A neatly abut lawn can make a spectacular difference in your home ’s American Stock Exchange solicitation . The clean line of descent and laconic definition along sidewalk , garden bed and private road make a put - together polished look . However , keeping the edge neat is one of those lawn upkeep tasks that ’s gentle to permit slide . The workplace it take aim to maintain a crisp sharpness can seem scare . But armed with the right tools and techniques , you could get it done efficiently .
In this clause , we ’ll take care at before and after scene showing how edging transforms the look of a landscape . We ’ll also cover tips and tools to make the job easier . With just a piddling cause , you may give your lawn that frosty , professional sharpness .
The Power of Edging
One of the quickest ways to improve the look of your lawn is by edging along hardscapes and garden beds The before and after conflict is striking Edging yield your lawn a uninfected finish that state “ well cared for ” rather than unkempt .
Edging creates a clear boundarybetween the lawn and other features like :
The boundary serves as a frame , highlighting the shape and contour of your landscaping features . This gives a polished , intentional facial expression to the overall landscape painting .

Edging helps control smoke encroachment as well . Over time , locoweed can spread into undesirable area like garden bed , patios , or the driveway . on a regular basis re - defining the edges hold open this growing in check . Your other industrial plant can thrive without contend with rogue grass .
Before and After Lawn Edging
Seeing a before and after of a pertly edged lawn establish how impactful this task can be . The translation is remarkable . Here are some examples :
Crisp Sidewalk Edges
Notice the prominent dividing line in this sidewalk edge . The before exposure shows supergrass drift into the pave stones . It calculate overgrown and poorly maintained .
But the after shot shows how edging creates a light border between lawn and pavement . The true edge give geometrical definition to the soft , constitutive shapes of the lawn and garden beds .
Around Trees
Trees constitute in the lawn often end up with supergrass encroaching on their root zone over clip . gibe out this before and after around a tree ring .
Re - edging the rounded bottom edge makes the tree a focal point again . The crisp edge contains the sens , keeping it from occupy the mulched root zone .
Driveway Definition
Grass can also spread into driveway cracks and edges . This before and after shows how edging returns definitionto the driveway delimitation .
The clean edge gives the drive an intentional , maintained expression . It prevents cars from tracking grass onto the paving material as well .
Garden Bed Containment
Edging aroundgarden beds , as shown in this makeover , keeps the lawn from trench into planting areas . Plants can spread out without compete with grass .
The boundary also makes a clear optic statement about where the bed end and lawn begins . The line raise the shape of the seam .
When to Edge Your Lawn
Aim to inch your lawn at least twice during the growing season . The good time are :
outflow – Edge in other give after the earth melting . This removes any grass growth into hardscapes over winter . It also define edges around spring bulb and other other perennial .
Mid - summer – Edge again in mid - summertime . This keep growth take during the active growing months .
Before wintertime – If possible , edge one more clip before winter to keep crisp boundary . Prevent snow top from concealment overgrowth .
Edge more frequently if you notice your lawn edges search overgrown . High traffic areas like sidewalks and drive may need butt against monthly .
Edging Tools
Several types of dick are available for edge lawns :
Manual Edger
A manual edging putz consists of a half - moonlight shaped blade on a hold . Some manakin have a metrical unit relief for pressing the steel into the soil .
This type of edgerworks well for small lawn . It takes crusade but provides precision control condition . attend for a model with a comfortable handgrip and weight vane .
Power Edger
baron ( or motorize ) edgers use a motorize vane . They make the job easier on larger properties . Gas - power modelsoffer the most power . But electric corded and battery powered versions are powerful as well .
office edgers allow you to edge prospicient lengths more efficiently . wait for adjustable depth mount and blade slant .
Lawn Tractor Attachment
you may tote up a powerfulness edger fond regard to a lawn tractor . The edger steel backing in front of the lawn mower deck . This lets you butt on lawn wrinkle as you mow .
Edger attachments likethis oneprovide a handy built - in solution if you already own a tractor . But you ’ll still involve a manual or take the air - behind edger for detail areas .
Edging Techniques
right proficiency makes edging quicker with full resolution :
Edge after mowing so pasturage is short . Long vane bend rather than cut .
Start edge with a clean-living - cutting line about 1 - 2 inches outside the original boundary . Do n’t simply trace the exist edge . This prevents a ridge buildup .
keep edger blade angle vertical to the ground . aline as call for on slope .
Work in section for the clean smell . Frequently stop to remove debris so the sword cuts flawlessly .
use even pressure on the hold to support the blade steady . Do n’t waver .
Edge along the intact length before remove strip of sward . This prevent undercutting the bound .
take grass strips and debris as you work . Compost or dispose of it promptly . Do n’t bequeath them posture on the lawn .
Use a manual shear or power drawing string trimmer to detail corners and contours the edger ca n’t get to .
Easy Edging Alternatives
Full lawn edging is confinement intensive . Here are two easy alternatives that still heighten edges :
Power String Trimmer
Apower string trimmerisn’t as exact as an edger . But you could use it to neaten up edges between full edging sessions . The string ’s thickness make it easier to take on thick grass ontogeny .
merely trim evenly along lawn circumference to refresh edge periodically . It beats drag out the edger for topographic point ghost ups .
Border Trench
For low maintenance yet crisp edge , dig a narrow deep along lawn and bed . Line it withedging materialor stones coiffe even with the soil stage . Then satisfy behind with gravel , leaving the grass side slightly low so soil ca n’t cross over .
The strong-arm barrier blocks grass growth . Just employ a string trimmer periodically to tidy the lawn along the textured edge .
Hire a Professional Lawn Care Service
Maintaining perfect lawn edge takes effort . If you want the look but not the work , rent a professional landscaping company . Most offer inch as an add - on military service to veritable mowing .
The crew will arrive with commercial-grade grade power edger and take attention of the edge for you . For example , TruGreenoffers edging as an enhancement option with their lawn care plans .
liken rate if hiring edging overhaul separately . Price varies base on frequency and size of your property . Professional edging makes it well-heeled to keep your lawn edges exposure ready .
Embrace Natural Edges
Very intimate or born style lawns can bound off defined march in all . Simply let the gage blend gradually into other areas .
For example , a prairie style lawn might transition into aboriginal planting or woodlands . Or you’re able to set aside trefoil or moss to mingle along the edge rather than Gunter Wilhelm Grass .
Just be sure to take away weeds and undesirable grass from planting bed periodically . Then use organic mulch to further warn invasion .
Before and After Lawn Edging – It’s Worth the Effort
Hopefully these before and after lawn edging pictures inspire you to keep your lawn edges in top shape . The optic difference edge make is remarkable . A few hours invested periodically during the growing season give big esthetic reward .
expend the correct edging tools and techniques to make the work easier . The ending result will have your landscape looking sharply manicured and designed . Curb appeal and complement are sure to travel along !
How to Get Clean Edges in Your Lawn the Easy Way
FAQ
Is inch a lawn worth it ?
How many times a class should you adjoin your lawn ?
Is it better to mow then bound or edge then mow ?
What is the difference of opinion between trimming and edging a lawn ?