A lawn can be your home's a masterpiece, and edging it is the final step in setting it apart from the average. Providing your lawn with a sharp edge gives it definition that makes your beloved lawn pop. Read on to learn how to edge a lawn like a pro with the proper tools.
What Is Edge vs. Edging for Lawns?
For clarity, let's draw a distinction: The noun, "edging" refers to low-lying hardscape used to separate the lawn from another part of the landscape. Meanwhile, to "edge" (verb) a lawn refers to the act of digging a V-shaped trench for separation; the resultant separator can also be referred to as an "edge" (noun).
Do You Have to Edge Your Lawn?
No. Whether or not you edge it has no impact on lawn health; from the perspective of lawn care, it's purely an aesthetic practice. Most homeowners don't edge their lawns; where the lawn abuts a driveway, flower bed, etc., they're content to trim grass that the lawnmower can't reach using a string trimmer.
To edge a lawn requires a lot of work (although, for lovers of well-manicured grass, the task is worth the work), even though the process, itself is easy. It isn't a job you can do once and then forget about. Once you've established an edge, you must maintain it. Homeowners who prefer low-maintenance will seek alternatives. A compromise is to lay hardscape edging: It provides definition but must be done only once.
While creating an edge doesn't improve lawn health, it does have practical benefits. Not only does it keep rhizomes from invading mulched beds, but it also works the other way: It keeps the mulch from spilling out onto your lawn.
When to Edge Your Lawn
To establish an edge between a lawn and flower bed, late spring is a great time for the job (although the operation can be performed any time the ground isn't frozen), because the ground will have dried out by then, making the soil easier to work with.
Plus, many people like to get their beds mulched before summer, when weeds grow most vigorously. Once you get your trench dug, you can apply mulch to the bed and achieve a clean look. If you reverse the process, you'll inevitably spill some soil onto your mulch.
Rhizomes will bridge the trench and invade your bed at some point during the summer. At this point, you'll have to remove the rhizomes and "touch up" your edge. Because doing so is messy, it's hard to avoid getting some soil on your mulch, but try not to.
Before Getting Started
Check on any utility lines, etc. that may exist where you'll be digging. Put on standard garden wear: heavy work boots, garden gloves, etc.
For equipment, first choose between power and manual tools. While there are power tools called "edgers" that some may prefer to use for big jobs, in this project, we'll be using a manual tool. For manual tools, choose between a spade and a half-moon edger. We picked the latter because it's specifically designed for the task. A flange called a "depth guard" runs perpendicular to the unit's cutting blade and facilitates creating a uniform trench. Sharpen the blade before using it.
The 7 Best Edge Trimmers of 2024
How to Edge a Lawn
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Half-moon edger
Instructions
In this project, we'll establish a straight edge between an existing lawn area and flower bed. The edge will run the entire length of the bed. The result will be a V-shaped trench.
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Mark the Edge
It's easier to create a straight edge if you mark it first to have a guide to go by. At one end of the bed, drive a stake into the ground. Do the same at the opposite end.
Tie Strings to the Stakes
Tie a string to first one stake, then the other. The string should run level at about one inch from the ground.
Begin Using Edger
With edger in hand, stand on what will be the lawn side of the trench (you'll be facing the bed). Starting at either of the two stakes, plunge the edger straight down into the turf, lining the blade up with the string. The depth guard should be facing toward you. Wiggle the edger forward and backward, left and right. Keeping it straight and bringing it back up, remove it from the ground. You aren't extracting any sod yet, you're simply forming one side of the V. Repeat the process until you arrive at the other stake.
Make Side Two of Trench
Move over to the other (bed) side of the trench so that you're facing the lawn. Starting at either end, plunge the edger down at a 45-degree angle, such that you meet the bottom of the cut you made on side one. Side two won't be as precise as side one, but that's all right because it will be hidden with mulch afterward. Repeat the process until you arrive at the other end. In this step, you can be removing the sod as you go. Set it aside; if it's in good condition, use it to repair damaged lawn areas.
Apply Fresh Mulch
If your entire bed needs to be re-mulched, this is the time to do it. Otherwise, just apply fresh mulch to the area of the bed that abuts the trench. Don't fill the trench with mulch, but let mulch cover the bed side of the trench, thereby hiding any imperfections and suppressing weeds.
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FAQ
What tool is the easiest to edge a lawn with?
Simply enough, the best tool for edging a lawn is called an edger. A brushcutter can also work.
Can you edge a lawn by hand?
Yes, there are manual tools you can use to edge your lawn, such as a lawn trimmer or even a shovel.
Should I mow my lawn before I edge it?
There is no official proper order, but some actually recommend edging your lawn first, which leaves a cleaner look as the mower may pick up excess clippings from the edging process.
How often should I edge my lawn?
Though it comes down to personal preference, many recommend edging your lawn once a year to keep it in shape.
