How to Edge a Lawn
Learn how to edge a lawn quickly and accurately to take your yard from good to great. Lawn edging doesn't take a lot of back-breaking work, or a big investment in lawn equipment. You don't even need to edge a lawn every time you mow, we'll show you how.
Why Should You Edge Your Lawn?
If you mow regularly and follow the basic lawn care, you'll have a beautiful lawn to enjoy. Edging your lawn regularly will make a difference in how your lawn looks. Trimming the edges is the last touch to make a lawn beautifull, and it will separate the lawn and stand out. It's about the satisfaction that you get when you come home from doing a shopping or a football game, or when you see your kids play in a nice lawn.
How to Edge a Lawn [simple step]
Here are some tips that will help you learn how to cut lawn edges quickly and accurately.
1. Mow Your Lawn First
Mowing first allows for a better follow when trimming because it will expose the original curve of the lawn.
2. Edge the Lawn, Not the Hardscape
When using a power edger, keep off sidewalks, concrete, and walking areas. Follow a specific path and make sure to keep the trimming between the lawn and whatever hard surface the grass is growing against.
3. Stand on the Walkways When Possible
It's best to use walking paths or driveways as you trim the edges. This helps you to walk on an level surface and automatically follow the edge just beyond the surface.
4. Slow and Steady
It's not a race. You should always take your time and trim carefully. As you gain experience you'll develop a system for edging your property.
5. Pay Attention to Your Trimmer
Pay attention to which way your blade or trimmer string spins. If your trimmer runs clockwise, keep your movement right to left. The ejected trimmings should end up in the lawn.
6. Don’t Kill the Perennials!
Use a manual edger to cut around flower beds and precious plants. Once you're an expert with your edger or string trimmer you can walk on the wild side.
7. Consider Inorganic Edging
If you want to cut down on the time spent edging, consider investing in plastic, wood, or metal edging. This works great along walkways and garden beds.
Power edging vs. manual edging
Start with a straight edge at the end. For curved edges, it may be easier to control the shape if you start in the middle and then work on either side. Depending on the type of lawn edger you have purchased, the technique can vary slightly.
For power edges, take a good stance that helps you to step forward steadily while tightly managing the direction of your edger. Engaging your core and controlling your body is going to keep you in better control. Go slowly, because the faster you're going, the more likely you're going awry.
Manual edging uses a tool that looks like a half-moon blade shovel. Firmly, but softly, force it in with your knees and twist the blade to the left or to the right to make the cut.
Lawn Edging Maintenance Tips
Your lawn edges sometimes need regular maintenance. How much you need to mow and trim the edges depends on the time of year. Edging the lawn is less time intensive after the initial trim.
When the lawn has been mowed and edged, handle every plant with a lawn weed killer that also protects the grass. Read and follow the instructions on when and where to use the product and how much to apply it.
Clean Up
Use a leaf blower to collect the clippings in the grass or to brush them with a rake. Removing debris also offers a final finished on how to edge a lawn.
