Is it time to go electric in the garden?
The Pros and Cons of Using Electric Gardening Tools: What You Need to Know
As we approach the Autumn and Winter months leaf fall and tree debris spring to mind, its also a great time to be planting hedges, trees and topiary. Clearing up the leaf debris is one thing, but going forward you are going to need to look after them.
I was recently relaxing in the beautiful parkland garden of one of our great friends. As we sampled the delights of our prawn cocktail starter she remarked on the irritating noise of a distant petrol hedge trimmer.
Unbeknown to me she had recently purchased a Stihl rechargeable strimmer and had become accustomed to its comparatively silent operating.
She was convinced that electric was the way forward.
Electric gardening tools have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience and efficiency. With the push of a button, you can effortlessly trim hedges, mow the lawn, or blow away leaf debris. But, like any technology, there are both pros and cons to using electric gardening tools. It is important for gardeners to be aware of these factors before making a decision. So here I’ve tried to explore the advantages and disadvantages of using electric tools, providing you with the information you need to know.
The benefits of using electric gardening tools
While traditional gardening tools have their merits, electric gardening tools offer numerous benefits that can greatly enhance the gardening experience:
One of the biggest advantages of electric gardening tools is the convenience they provide. These tools can quickly and efficiently perform tasks that would typically require significant physical effort. Whether it's trimming hedges, mowing the lawn, or blowing away debris, electric gardening tools will help make the job easier and less time -consuming.
The efficiency of electric gardening tools. These tools are powered by electricity, which provides a consistent and reliable source of energy. Unlike petrol-powered tools, electric tools do not require regular refuelling, or as much maintenance, saving both time and money in the long run.
They are a greener alternative to traditional petrol-powered tools. They produce zero emissions and are much quieter during operation, reducing noise pollution in residential areas. So switching to electric helps reduce your carbon footprint and contributes to more sustainable gardening.
They are lightweight and easy to handle, making them suitable for gardeners of all builds and skill levels. They often come with ergonomic designs and adjustable features, ensuring comfort, and reducing the risk of strain or injury during use. Even those with limited physical strength can more easily operate them.
This equipment is available in a wide range of options, allowing gardeners to choose tools that meet their specific needs, with a powered option for just about every gardening requirement. Additionally, most manufacturers offer interchangeable attachments, plus common battery types between tools, providing versatility and allowing for multi-functional use.
Typical run times for a Stihl topiary trimmer (AS26) is 110mins, whilst the Stihl HSA 56 hedge trimmer with an AK 20 battery will give you up to 100 mins. That’s more than enough between charges to get a number of topiary balls shaped up, or a run of laurel hedge completely sorted.
While electric tools may have a higher upfront cost compared to the traditional petrol engine tools, they tend to be more cost-effective in the long run. With lower maintenance and fuel costs, along with improved energy efficiency, they will help save money over time. Additionally, the durability of these tools ensures they have a longer lifespan, further maximizing their value.
So it is important for you to consider these benefits when evaluating their use. While there are some initial investments involved, the convenience, efficiency, and environmental advantages make the electric option a worthwhile addition to any gardening routine.
So what’s wrong with using electric gardening tools?
While electric gardening tools offer numerous benefits, it is important to consider their drawbacks before making a purchase decision.
These tools can have a lower power output compared to their petrol-powered counterparts. While they are often sufficient for regular gardening tasks, they may struggle with heavy-duty tasks, or when dealing with thick vegetation. In such cases, petrol-powered tools may provide more power and better performance.
Electric tools can have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional petrol-powered tools. This is especially true for high-quality electric tools that are built to last. While these tools may have long-term cost savings due to lower maintenance and fuel costs, the initial investment can be a barrier for some gardeners.
Some batteries have a limited run-time, which may restrict the duration of continuous use. If you have a large garden, or extensive gardening tasks, you may need to have additional batteries or take breaks for recharging. This can disrupt your workflow and extend the time required to complete your gardening tasks and increase the cost of the equipment.
While electric equipment is more environmentally friendly during operation, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of battery disposal. Batteries contain hazardous materials that can be harmful if not disposed of properly. It is important to follow proper recycling and disposal guidelines to minimize the environmental impact of battery waste.
Some key brands to look out for
Some important brands to consider include Stihl www.stihl.co.uk and Husqvarna www.husqvarna.com . Both of whom have been providing equipment geared to the trade and the homeowner for many years. Their electric ranges include hand mowers, ride-ons, robot mowers, strimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, topiary trimmers, long armed pruners and chainsaws.
Both our gardeners and tree surgeon partners are switching over from traditional petrol to electric driven machines from these two brands and seem very pleased with the performance and additional freedom they provide.
Locally you can buy these brands from Lamberhurst Engineering www.lameng.com 01892 890 364, or Kidmans Garden Machinery www.kidmans.co.uk 01892 530771, or Godfreys Sevenoaks www.godfreys.com 01732 741177. Also check out their websites for specific models and indicative prices.
Another brand worth considering is ego power plus
They manufacture homeowner and professional ranges. See www.egopowerplus.co.uk . they sell electric blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, Strimmers and brush cutters, long armed pruners, hand mowers and ride-ons.
One of our gardeners has a number of machines from the EGO range and speaks very highly of their quality and overall performance.
So maybe it is time to go electric. Let me know how you get on and if any of you have good and bad experiences to report and I will do my best to pass on these remarks to our suppliers.
Enjoy your September in the garden.
For further information contact Tim Sykes at Gardenproud on 07725 173820, or see Gardenproud at www.gardenproud.co.uk
What to look out for in the garden this September….
Whether we enjoy an Indian summer of not there is plenty to be getting on with in the garden this September.
Aerate your lawn, brush in a dressing of mixed sharp sand and compost. Apply an Autumn feed if necessary
Turf or sow new areas of lawn
Remove summer bedding plants as the flowers die back and replant beds and terrace pots with autumn and winter colour, such as violas and winter pansies
Prune back climbers and ramblers that have finished flowering and tie in stems that need support for the new year
Dead head dahlias as the flowers fade and support any vulnerable stems
Plan and plant out your spring flowering bulbs