Why Should I Edge My Lawn?
Edging your lawn means creating a clean, defined border between your grass and other areas, like driveways, sidewalks, flower beds, or garden paths. It makes your yard look neat and well-maintained. Edging has several practical and aesthetic benefits:
- It creates a sharp boundary between your grass and other areas like sidewalks, driveways, flower beds and mulch areas. This makes your yard look well-maintained and professional.
- As grass tends to creep into garden beds or cracks in pavement, edging acts as a barrier, reducing the spread and keeping everything in its place.
- Having a clear edge when mowing helps you avoid damaging plants or scattering mulch.
- Proper edging can improve airflow and water distribution along the edges, reducing disease potential and promoting even growth.
What Are the Types of Lawn Edgers?
There are several types of tools you can use to edge your lawn. When choosing the right one, consider the size of the area you’ll be working on and the surfaces you’ll be edging against.
Manual Lawn Edgers
If you want maximum control, a manual lawn edger is the way to go. Equipped with a sharp, powder-coated carbon steel blade, it easily cuts through grass, roots, and soil with a simple step on the blade. Manual edgers are popular among DIYers and professionals alike for their straightforward operation and ability to pivot smoothly when working on curved edges. Manual edgers are good for smaller lawwns and detailed edging.
If most of your trimming is grass that grows over the edges of paved driveways and sidewalks, then a manual dual-wheeled rotary edger can be the answer. The blades on the edger are self-sharpening and the dual wheels roll easily on pavement.
Electric Lawn Edgers
Electric lawn edgers are a convenient option for homeowners who want clean, professional-looking edges without the physical effort of manual edgers. They’re lightweight, easy to maneuver, and often feature adjustable depth settings for different edging needs. Electric models are quiet and low-maintenance compared to gas-powered alternatives, making them ideal for small to medium-sized yards. They may struggle with very tough soil, however, and require careful cord management.
Cordless Lawn Edgers
Battery-powered cordless lawn edgers offer the perfect balance of convenience and mobility for homeowners who want a clean edge without dealing with cords or gas. Running on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, they have enough power for most small to medium-sized yards. They’re also lightweight and typically feature adjustable cutting depths for precise edging. Cordless lawn edgers are relatively maintenance free to operate. However, their runtime is limited by battery capacity, so larger jobs may require a spare battery or recharging between sessions.
These edgers are available as a stand alone tool or as an attachment for cordless multi-use systems.
Gas-Powered Lawn Edgers
Gas-powered lawn edgers are the go-to choice for heavy-duty jobs and large properties. They are available as handheld or push models. These machines deliver maximum cutting power, making them ideal for tackling thick grass, tough roots, and compacted soil with ease. Gas edgers aren’t limited by cords or battery life so you can work continuously without interruptions. Features include adjustable cutting depths and robust wheels for stability, ensuring precise, professional-looking edges even along long driveways or sidewalks. They can also be used to dig trenches for invisible dog fences, low-voltage wiring or internet cable. However, gas edgers require more maintenance, produce emissions and are noisier than electric or manual options, which may be a consideration for some homeowners.
How Do I Edge My Lawn?
Edging along a driveway or sidewalk is simple because the hard surface gives you a clear guide. But what about flower beds, where the boundary isn’t as obvious? No problem, just a few simple steps and you can create a clean, sharp boundary that makes your lawn and garden look amazing.
Define the Border Shape
Use marking paint or a string outline to mark the curve and shape of the border for your bed. Smooth flowing curves will look more natural than sharp angles.
Cut and Shape a Perfect Border
Cut along your marked line with a manual edger, driving the blade straight down as you move along the border. Angle the blade slightly toward the bed to create a shallow, tapered trench. While a manual edger takes more time, it offers greater control for a precise, clean edge. Power edgers work faster, but they sacrifice some accuracy.
Remove Debris
Go back along the border cut and remove any loose soil or grass clumps. Trim any rough edges and any overhanging turf.
Install Landscape Edging
Installing landscape edging right after you’ve cut a clean edge is ideal as the trench is fresh and easy to work with. Edging creates a physical barrier that keeps grass and weeds out of your flower beds, and it helps your border stay sharp without constant re-cutting. There are plenty of materials to choose from, including durable steel and flexible plastic or vinyl. For a more distinctive look, consider edging stones or planter blocks.
Lawn Edging: When’s the Right Time?
Your lawn grows all year, but the best time to edge depends on the season. Here’s when to do it for the sharpest look:
Spring: Perfect for defining your lawn early in the growing season. A fresh edge sets the tone for the months ahead.
Mid-Summer: Growth speeds up with summer rain, so edging now keeps things neat and under control.
Late Summer: One last edge before winter ensures your lawn looks clean through the colder months.
How Often Should You Edge Your Lawn?
How often you need to edge your lawn depends on several factors, including the type of grass, weather conditions, and seasonal growth patterns.
- Growth Rate: Some grasses grow quickly and may need edging about twice a month. Slower-growing varieties can be edged every 6–8 weeks.
- Rain and Irrigation: Lawns grow faster with more water, so during rainy seasons or frequent irrigation, you may need to edge more frequently to keep borders neat.
- Seasonal Trimming: Growth tends to accelerate in spring and summer, requiring more frequent edging and trimming. If you mow weekly, edging every second or third mow works well. In cooler months, you can reduce edging to every 6–8 weeks.
In addition to edging, regular mowing enhances your lawn’s overall appearance by maintaining clean, defined areas around flower beds and pathways. With a little monthly effort, your landscape will stay tidy, balanced, and professional-looking.
Edging your lawn is more than just a final addition. It’s what transforms a yard from ordinary to polished. By creating clean, defined borders along sidewalks, driveways and garden beds, you not only boost curb appeal but also make future maintenance easier. A few extra minutes spent edging can give your landscape a crisp, professional look . Shop Lowe’s for all of your lawn and landscaping projects.