The Biggest Mistakes You're Making When Edging Your Lawn

It only takes a few simple habits to keep your lawn looking well-manicured – and edging is one of them. A perfectly edged lawn can make your yard look pro-level and increase your home's curb appeal. But one wrong move, and you have a mess that screams amateur. And though it may seem simple, if you are new to edging, you may find that it has quite the learning curve when it comes to perfecting it. The key to creating a flawlessly edged lawn is to avoid some of the biggest mistakes that are easy to make such as using the wrong tools, not holding the edger correctly, or using other practices that pros tend to avoid.

The downside of these common missteps is that you will typically have to wait another two weeks for the areas to grow back, leaving you with days of uneven, and sometimes damaged edges or trees. The devil is in the details when it comes to edging. And learning a few essential tips for sharp lawn edging can save you time and headaches as you try to create those razor sharp lines around your lawn.

When it comes to edging, tools can make or break your results. Many professional landscapers recommend using a straight-shaft power edge tool for a sharp and clean look. This can also be advantageous for those looking for edging tools that are long-lasting and have better reach. Curved-shaft trimmers can be beneficial when navigating tight corners and spaces. Powered edge tools not only bring the consistency that comes with having a motor, but they also help you edge your lawn faster and easily navigate those hard-to-reach areas of your lawn. Manual edge tools may require more passes, resulting in longer mowing sessions.

Another pro tip is to avoid walking forward while trimming. Doing so can cause the newly cut debris to blow right in your direction — which is no fun. So, at least when you are starting out, try walking backward to avoid this and maintain a straight line when doing your first or second pass. As your technique improves, it may be helpful to try both ways to see which one is more comfortable. 

Edging your grass while it is wet is another mistake, as it can create a muddy mess when a motorized blade (or wire) rips through it. Experts recommend that it be moist. Excessively dry soil, on the other hand, can be hard and crumbly, making it challenging to cut through and create clean lines. 

Holding the edger at an angle is another common mistake. Doing so can cause divots and nicks in your grass, and the unstable grip can make it more challenging to manage the edger. Hold the handle straight so the head is perpendicular (or flush) to the top of the grass and keep it at a depth of about 2-3 inches. This helps to maintain a consistent cut during your edging session, resulting in a more blended overall appearance.

Quick pro tip: For a clean cut, experts recommend removing the guard and turning the edger sideways (so the string is vertical and pointed upright) if you are using a string trimmer. Though some experts swear by it, it is considered a bit controversial. Why? Well, the guard is there as a safety mechanism for the fast-moving wire. And some professionals believe that removing it simply is not worth the risk, regardless of the results. 

Accidentally clipping the base of trees is another common mistake made when edging, and one that you would want to avoid. This can be especially unhealthy for the tree, as large cuts or deep gouges can result in the introduction of common plant pests or bacteria.