Edging a lawn is the process of creating a clear dividing line between the grass in your lawn and the flowerbeds or any other sections of your yard, primarily for the purpose of creating sharp, clean lines so that the edges of your flower beds or paving look neat and tidy. Edging is different from trimming, which involves cutting grass in spaces where a lawnmower cannot reach. Here are some steps to edge a lawn:
- Choose the right edging tool for your lawn. There are several types of edging tools, including manual half-moon lawn edgers, gas-powered mechanical edgers, electric cordless or corded edgers, and motorized handheld edgers.
- Mark the area you want to edge. Use tape, a hose, or rope to show you where you’ll make your edging cuts.
- Put on safety gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.
- Start at the perimeter and work your way inward. For large, relatively flat areas, try to begin and end at the same point for a more efficient result.
- Dig into the lawn about 2 inches deep, and lift the excess lawn and soil with the edging tool. This can be dropped into a bucket for removal to your compost bin or local garden waste facility.
- Correct your line if necessary. Stand on the lawn, facing the border, and work your way along the lawn edge with the shears. Hold the side of the shear’s blade against the soil edge as you snip to maintain an even cutting line.
- Clean up the edges of the mini-trench you’ve created so it’s sharp and clean and has a beveled shape. Remove the cutaway piece of turf, and place it in a wheelbarrow.
- Keep the edges of your lawn and planting beds looking good with regular maintenance. Use a leaf blower to remove debris, and trim the edges as needed.
Edging a lawn is an easy but effective way of shaping your plot. It can hugely transform the look of your outside space and enable you to create borders, patios, and paths with a smart, professional finish.
