Lawn Edging Techniques: How to Edge the Perfect Lawn

Posted on January 23rd, 2024

Lawn edging is the finishing touch that turns your yard into a masterpiece. This landscaping practice gives your outdoor space a sense of order and elegance.

However, it’s not just about looks. Edging grass is critical in maintaining optimal lawn health. This guide explores tips on how to edge a lawn and maintain a vibrant landscape all year.

What is Lawn Edging?

Lawn edging involves creating a vertical distinction between the lawn and other elements in the garden, such as flower beds, pathways or other landscaped areas.

Edging can be accomplished either manually, using a spade, or through gas or electric-powered edgers. These powered tools feature a spinning blade that cuts through the grass and soil, creating a neat edge.

Lawn edging serves both functional and aesthetic purposes:

• Defines Boundaries: Edging grass helps set clear borders for different sections of your garden. This prevents unwanted grass from creeping into flower beds or walkways, maintaining a tidy and well-organized appearance.
• Manages Water Flow: A well-defined edge provides a structured barrier that steers water in desired directions. This primarily benefits landscapes with sloped terrains and areas where rainwater might collect or run. It guides water away from vulnerable spots, reducing the risk of erosion and flooding.
• Effective Pest Management: Edging keeps pests away by creating barriers around your garden. Clear demarcation makes detecting and isolating pests within specific zones easier, preventing further infestations.
• Easier Lawn Maintenance: Edging makes it easy to see where the lawn ends and other areas begin. This makes mowing and trimming a breeze. The defined edges prevent weed intrusions, promoting a neat and lush look.
• Improved Curb Appeal: Lawn edging boosts curb appeal by establishing clear, defined borders for your garden. It also highlights specific landscaping features, like flower beds or decorative plants. Structured lines and intentional framing contribute to a polished and organized appearance.

When to Edge Your Lawn

Lawn edging is an ongoing task that may require multiple sessions each year. While you can edge your lawn at any time, it’s essential to consider factors such as climate and grass growth rate.

Seasonal Transitions

Edge your lawn during seasonal transitions, such as spring or early summer. This helps to kickstart the growing season with a clean and well-defined appearance.

However, when the soil is dry, edging your lawn in the summer can be tricky. The lack of moisture makes it harder to create precise edges. To soften the soil and make the process smoother, watering your lawn before starting the edging is a good idea.

On the contrary, spring emerges as the best time for lawn edging. The climate is more favorable, and soil moisture levels are often ideal for robust grass growth.

Growth Spurts

Inspect your lawn regularly and watch out for signs of overgrowth. If you notice the grass encroaching into flower beds or walkways, it might be time to cut the edges.

How Often Should You Edge Your Lawn?

When planning your lawn edging schedule, consider how often you mow. Fast-growing grass requires more frequent mowing and, therefore, more edging. It also helps to consider soil conditions. Dry or loose soil can lead to more sporadic grass growth, demanding more frequent edging. On the other hand, moist soil may result in slower grass growth.

Moreover, larger lawns may require more frequent edging sessions to maintain a tidy appearance, while smaller lawns may need less attention.

How to Edge a Lawn Like a Pro

1. Define Your Lawn’s Contours

Select the shape of your edges. Straight edges create a formal look, while curved lines add movement and a softer, relaxed feel. Whether opting for straight lines or gentle curves, having a clear vision will guide the edging process.

When planting or redesigning flower beds, aim for a maximum depth of about three feet and two inches. This gives enough room for plants to mix, making weeding and maintenance easier.

2. Outline the New Edge

Draw out your desired shape before cutting to minimize mistakes and ensure exact results. Use stakes, sand, a hose, or landscaping spray paint to mark the new edge. Paint lets you draw and correct lines effortlessly, and it easily washes away with a hose or rainfall.

For straight lines, stretch a hose, use a stake at each end, and spray along it. For curves, position stakes to create the curve, then mark along them.

3. Select the Right Edging Tools

Powered tools let you save time and effort. They’re ideal for maintaining a new edge or cutting fresh growth from a regularly trimmed outline.

However, if you want to create a new edge for your lawn or change its shape entirely, a manual edger will give you cleaner and more precise results.

4. Start Cutting

Follow your outline and take your time to guarantee precise, jagged-free edges. Position the edging tool approximately two inches from the edge and dig about two inches deep. When you lift the edging tool, it should bring up the excess lawn and soil with it.

5. Cleanup and Maintenance

Remove any debris or excess soil once you’ve created a crisp, vertical edge. Regular trimming is essential, especially during warmer seasons like spring and early fall when grass growth is more active.

Maintain a Well-Manicured Lawn with Turf Unlimited

When done right, edging grass can turn a dull landscape into a lush and beautiful outdoor haven. It can also help protect your lawn from weeds, pests, and potential damage.

Let Turf Unlimited handle all your lawn care needs. We specialize in overseeding, grub control, core aeration, and sprinkler services. Our team serves clients in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, providing tailored solutions for various lawn challenges.

Contact us now to discuss your lawn care requirements.