Get Perfectly Trimmed Lawn Edges: Step-by-Step Guide

By: ROS Team

Having a well-manicured lawn can make a big difference in the appearance of your home, and edging is an important part of edge lawn maintenance. Edging helps to create a clean, crisp edge between your lawn and other areas of your landscape, such as flower beds and walkways.

In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to help you get perfectly trimmed lawn edges. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these tips and techniques will help you achieve professional-looking results.

Tools & Materials Needed

When edging a lawn, there are a few tools and materials you’ll need to have on hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. Lawn Edger

There are several types of lawn edgers available, including manual, electric, and gas-powered ones. Choose the type that best fits your needs and preferences.

Manual Edger

Manual edgers are the most basic option and require manual labor to operate. They’re typically the least expensive option, but they can be more time-consuming to use.

Electric Edger

Electric edgers are powered by electricity and are generally easier to use than manual edgers. They’re also more environmentally friendly than gas-powered edgers, but they may not be as powerful.

Gas Powered Edger

Gas-powered edgers are the most powerful option and are good for larger lawns or for tackling tougher grass. They’re also the most expensive option.

Gloves: Wearing gloves can help protect your hands from cuts and scrapes while edging.

2. Eye Protection

Wear eye protection to protect your eyes from flying debris.

3. Hose or String

A hose or string can be used to mark the edges of the lawn and guide your edging.

4. Debris Removal Tools

You’ll need a tool to clear debris and overgrown grass from the edge of the lawn, such as a rake or a pair of shears.

5. Herbicide (Optional)

If you’re having trouble with grass growing into the edges of your lawn, you may want to consider applying an herbicide to the edge of the lawn to prevent new growth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take any necessary precautions when using herbicides.

Preparing for Edging

Before you start edging your lawn, it’s important to prepare the area properly. Here are some steps to take:

Mark the Edges of the Lawn: Use a hose or string to mark the edges of the lawn. This will give you a guide to follow as you edge and help you achieve a clean, straight line.

Clear Debris and Overgrown Grass: Remove any debris, such as leaves or twigs, from the edge of the lawn. If the grass is overgrown, trim it down with a pair of shears or a string trimmer. This will make it easier to see the edge of the lawn and create a clean line.

Check your Lawn Edger: Make sure your lawn edger is in good working condition and properly adjusted. If you’re using a manual edger, check that the blade is sharp and properly aligned. If you’re using an electric or gas-powered edger, make sure it’s properly fueled, and the blades are sharp.

By preparing the area properly, you’ll be able to achieve a clean, professional-looking edge.

Edging The Lawn

Once you’ve prepared the area, you’re ready to start edging your lawn. Here are some tips for getting the best results:

1. Use the Proper Technique

When using a lawn edger, make sure to maintain the proper depth, angle, and overlap. The depth of the edger should be set so that it cuts through the grass and into the soil, but not so deep that it removes too much soil. The angle of the edger should be perpendicular to the ground, and you should overlap your strokes slightly to ensure a clean, straight line.

2. Start on the Straight Sections of the Lawn

It’s generally easier to edge straight sections of the lawn first and then work your way around curves. This will help you achieve a clean, straight edge and make the job go more quickly.

3. Edge Around Obstacles

When edging around obstacles, such as trees and landscaping features, use a gentle, curved motion to create a smooth transition. Avoid digging too deep or making sharp turns, as this can damage the roots of the plants.

By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results and have a beautifully manicured lawn.

Maintaining the Edges

To keep your lawn looking its best, it’s important to maintain the edges on an ongoing basis. Here are some tips for maintaining the edges of your lawn:

Trim with a String Trimmer: Use a string trimmer to tidy up the edges of the lawn and remove any stray grass that has grown into the edges. This is a quick and easy way to keep your edges looking clean and crisp.

Use a Hedge Trimmer: If you have a lot of grass growing into the edges of your lawn, a hedge trimmer can be a more efficient tool for removing it. Just be careful not to damage any plants or landscaping features as you trim.

Use a Mulch Border: Adding a mulch border along the edges of your lawn can help prevent grass from growing into the edges. Mulch acts as a natural barrier and can also help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Apply Herbicide: If you’re having trouble with grass growing into the edges of your lawn, you may want to consider applying an herbicide to the edge of the lawn to prevent new growth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take any necessary precautions when using herbicides.

How Much Does it Cost to Edge a Lawn?

The cost of edging a lawn will depend on several factors, including the size of the lawn, the type of edging being used, and the region in which you live.

Here are Some Rough Estimates of the Cost of Edging a Lawn:

Manual Edging: $0.50-$1.00 per linear foot
Electric Edging: $1.00-$3.00 per linear foot
Gas Powered Edging: $2.00-$5.00 per linear foot

These estimates do not include the cost of labor, which will depend on the size of the lawn and the complexity of the job. It’s also worth noting that these estimates are rough estimates only and may vary depending on your location and other factors.

To get a more accurate estimate of the cost of edging your lawn, it’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple professionals in your area.

Edge a Lawn: Conclusion

Edging your lawn is an important part of lawn maintenance that can help create a clean, professional look. By following the steps outlined in this blog post and using the right tools and techniques, you can achieve perfectly trimmed lawn edges.

Be sure to prepare the area properly, use the proper edging technique, and maintain the edges on an ongoing basis to keep your lawn looking its best. With a little care and attention, you can have a beautifully manicured lawn that you’ll be proud to show off.

Read Also: Homemade Weed Killer Recipes