The best time to use your electric hedge trimmer is in very late fall or early spring. This is when the growing season is over and the trees are not producing sap. It's the easiest way to trim up your trees and bushes without making a mess.
Unfortunately, the trees and bushes don't always cooperate really well with this plan and will cause you to have to do some trimming and pruning throughout the summer. This can cause your trimmer blades to get sappy or gummy. Some users recommend spraying the blades with a lubricant before each use to keep them clean. It's also recommended to try soaking the blades in kerosene for a few minutes to clear out the gum.
Electric Mower
Whether you're using a cordless or electric version, you'll need to make sure you properly care for your hedge trimmer to make it last as long as possible. Just like your push lawn mower, the engine on your trimmer will need to be serviced once in a while to make sure it's running at top shape. Keeping it clean and serviced regularly will help it last.
Be sure to properly store your lawn equipment in a clean, dry place like your shed or garage. Don't leave your hedge trimmer out in the rain ever. It's best to clean it after each use. This will establish good habits of proper care and will give you the longest life of your equipment.
Check with the provider, if you have a Stihl, Makita, Ryobi, or Black and Decker brand to see what kind of servicing is available. These are the most common brands, but others will probably also service their equipment for you. If you haven't purchased an electric hedge trimmer yet, be sure you include the available servicing in your research. This will help you to make sure you're getting a quality product that will last the longest amount of time. Look for product reviews and comparisons. Pay particular attention to the ones written by consumers as these will be the most candid.