Versatile Tool POSSIBLY THE MOST VERSATILE TOOL FOR YOUR YARD!
Some seasons the rain and warmer weather cause our yards to explode with life. This was one of those seasons. Grass, weeds, trees, vines and all the rest have came to life! You cut the grass, but the yard still looks, well, messy. The problem is in the detail. Dead branches in the trees, grass around the foundation, sidewalks and driveway, even scrub brush gone wild in the back yard all add to the messy look. Its time for the secret weapon!

The secret weapon is... the lowly String Trimmer, otherwise know as weed-eater, weed-whacker and a few other affectionate names.

Now I've lost my mind... trim tree branches with a string trimmer, excuse me???

String Trimmers come in several different forms and with some nice modern options:

• Curved-Shaft Trimmer - Light duty trimmer capable of basic trimming and edging when the head is turned 90-degrees to the ground. Also good for people of less than average height. (the basic weed-eater)
• Straight-Shaft Trimmer - Usually heavier duty (brand dependent) for trimming and edging. Some models have the option of attaching a brush blade in place of the trimmer-line head. This circular-saw-like blade can cut through large grasses, vines and brush like a knife. Certain blades can actually cut down scrub trees up to 4" diameter.
• Split-Boom Trimmer - The true secret weapon! You purchase one power source (engine) and can attach many different tools, including: trimmer-line head, brush blade, pole saw (chain-saw attachment), edger, cultivator (small tiller), hedge clipper, and more. With this versatile tool you can trim over-head tree branches, hedge shrubbery, till your garden, cut down scrub brush, trim grass, and just all-together tame the details of your yard!

There is even a version of straight-shaft trimmer called a Brush Cutter that is designed for heavy-duty brush clearing with an extra-large motor and an aggressive cutting blade.

Before buying, make sure the balance and fit is comfortable to you. Make sure you buy from someone that services the equipment (assembly, run, adjust) and shows you how to use it. It will be important for you over the long-term to select a good brand that has local service and parts availability.