Follow these handy tips to get the best from your hedge trimmer

Keep it sharp.

Sounds obvious, but keep trimmer blades sharp. If cut branch tips appear ragged or light in colour, or if blades snag on the hedge, the blades are probably blunt and tearing rather than slicing material. Take your hedge trimmer to your local STIHL Dealer  for professional sharpening.

Keep it clean.

A blade that is not clean is not efficient. As a hedge is trimmed, sap builds up on the blades, setting hard like glue. Clean your blade regularly to keep it in top condition.

Keep it in order.

Cut the vertical sides of a hedge first, using an upward and downward sweeping motion and moving forwards along the hedge as you work. When trimming the top of a hedge, angle the blades at around 10° to the horizontal and use a horizontal scything motion to sweep cut material off the hedge.

Keep it safe.

Always use recommended protective clothing, and follow safety instructions when using a powered hedge trimmer.

Source: http://en.stihl.ca/hedge-trimming-tips.aspx