ones, and it means you can use more heavy duty replacement string or optional cutting blade attachments instead of the string.
"If you prefer a lighter trimmer and have open areas to trim then a 'curved shaft' trimmer is generally easier to maneuver and handle," says Marek.
They're also typically lightweight, and the smaller overall size makes them ideal for covering tighter spaces.
4. Consider the cutting width
Another factor to think about before you choose a string trimmer is the cutting width you need for your yard.
Marek recommends a cutting width of 10-14 inches for a small yard. He adds: "If you have a medium to large yard look for a cutting width of 14-18 inches to cover more ground quickly."
Daniel Brooks is a garden expert and the founder of BuyLawnTurf. The company is a specialist lawn turf and artificial grass and topsoil supplier.
Mark Taylor, Product Manager at ECHO Incorporated, adds: “Look for a tool with an easy-to-load trimmer head.
“Having a head that can be reloaded easily without disassembly will greatly improve satisfaction and get you back to the task at hand.
“A larger cutting swath will also allow for more work in the same amount of time,” he adds."
Mark has extensive experience working across several leading tool brands. As a Product Manager with string trimmer maker ECHO Incorporated – which also manufactures lawn mowers and other power tools – Mark has a deep knowledge of trimmers and how people use these tools in their yards.
5. What kind of feed do you need?
There are three types of feed for string trimmers, says Marek: Bump feed, automatic feed, or fixed line head.
"If you want more control over line release, a bump feed mechanism allows you to release line by tapping the trimmer head on the ground.
"If you're after something more convenient, an automatic feed system releases the line as needed without manual intervention. If you prefer simplicity and durability, a fixed line head requires you to replace the line segments manually, but it's straightforward and less prone to issues," says Marek.
6. How heavy is it?
When choosing a string trimmer you should also think about the weight, as this will dictate how comfortable it is to use.
Daniel advises: "Consider the weight of the trimmer if you're going to be using it for extended periods. If you're using it for a large space, you'll want something light that's easy to maneuver."
"Use a trimmer that has an adjustable height if the area you're working on is at different heights and tough to reach places."
Marek says: "If you need a lightweight option for extended use look for a trimmer that weighs less than 10lbs. For ergonomic features, check for adjustable handles, shoulder straps, and balanced weight distribution to reduce fatigue."
7. Do you need extra features?
It's always worth thinking about whether it's worth paying for extra features.
Marek says: "For versatility look for multi-purpose trimmers that can easily convert to an edger or support various attachments like hedge trimmers or blowers. If you want control over power usage, an adjustable speed feature can help you manage battery life or fuel consumption."
Now that you have chosen a string trimmer, you're going to want to know how to edge with a string trimmer. To know this will help you to tackle any stray blades of grass leftover from a mow, as well as keeping the pathways and fence-edges in check by cutting back unplanned wild grass growth.
