The Number One Lawn Task You Should Take Care Of In November

As temperatures cool down, your lawn's needs decrease as it prepares for winter dormancy. This means you'll need to water and mow your lawn less often. However, you shouldn't pause lawn care just yet. Maintaining your lawn in the fall is all about preparing your grass for dormancy and setting your lawn up to look neat and well-cared for come springtime.

Whether you have cold or warm-season grass, edging your lawn is the number one lawn care task you need to do this November. Edging involves trimming the borders of your lawn, around pathways, plant beds, and driveways. Ideally, you should be edging your lawn every time you mow up until you stop mowing for the winter. If you haven't been doing so, it's not too late to start. Edging keeps your lawn from growing into areas it shouldn't and keeps it looking neat till spring. It also helps to suppress weed growth. For clean edges and a healthy yard this fall, you'll need a gas edger, electric edger, or manual edger.

The tool you choose depends on your individual needs. Manual edgers require more physical effort than powered tools but offer more control. Manual edgers are ideal for small lawns and curved areas. Using a manual edger is similar to using a shovel. You drive it into the ground, rock the edger side to side to cut the grass, then pull it up.  Gas edgers are the most powerful option. These are a great choice if you're dealing with tough grasses and weeds, but they're loud and require more upkeep. With an electric edger, you get the best of both worlds. Electric edgers are powerful enough for medium to large-sized lawns and quieter than gas tools. You can choose between corded and battery-powered electric models.

Before edging, mow your lawn and ensure that you have a clear space to work in. This means clearing away debris, rocks, and lawn toys. Hitting any objects with your edger is a safety hazard. It's a good idea to wear safety gear, such as gloves and glasses, while operating machinery.

Use stone paths and borders as a guide while you work. If edges aren't marked in your lawn, you can use an object, like a plank, to help you cut a precise line. This is a helpful edging idea for perfect landscaping in your yard. After you're finished, don't forget to clean up your yard and tools.