Do you want a well-manicured lawn that is easy to maintain, but don’t know where to begin? Our simple guide for proper edging will help you achieve the beautifully polished lawn of your dreams. Follow the tips below to learn more.
One of the simplest ways to keep edges looking manicured is to invest in a reliable lawn edger. It can be challenging to choose the best edger for your yard, but you can simplify your search by identifying your property’s needs. For instance, is your yard large or small? Minimally landscaped or filled with garden beds? These are important questions to think about before choosing the right equipment for this job.
A lawn edger can be manual or motorized. This tool is designed to form distinct boundaries around your lawn such as around your mailbox and paved areas. There are six main types of lawn edgers: string trimmers, single wheel designs, multi-wheel designs, spade based, hand shears, and roller based.
Motorized edgers can be either gas powered or electric. Gas powered edgers are the most powerful edgers on the market. They are made with strong materials that increase their durability. They are a great choice for large yards.
Electric or battery powered edgers can be corded or cordless. When looking for an electric or battery powered edger, choose one that has a strong blade (size 7-9 inches). The most common size for a battery powered lawn edger is 18 volts. Lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan which will provide you with more consistent power over time. Electric edgers are lightweight, easy to use, produce enough power for most small to medium sized lawns, and are better for the environment since they do not produce carbon emissions.
Manual edgers are popular because of their simplicity. These edgers spruce up different areas of the yard by creating clearly defined edges around garden beds and paved areas. This type of edger takes more power, but it will keep weeds from growing over onto walkways and it also trims up areas where a lawn mower cannot reach. These are a durable, convenient, and cheaper option.
Most lawn edgers come with clear instruction manuals on how to assemble the pieces and how to properly use the machine. Make sure you read over the directions carefully.
Wearing safety gear such as a sturdy pair of gloves and safety glasses will protect you from debris. Edging stirs up allergens such as grass and pollen, so you may want to also consider wearing a face mask to protect your mouth and nose.
Mowing your lawn is an essential task for maintaining healthy grass. Trimming grass blade tips helps it grow thick and strong which prevents weeds and other unwanted growth. Mowing before you edge has several benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that it can save time. For instance, by mowing first, you are more likely to ensure that you have covered all areas and can avoid the need to re-trim missed spots. Mowing first creates a more even looking lawn which can be hard to achieve if you edge first. Additionally, mowing prevents clippings from getting on the surface of your edged lawn.
After you have tended to the large areas of your lawn with mowing, you are almost ready to begin edging. It is important that you understand the layout of your lawn before you edge it. Be careful around landscaping features- consider the width and direction of each feature. No matter how flawless your lawn may appear, if you do not pay attention to the edges, it will not look as tidy. The thin strips of grass that line your driveway and surround your garden beds, patio, and walkways are also very important to tend to. You should aim to edge your lawn every one to two weeks for the best results.
Edge the Perimeter
When using your lawn edger, it is important that you keep the tool straight and firm. Start by walking along the footpath of the perimeter (sidewalks, driveways, and walkways) of your property instead of on the grass. If you walk along the grass, you will redefine the edge every time and go further and further into your yard. You will want to move your body but not your arms. If you move your body instead of your arms, you are going to see a cut that is much straighter. Edging your lawn’s perimeter provides a uniform and clean look.
Edge Garden Beds
If you do not have an established edge, you can refine it with a spade, deepening the cut to 4 to 6 inches. If you want your edges to be razor sharp, place hand shears vertically along the trench wall and cut any remaining grass blades from the edge. A string trimmer is another tool that you can use to trim along garden beds. They are a great option for maintaining a neat edge.
Grass clippings and other debris can be unattractive and can attract pests. Avoid this by taking the time to clean up your lawn and yard tools.
Edging is an important part of landscaping areas around your home. Choosing the right tools will help you get the job done properly. Check out our selection of edging parts and tools at onthewayoutdoor.com to get your yard looking spectacular in no time!
