Among the many tasks involved in maintaining a lawn is edging. As simple as it may sound, edging just makes everything look neat and tidy. While you can do this manually, is it really the best way to use your energy?
The modern world has given us plenty of conveniences, and these include many lawn maintenance tools. So, if you ask us, the best way to achieve that neat look around your walkways and driveways is by using a good lawn edger.
The thing about this device is that not everyone is aware of how to use it. If you need more information about how you can get the most out of a lawn edger, we’re here to walk you through the entire process.
Edging Your Lawn the Right Way
Ready for some yard work? Something as simple as lawn edging does not necessarily call for a professional’s help. Here are eight steps to follow to make your lawn edges look as professionally done as possible.
Step 1: Mow the Grass
Before you begin edging your lawn, you will want to mow the grass first. Unless you did this just days ago, you could go ahead and skip this step.
Once your grass is the desired length, you will know how tall or short it should be along the lawn’s edges. You should always trim your grass in 1/2-inch intervals; otherwise, you may risk scalping off your lawn.
Step 2: Mark the Path
This step is particularly important for people who are edging their lawn for the first time. You can make use of tape, string, or rope to mark the edges of your lawn.
You may be tempted to use spray paint to mark the area. We don’t recommend this as it may spoil your grass due to the wind. However, if you think you can make do without this step, feel free to skip it.
Step 3: Choose Your Edger
Next, you have to choose the edger. Good thing, you will find several options between electric and manual models. A power edger will allow you to edge the lawn faster, but a manual edger offers more control and accuracy.
Normally, string trimmers are also used as edgers. These machines make use of a spinning head with a string to cut through grass, weeds, leaves, and more.
On the other hand, you have manual edgers. These come in several types: landscaping, dual-wheel rotary, and edging shears. Make sure to choose the right type of edger that meets your preferences and needs.
Step 4: Wear Safety Gear
Even after picking your weapon of choice, you’re never really ready unless you’re geared up. Wear a pair of safety gloves and glasses to protect your hands and eyes from grass blades and dirt. If you are edging your lawn in the pollen season, you should also wear a face mask so that it doesn’t trigger your allergies, if any.
Step 5: Begin Edging
Now, you can start edging the lawn. It is best to start at the back. This way, your lawn won’t look bad even if you make a mistake. Moreover, make sure you don’t edge around any wires or pipes you know about.
If you are using a string trimmer, flip its head to 180 degrees and start edging, walking on the driveway or walkway. Check the direction in which its wheel head spins, as it would determine whether the trimmed grass falls into the lawn or the hard surface.
For manual edging, you will have to push the edger into the soil while holding it straight. Then, move the edger side by side and pull it back up. After doing this, you can move forward and dig it into the ground again.
Step 6: Edge the Garden Beds
Next up, you can work on your garden beds. For this purpose, you can use a manual edger, especially if you have curved garden beds. Again, you’ll want to mark the area with tape or string first. Then, edge it slowly and carefully using your manual edger.
Step 7: Trim Shrubs and Bushes
Now that you have taken care of the perimeter, you can use edging shears and trim your bushes and shrubs to make them look neat. Plus, you can also remove any loose soil and turf from the sides of your lawn to see if any rough or sharp edges need to be edged again.
Step 8: Clean Up
By now, your lawn should look like a beautiful piece of work. All you need to do is brush off grass blades, loose soil, and other debris, as well as clean and store away the tools you used.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, anyone with a good set of hands can try edging their lawn without hiring a professional. Not only will it be an experience you can share with the family, but you’ll get a good workout from it at the same time.
