Buzz
You might be surprised by how much lawn edging contributes to the overall appeal of your front yard.
©iStockphoto.com/skhowardYou've already mowed, weeded, and raked — but you're not quite done. Even if your lawn is perfectly trimmed, it can look untidy without proper edging. That narrow strip of grass along your driveway, walkways, and around flowerbeds or patios plays an equally important role as the larger areas of grass in your yard.
A regular lawn mower just won't do for edging. It's too wide and lacks the precision needed to shape the borders around trees, mailboxes, and light poles. What you need is a proper lawn edger and some knowledge on how to use it. Alternatively, you could hire a professional landscaper (edging is often part of regular lawn care services).
You can also create clean boundaries with bricks, stones, or other materials. These borders serve a practical purpose more than an aesthetic one. They're not meant to be eye-catching, but rather to separate different sections of your landscape, making it easier to maintain and enhancing the overall appearance of your lawn.
Edging is an affordable and simple way to enhance your lawn’s appearance, boost your property’s value, and create a neat line for mowing and trimming. Keep reading for expert tips on how to edge like a pro.
How to Operate a Lawn Edger
Before you can master using a lawn edger, you’ll need to pick the right one for your needs. This is where advice from knowledgeable neighbors and salespeople at your local home improvement store can be incredibly helpful.
You can opt for either an edger or a string trimmer. Edgers come in two styles: wheeled and stick (or pole) models. You also have the choice between gasoline and electric, or even a manual hand edger. (However, keep in mind that manual models may be time-consuming if your lawn is large.) Gasoline-powered edgers tend to be heavier and louder but are ideal for cutting through thick weeds and brush. Prices can vary, ranging from $20 to $200 or more, depending on features. You don’t need an expensive edger unless you’re a professional or have a lot of tough trimming to do.
Before firing up your edger, take safety precautions. Wear long pants, goggles, or glasses to protect your eyes, and use earplugs or other hearing protection. Some edgers can reach noise levels of 85 decibels — enough to cause hearing damage [source: Consumer Reports].
When edging, guide the blade along the boundary between the sidewalk or driveway and the grass. Be cautious around trees, mailboxes, flowerbed borders, and other obstacles. Colliding with these can not only cause damage but can also dull your edger blade. As you go, create a shallow trench to give your lawn a clean, sharp edge. Dispose of the grass and weeds you remove in a garbage can or lawn bag.
Creative Lawn Edging Ideas
Lawn edging might seem easy, but it’s more challenging than it looks. If you're unsure, hiring a professional might be your best bet.
©iStockphoto.com/ofbeautifulthingsWhile edging your flowerbeds and trees yourself can be time-consuming, it may also save you money — and cut your work time in half or more compared to hiring a landscaper [source: diyornot.com].
If you want to add a polished, professional touch to your lawn without the cost of a landscaper, doing some research could help. When choosing an edging material, consider factors like price, durability, how well it complements your existing landscape, and how easy it is to install and maintain. Materials you could choose include natural stone, plastic, gravel, metal, concrete pavers, or brick. Here are other options to explore:
- Wood offers a natural aesthetic, but its drawback is that it typically doesn't last longer than 10 years, even when treated.
- For enhanced durability, concrete or brick pavers are a better choice. These materials provide a more polished, professional look, though they are more expensive, and over time, plants can grow through the gaps as the bricks shift.
- Steel or aluminum edging is durable and requires fewer replacements. Steel comes in various colors but has sharp edges, posing a risk of injury if hit by a mower or trimmer. Steel also eventually rusts. Aluminum, on the other hand, is lighter, easier to work with, and resistant to rust.
- Plastic edging is available in rolls or fence styles. Its flexibility allows it to conform to the shape of your flowerbed or path. It comes in different thicknesses — the thicker the plastic, the more durable and long-lasting it will be.
- Think outside the box for unique edging materials. Seashells, bottles, and even roofing tiles can be used creatively. Check out yard sales or junkyards for affordable options.
When planning your edging, keep in mind that borders don’t have to be rigid or geometric. Feel free to experiment with curved shapes that complement your landscape. For brick edging, arrange the bricks end-to-end. With plastic or metal, you can choose from snap-together pieces, individual pieces to stake into the ground, or shaped forms to fit around flowerbeds and tree bases. Edging that requires staking stays in place longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
To save money, you can create natural edging (also known as spading or trenching). Use a flat-edged shovel to dig a V-shaped trench between the grass and your flowerbed, and then fill it with mulch. This natural edge will need to be redefined about once a year.
Tips for Installing Lawn Edging
The key to installing lawn edging is to minimize future maintenance. Do it right the first time to avoid having to fix or replace it every season. Choose a material that suits your climate and lawn, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
Before you begin installing your edging, create a clean line between your lawn and flowerbeds (or any other area you're edging) to define the boundary. You can use a marker, like a flat piece of wood, string, or even a garden hose to outline your flowerbed’s (or other areas') borders. If any grass or weeds have crept in, pull them up and spray with weed killer before you start the edging process.
One of the simplest methods for installing edging is to place it where you need it and then hammer it into the ground. However, keep in mind that this method may not hold it in place for long. A more effective approach is to dig a trench about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, using your marked line as a guide. After that, set your edging material — whether it's bricks, pavers, or something else — inside the trench. To secure it more firmly, anchor it with stakes driven into the ground at a 45-degree angle.
Ensure the tops of your edging are aligned and not sticking up too high. You don’t want the edging to dominate the view of your lawn. Keeping it about half an inch (1.27 centimeters) above the soil will subtly separate your edging without making it a focal point. This height will also allow you to mow over it easily. Once you've finished installing the edging, use the extra soil from the trench (or mulch) to fill in around the edges.
Finally, take a step back and admire your work. You’ll notice how well-defined borders can really elevate the look of your yard.
