Strimmer recommendations

[PrinceRegentLady]

My mower unfortunately has spent some time being repaired & the ‘lawn’ has become a jungle. I mean in just a few weeks it is well over knee height, a mass of wild grasses and clumps of wild plants some of which are almost shoulder height.

I think before mowing I need to strim. I kind of regret this but if I don’t do it my garden will be utterly out of control. Can anyone recommend a strimmer? It needs to be quite a heavy duty one but also easy to use- I have never used one & do not want to cut off any limbs.

I have always avoided strimming previously because of the danger to wildlife. Can anyone also give advice on how to minimise this? For instance I have hedgehogs that feed in the garden every night but I have no idea whether they live in my garden or elsewhere. (And if in my garden, would they be in the long grass anyway? Or in the log pile?)

Any recommendations appreciated!

You are quite correct about the danger to wildlife (and hedgehogs in particular).

If you are only going to use it once, do you really need one or could you tackle the long grass with garden shears first? Would be a lot more gentle and avoid the risk to wildlife.
We have a strimmer in the shed but it hasn't been used for years (decades even).
What size of lawn are we talking?

I’m not good on size - but certainly big enough to be difficult!

Your saying this though does underline the risk & I think I will take your advice & at least try shears first.

It has struck me that the meadow I have inadvertently created does seem to be full of insect life. Getting rid of it does not sit easy with me!

Perhaps just cut pathways through it, the best of both worlds?