How to Edge Your Lawn

Ever looked at a beautifully maintained garden and admired those perfectly crisp lawn edges that make everything look so sharp? Getting that pristine look isn’t reserved for  professional gardeners and landscapers; with the right tools and know-how, you can master the art of edging and elevate your garden into something straight out of a magazine.

To get you started, we’re sharing the basics of lawn edging.

What is Lawn Edging and Why Does It Matter?

Lawn edging is more than just a cosmetic trick – it’s a fundamental landscaping technique that creates clean, defined boundaries between your lawn and other garden areas like flowerbeds, pathways, or driveways. Without proper edging, your lawn can look messy, with grass creeping into unwanted areas and creating a ragged appearance.

Edging isn’t just about looks, it serves practical purposes, too. It prevents grass from spreading into garden beds, keeps mulch and soil in place, and makes maintenance easier. Along with these, it also keeps paths and stepping stones grass-free, reducing slip hazards, especially during wet weather. 

The crisp lines you get from edging can also make mowing and trimming much more straightforward, saving you time and effort in the long run. It’s like giving your garden a professional makeover that continues to look great with minimal ongoing effort.

 

What You Need to Edge

When it comes to how to edge your lawn and what you’ll need, you’ve got two options – manual or power tools. Here’s a rundown of the most popular choices:

Manual edging tools

• Step Edger: A classic tool with a long handle and a half-moon-shaped blade. Perfect for those who love a bit of physical work and precise control.
• Edging Shears: Great for touch-ups and tight spaces, these scissor-like tools are fantastic for maintaining existing edges.
• Manual Lawn Edging Knife: A straight-bladed tool that’s ideal for creating sharp, straight lines along pathways and garden beds.

Power tools

• Electric Lawn Edger: Convenient for larger yards or those who want a quick, clean result. This tool creates perfectly straight lines with minimal effort.
• Cordless Battery-Powered Edgers: Perfect for medium-sized yards, offering mobility and convenience.
• Whipper Snipper: Also known as a line trimmer or weed whacker, this is a handheld garden tool with a rotating nylon cord that trims grass and weeds at high speeds. For handy tips, see our guide on how to use a whipper snipper.

The Best Way to Edge a Lawn

Wondering how to cut lawn edges like a pro? Start by planning your approach. Walk the perimeter of your lawn and identify the areas that need edging. This way, you’ll know exactly where to go to ensure you don’t miss a spot. Remove any obstacles or debris from the area, and ensure you have a clear line of sight for your own safety. If you’re using a power tool, be sure to take some time to get familiar with using it before you dig in.

For manual edging, use a consistent motion and keep your tool at a steady angle. With electric tools, move slowly and steadily, allowing it to do the work while you gently guide it. Always edge in the same direction to create a uniform look, and take your time – rushing can lead to uneven lines and potential damage to your lawn, or worse, injury to you. That brings us to…

Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Your Garden

Garden tools, especially power tools, demand respect and careful handling. Whether you’re using electric equipment or cutting grass edges without a trimmer, here are some crucial safety tips when you’re using power tools to edge your garden:

• Wear Protective Gear: Safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, and work gloves are non-negotiable.
• Check Your Equipment: Ensure all tools are in good working condition before use.
• Clear the Area: Remove stones, sticks, and other debris that could become projectiles.
• Mind Your Cables: For electric tools, keep cables away from the cutting area and be aware of their location so you don’t accidentally clip them.
• Take Breaks: Edging can be physically demanding, so listen to your body and take breaks as needed. Getting tired or losing focus can lead to serious injury.

Pro Tips for Perfect Edges

If you really want to up your gardening game, then we’ve got a few pro tips for you to add:

First up, edge when the ground is slightly damp but not wet – this makes cutting easier and reduces strain on your tools. When cutting, maintaining a consistent depth of about 2 to 3 inches is typically ideal for most lawns. If you want a professional finish, then try to aim for this, too. Finally, to get the most out of your tools, clean them after use. This will prevent rust, helping increase their accuracy and lifespan.

Take your time with this; you’ll be grateful in the long run, as you’ll have a better base to work with next time. And, on that note, our final tip is to maintain your edges regularly. A little ongoing care prevents major work later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Along with what to do, there are some important things not to do when edging:

While aiming for 2 to 3 inches in depth is ideal, be careful not to edge too deeply. This can damage the grass roots, causing more harm than good. For the sake of your tools, don’t edge when the ground is too dry or too wet. Wet ground can become particularly slippery, creating an additional hazard.

Your Go-To Gardening Experts

Edging might seem like a small detail, but it’s the difference between a good-looking garden and a great one. It’s all about creating definition and showcasing the beauty of your landscaping. 

If this is a bit too much and you want some specialist assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local Jim’s Mowing team. They can help you out with everything from landscaping and edging to hedge trimming, and lawn dethatching and aerating.