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inch your lawn creates a crisp , clean molding that heighten curb appeal and prevents pasture from crawl into garden beds , sidewalks , or driveways . With the correct prick and a little time , you’re able to attain a polished , professional look ( no expertise required ) . Here ’s how to march a lawn using different edging tools .
Benefits of Edging Your Lawn
Edging grass is like the finishing pinch on a great haircut . It takes your lawn to the next level with well - set borders that give your yard a dressed and professionally maintained facial expression . But it ’s not just about feel : Edging helps keep grass from mouse into garden beds , sidewalks , and private road .
It also makes mowing easy and can even improve drain by keep soil from spill over onto hard Earth’s surface . Whether you ’re lead for golf game - course ne plus ultra or just desire a clean , easier - to - keep yard , border is a simple step with big payoffs .
Before You Begin
Before edging , start by mow your lawn to its usual height . This gives you a clear view of where to create crisp , even borders . A good formula of ovolo to keep your lawn sound and prevent stress : Do n’t cut more than the top third of the skunk blade .
Also , take a speedy walk around your thousand to go over for rocks , roots , or other obstruction that could get in the room . With a freshly mow lawn and a clean workspace , you ’re ready to start edging .
SUPPLIES
butt your lawn does n’t require a full tool chest , but theedging toolsbelow will make the job easier and more effective . While not all of these tools are necessary , depending on your lawn size and desired finis , each can avail you achieve a clear , polished look .
Tools & Materials
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Steps for Edging Your Lawn
Step 1: Choose the shape of your lawn.
Before you set forth border , decide on the chassis you desire for your lawn ’s delimitation . Do you prefer crisp , straight business line for a courtly look , or gentle curves for a more raw feel ? The march process crop for defining not just the lawn ’s circumference but also other features that admit the following .
If you ’re working with survive edges , follow their rude crease . For novel edging , make a plan before you get started . A well - planned bound sets the stage for a uninfected , professional finish .
Step 2: Mark the new edge.
Like tape before picture , mark your edge serve control clean , precise lines . If you ’re edge along sidewalks or other clear perimeter and plan to trace the current line , you may be capable to cut this dance step .
If you are creating a new edge , use a rope or garden hosiery to outline your path . commit it between the grassy country you ’ll edge and the adjacent feature like the driveway , sidewalk , or flower bed . While some may use spray blusher to mark the edging line , it can be wily in windy status .
Step 3: Choose your edging tool.
The right edging cock makes all the difference in achieving unclouded , professional - looking borders . Your proficiency will vary slimly depending on whether you ’re using a manual or power edger .
Best for : big lawn , bass or well - defined edge , and speedy , accurate cut .
For straight edges , start at one ending and move onwards steady . For curving sharpness , get in the centre and work outward to help keep just ascendence . Stand with a static posture , engage your substance , and walk slowly to avoid wobbling or veering off course . If you ’re Modern to usingpower edger , practice in a less visible region like around a hidden backyard garden bed first before tackling the front grand .
Photo: iStock
Best for : Small lawns , tactile sensation - ups , and elaborated work around flower seam or tight spaces .
Amanual edgerlooks like a shovel with a half - lunation blade . Place it firmly at your pronounced boundary , push down with your ft , and rock the brand side to side to trim back through the turf . knead in small division , somewhat overlapping each cut for straighter lines . Be mindful of your posture — use proper shoveling proficiency to avoid back strain .
No matter which putz you choose , take your fourth dimension . Slower , control movement result to clean , more precise sharpness .
Photo: skhoward via Getty Images
Step 4: Cut the edge.
Now it ’s time to bulge cutting . Whether using a manual or power edger , direct for a depth of about 2 inches — deep enough to delimitate the molding and help curb root spread . This is the standard astuteness for most major power edgers , but you’re able to adjust as want based on your lawn ’s term . Be aware of any buried pipes or cables , and puzzle out at a steady pace to maintain clean , even lines .
Step 5: Make corrections as you go.
sporadically remove cut greensward to keep your line visible and ensure a clean edge . pace back every few feet to check for any wobbles or odd sections , which will forestall needing a full-grown fix later . To help maintain straight line , follow these gjuidelines :
Step 6: Edge garden beds (optional).
The proficiency and profoundness for edging garden beds bet on the case of garden . Here are a few common type :
There are a few other choices to moot when edging a garden bed that can make the outgrowth easy and more consistent .
Step 7: Finish with a string trimmer or hand shears.
Ah , the reward ! It ’s time for unadulterated edge . raid out the chain pruner or the handwriting shear ! The goal here is to get the sens cut back perfectly in line with the deep edge . The trimming capacitor could be rabid , so proceed guardedly . Hand shearswill take longer but will result in a beautiful , punctilious line of work .
To keep your lawn search sweet , make this last touch - up a even chore . calculate to maintain your edge every 2 to 4 week throughout the acquire season , depending on how quickly your grass originate . Regular upkeep will ensure your edge stay sharp and full-strength all season long .
Lawn Edging Maintenance Tips
Be kind to your tools . Before you put them off , clean and ironic any blade , and follow the manufacturer ’s maintenance suggestions for your power tools . Here are some tips to help you keep your blades in great precondition .
FAQs
The good tool depends on your lawn size and orientation : a power edger is great for heavy yards and deep cut , while a manual edger is stark for pocket-size lawn and precise workplace .
The best time to edge your lawn is after mowing , when the skunk is freshly trim back and the edges are more visible .
touch on up your lawn edging every 2 to 4 weeks to keep it attend wise and refined , depending on how fast the grass grows .
Photo: travelpixpro via Getty Images
professional use spliff edger , chain trimmer , and blade edger for clean , precise lawn edges . For long - term definition , they may also install metal , charge card , or Isidor Feinstein Stone edging .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few spate on your patio , a raised bottom , or an in - ground plot of land out back — and select the right plants for your soil and region .
Photo: Grace Cary via Getty Images
