Tip of the Day: Use a string trimmer for late-summer and fall yard care

String trimmers are handy for cutting grass, weeds, and brush in areas your mower or tractor can’t reach, helping to keep your property looking its best and eliminating habitats for insects and rodents, and other critters. As fall approaches, you’ll want to be sure you don’t to provide overwintering abodes for pests.

With prices of the string trimmers in our ratings (available to subscribers) ranging from $20 to $370, we can help you weed out some choices and find the best model for your home. Read our latest report on string trimmers and watch the video at right, in which our garden-equipment guru Peter Sawchuk details the pros and cons and costs of gas and electric (corded and cordless) models.

Essential information: Get ready for autumn with our guide to fall yard care. And find the best leaf blower to make easier work of yard cleanup.

Comments

[Gary Stegeman]

I purchased a Black & Deckere GH100 corded string edger. The thing chewed up string very quickly. I tried several string diameters and it didn't matter. I replaced the factory spool with factory wound string...same thing. I tried to wind my own spools using string sold in bulk. That was even worse. Found myself fixing the spool every 10-20 feet. Do not buy this product!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[John Rigby]

That’s great, I never thought about using a string trimmer for late-summer and fall yard care before.

[Ken Johnson]

I love consumer reports! However, the real information I'm looking for in regards to product quality is "product longevity". I have gone through too many weed eaters that performed well, but simply didn't last more than two season without requiring being replaced, which which was often cheaper than the repair bills. I would love to see Consumer Report testing that looks at product longevity.

[Alan Foley]

I was disappointed not to see a cordless string trimmer reviewed, in these days of non-attainment the electric option is nice and cordless cuts out a lot of dragging 110v lines around.

[Bill Mauer]

I also would like to see the testing for the product quality. I bought a Ryobi 990r 4 cycle, string trimmer in 1999, had it repaired once. It just recently has given me problems with starting. I am attempting to weigh having the machine fixed or purchase a new one.
I am told by the repair facility that the average longevity of the newer models up to and including $300.00 models is 50 hours, before requiring a repair. So much for dependability. I have multiple tool heads that work well, BUT, the Ryobi models and company have not apparently been very impressive. SO longevity is a necessary piece to the puzzle for decision making. Please include.