A protective glider assembly for a handheld trimmer apparatus is disclosed including a glider plate operatively connected to a glider shaft for a rotary head of a handheld trimmer. A bearing acts between the glider plate and glider shaft. The protective glider is configured to rotate or to remain stationary independent of and relative to rotation of the rotary head of the handheld trimmer. The glider plate is positionable relative to the rotating head to adjust cutting height of trimmer members.