Stick Edgers Vs. String Trimmers: Which Is Best For A Pristine Lawn?

Maintaining a perfect lawn takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but it also requires staying up-to-date on the latest technology. If your goal is to have a pristine yard that makes all of your neighbors jealous, then you need to know the simple habits of people who keep their lawns lush and well-manicured while also carrying the lawn care tools you need to get the job done. Details matter, and getting a closely trimmed edge around your driveway, sidewalk, and landscaping plays a major role in how polished your lawn looks as a whole. When looking for details on the tools you need to achieve good edges, you will likely run into two machines: string trimmers and stick edgers. Both machines have pros and cons, which can make it hard to choose between them. Don't worry, the right choice simply depends on the needs of your lawn.

A stick edger (aka a lawn edger) is a tool designed to neatly trim the edges of a lawn while creating a bit of separation between the grass and the other elements of your yard. String trimmers are designed to make a crisp line of separation similar to edgers, but they are also able to cut down tall weeds and grass as well as clean up areas a lawnmower can't reach. While the string trimmer may sound like a better deal than an edger because it is more versatile, there is more to consider before deciding which to buy.

Stick edgers are a lightweight tool with a spinning blade on the end. The blade dips between the lawn and whatever is bordering it like a saw blade and cuts any grass between them to create clean, distinct lines. Edgers can be manual, electric, or gas-powered. They are perfect for lawns with small to moderate amounts of sidewalk or driveway edges. They are also ideal for curves and tough-to-navigate areas. For yards with large sidewalk exposure, though, other types of edgers may be more efficient. Generally, as long as you avoid the biggest mistakes people make when edging their lawn, stick edgers will give you neat cuts with relative ease. This is a result of the combined stability from the wheel that rolls along the ground and the blade, both of which work together to achieve a perfectly straight trench and cut. Stick edgers can cost anywhere between $50 and $700. With proper care, such as regular cleaning and sharpening of the blade, edgers can last a long time, even with frequent use. 

String trimmers are a relatively lightweight tool with a similar shape to stick edgers. Instead of a wheel and blades at the end of the handle, though, there is a string. When powered on, the motor spins the string fast enough for it to stiffen and slice through weeds and grass. Their smaller size and better maneuverability make them a very versatile tool. 

Along with fixing hard-to-reach areas and knocking down weeds, string trimmers are also effective at edging. By positioning the string to spin in an upright circle perpendicular to the ground, the string trimmer can act like an edger; cleaving a separation between the lawn and sidewalk or driveway for a manicured look. As for cost, string trimmers start at around $40 but can cost over $700 for new models that are cordless and battery-powered. Whether you get a gas-powered or battery-powered model, string trimmers should last several years with the right maintenance, such as replacing the string and keeping the machine clean.

If you are trying to decide between the two based on which will give you a better-looking lawn, a string trimmer is likely the better choice. While the perfect edging achieved by a stick edger is impressive, even the sharpest lines will be overshadowed by patchy grass in areas your lawnmower can't reach. Improving the rest of the yard with a string trimmer and having a decent edge will go a long way. If your yard doesn't have any areas your mower can't reach, then investing in an edger is a smart choice, but this is pretty unlikely. If you are looking for a string trimmer, check out the most reliable string trimmer brand in 2025. Of course, if you are very dedicated to crafting the perfect lawn, you will likely get and use both like the professionals do.