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Regardless of the size, style, or complexity of your landscape, a lawn edger tool will help you keep it looking its best. Lawn edgers are steel-bladed tools used to define crisp, semipermanent grass edge lines along driveway, sidewalks, curbs, and landscape beds. The blade cuts foliage, runners, and roots 2 inches or more above and below the soil line. With monthly edging, it is much faster and easier to maintain a tidy appearance in the interim using a string trimmer. Lawn edgers come in a variety of types and sizes, including manual, handheld gas- and electric-powered, and walk-behind models. We tested 16 lawn edgers, representing the full range of options, in order to showcase their strengths in different use cases.
Choosing the right edging tool for your property largely depends on the property size and your personal preferences. Whether you like the quiet simplicity of manual tools, or the time and labor savings of power equipment, we have you covered. Our favorite is the Echo PE-225 Curved-Shaft Gas Lawn Edger; it’s precise, easy to maneuver, and offers an extended runtime. In this review roundup, you’ll find the performance details on this and other picks that will help you identify the best lawn edger for your yard.
- BEST OVERALL: Echo PE-225 Curved-Shaft Gas Lawn Edger
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Greenworks 12-Amp 7.5″ Corded Lawn Edger
↓ Jump to Review - BEST GAS COMBO: Echo PAS-225VP String Trimmer and Edger Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS COMBO: Ego Power+ Multi-Head Trimmer and Edger Combo Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDED ELECTRIC: Black+Decker 12-Amp String Trimmer/Edger and Trencher
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BATTERY-POWERED: Greenworks 60V 8″ Cordless Battery Edger
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MANUAL: True Temper Dual-Wheel Rotary Edger
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LANDSCAPE BEDS: Razorback-Back Half-Moon Turf Edger With Wood Handle
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 19 |
| Time spent testing | 24 hours |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Price range | $35 to $800 |
Our Top Picks
After researching and testing dozens of lawn edgers, the products below rose to the top based on their overall quality and efficacy. We favored important factors like tool features, power and performance, user comfort, safety, and price. To make the cut, each tool successfully navigated our hands-on edger testing program. Check out the product descriptions for performance details.
Best Overall
Echo PE-225 Curved-Shaft Gas Lawn Edger
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Power source: 21.2-cubic-centimeter (cc) 2-cycle gas engine
- Weight: 13.1 pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight curved-shaft design provides excellent precision and maneuverability
- Professional-grade 2-cycle engine
- Easy-start system reduces starting effort and boosts durability
- Molded open-face debris shield reduces debris clogs and kickback
- Captive wheel mount allows for easy height adjustment
What We Don’t Like
- Requires 2-cycle fuel: 89-octane (or higher) gasoline mixed 50:1 with 2-cycle oil
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Detailing the lawn with precision calls for specialized equipment like the Echo PE-225 lawn edger. This gas edger for lawn maintenance delivers pro-quality results without the extra weight and expense of pro-grade equipment, which is why we selected it as our top pick.
This handheld edger is powered by a 21.2cc high-output 2-stroke cycle engine equipped with the Echo i-30 spring-assisted starting system, which the company says reduces pull-start effort by 30 percent. It features a durable molded open-face blade shield that eliminates debris buildup; captive wheel-mount hardware for easy height adjustment; and a curved shaft that places the operator closer to the edge line, boosting work efficiency and user comfort. The tool weighs just 13.1 pounds.
We found that the Echo PE-225 was compact, lightweight, easy to operate, and easy to store. We started by mixing a fresh batch of 50:1 2-cycle fuel. The manufacturer’s instructions called for 89-octane or higher gasoline. The edger came with enough 2-cycle oil to mix with 1 gallon of gas. The 12.8-ounce fuel tank held more than enough to edge the entire test property three times. Those with small yards will want to consider using a fuel stabilizer to protect the engine from gum and varnish buildup associated with stored fuel.
The PE-225 was overall the best edger for lawn care, broadly speaking. It did a competent job digging new edges, but it wasn’t as proficient as the bigger, heavier machines. The 2-cycle engine produced higher blade revolutions per minute and lower torque than the 4-cycle walk-behind units we tested, which translated to faster clean-cutting action for maintenance, but less power to dig through compacted soil and roots. The handheld design makes it easy to maneuver along curbs, driveways, patios, and landscape beds and is suitable for all landscape types and sizes.
The runtime on a single tank of fuel (1.5 hours) outperformed all of the battery-powered edgers we tested. That said, the potential for engine damage from stale fuel is real. Our test was on a large suburban lot with a long driveway, patio, walkout basement slab, and numerous landscape beds—an ideal scenario for a gas edger. Those with only a limited amount of lawn edging might be better off without mixing and storing gasoline. But for the widest range of adaptability and top-end user comfort, it was our favorite of the group.
Get the Echo PE-225 lawn edger at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Greenworks 12-Amp 7.5" Corded Lawn Edger
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Power source: Corded 12-amp electric motor
- Weight: 14 pounds
What We Like
- Adjust edging/trenching depths depending on the task at hand
- Adjustable handle height accommodates height of most users
- Aggressive double-edge blade cuts thick and thin plant and grass types
What We Don’t Like
- No edge guide makes it somewhat difficult to get started
- Height adjustment is somewhat awkward
- Best for edging pavement; not as effective for landscape beds
This corded electric lawn edger is a great choice for small yards. It features a 12-amp engine and power cord with a cord-lock feature to prevent accidental unplugging. The best extension cord to connect it to a power source would be either a 14- or 12-gauge 3-wire cord. It weighs 14 pounds, but a portion of this weight is supported by a pair of back wheels and a single guide wheel that can be adjusted in height to change the depth of the cut.
The 7.5-inch double-edged steel blade of the Greenworks lawn edger is capable of cutting grass cleanly and smoothly to a maximum depth of 2.25 inches. You can also adjust the length of the shaft so that it better suits your height. When the lawn edger is properly adjusted and you’re ready to go, just pushing in the trigger lock switch unlocks the trigger.
The Greenworks corded model was one of the best electric edgers for lawns at a budget-friendly price. Like the other corded electric models we tested, this Greenworks unit performed best in a maintenance setting but lacked power and size for trenching unbroken soil. It is lightweight and articulate, and an excellent choice for smaller yards.
Get the Greenworks 12-amp lawn edger at Amazon.
Best Gas Combo
Echo PAS-225VP String Trimmer and Edger Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Power source: 21.2cc 2-cycle gas engine
- Weight: 16.2 pounds
What We Like
- Multi-attachment power head saves on storage space and engine maintenance
- Quick and easy attachment changes
- Powerful edger trenches cuts clean and deep
- Starts easily; requires 30 percent less effort to start than comparable options
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy for extended use; shoulder harness not included
- Requires mixed 2-cycle oil and gas
- Somewhat loud; may not be ideal for use at night
The 21.2-cc Echo PAS-225 power head drives more than a dozen different lawn care tool attachments to keep a yard looking great without filling the garage with extra gas engines. The kit includes the power head, a curved shaft edger with a 9-inch square-tipped blade, and a straight shaft string trimmer, making it the best gas string trimmer edger combo in our roundup. Along with a lawn mower and leaf blower, this may be all that’s needed to maintain a great-looking lawn. Available add-on attachments include hedge shear, pole saw, brush cutter, cultivator, bed redefiner, sweeper, and rock sweeper.
The tool attachments swap out quickly and easily, with just a spring pin and tension screw handle. The edger features a clog-resistant open-faced metal safety shield that works easily around uneven soil and taller grass. It penetrates deeply for trenching and bed edge renovation and trims crisp, clean edges along the pavement. The adjustable curb wheel allows users to customize the fit for maximum comfort. When not in use, the included S-hook hanger helps keep attachments organized.
We appreciated the versatility of the Echo PAS system. Both the edger and the string trimmer worked smoothly and efficiently, and the powerhead delivered nearly professional-level performance. The 9-inch edger blade had no difficulty penetrating clay soil while trenching for bed renovation. The combination of power, versatility, and moderate weight make this a broadly useful pick for maintaining small or large landscapes.
Get the Echo PAS-225VP lawn edger kit at The Home Depot.
Best Cordless Combo
Ego Power+ Multi-Head Trimmer and Edger Combo Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Power source: 56-volt 5-amp-hour battery
- Weight: 15.94 pounds
What We Like
- Delivers power equivalent to a 2-cycle gas edger
- Kit includes powerhead, string trimmer and lawn edger attachments
- Also includes battery and charger
- Powerhead is compatible with additional landscaping tool attachments, sold separately
- Durable IPX4-rated weatherproof construction
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than other battery-powered edgers
Ego Power+ offers a full range of 56-volt cordless lawn care equipment that operates with power equivalent to gas. Its clean, quiet multihead string trimmer and edger kit is the best battery trimmer–edger combo we tested and a nice alternative to our favorite gas-powered lawn edger combo. The powerhead works with all Ego Power+ lawn care attachments. The included edger attachment uses an 8-inch rectangular steel blade, just like a handheld gas edger. The string trimmer attachment comes prestrung with pro-grade 0.095-inch trimmer line. The kit also includes a 56-volt 5-amp-hour battery and charger.
In the yard, the edger produced the best combination of torque and blade speed of any electric edger we tested. It was at least as powerful as our Best Overall pick. It did an equally excellent job of creating new edges as it did in edge maintenance. The motor remained strong and resisted bogging, even in dry, compacted clay-based soil. The straight shaft allows easy passage in tight spaces but also places the user in the direct path of flying debris, of which there was plenty. If there is a downside, it is the overall tool weight, as this was one of the heaviest models we tested.
Get the Ego Power+ lawn edger combo at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Mowers at Jacks.
Best Corded Electric
Black+Decker 12-Amp String Trimmer/Edger and Trencher
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Power source: Corded 12-amp electric motor
- Weight: 14.4 pounds
What We Like
- Compact build and lightweight; easy to maneuver, lift, and store
- Powerful electric motor can take on thin and thick grass and plant varieties
- Adjustable handle height accommodates multiple user heights
What We Don’t Like
- Limited range due to corded motor; might not be ideal for large-scale tasks
- Not as effective at creating new edges; best for maintenance
The plug-and-go Black+Decker serves not only as an edger but also as a trench digger. With a 12-amp electric engine that produces no emissions, this tool is useful for installing outdoor lighting and fencing, or when planting bushes and trees. The edger can be set to one of three possible cutting depths, with a maximum depth of 3.75 inches.
As an added safety feature, this trimmer-edger includes a built-in cord-retention system that keeps the extension cord in place to prevent users from tripping over it. The edger weighs 14.4 pounds, and it has an edging guide that helps to make clean cuts around hard surfaces like patios, walkways, and driveways.
We liked the way the Black+Decker edger tracked around tight landscape bed curves and straightaways along paved edges. It easily sliced through grass foliage and tough surface roots for a clean edge but was a bit undersized for digging into clay for bed-edge renovation.
Get the Black+Decker lawn edger at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Battery-Powered
Greenworks 60V 8" Cordless Battery Edger
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Power source: 60-volt 2.0-amp-hour battery
- Weight: 13.5 pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight battery-powered stick edger
- Cuts up to 3 inches deep
- Adjustable guide wheel reduces user fatigue
- Quick recharge time
What We Don’t Like
- Less torque than some other models we tested
The Greenworks battery lawn edger offers the power of a gas stick edger with the convenience of a 60-volt cordless electric. This lightweight model features an 8-inch rectangular steel blade that cuts crisp pro-style edges, up to 3 inches below the soil line. The kit includes a 60-volt 2-amp-hour battery and charger that provide up to 1 hour of runtime and a quick 50-minute recharge.
The Greenworks 60V lawn edger was one of the lightest of all edgers we tested, and it delivered excellent results. For brand-new edges, we had to work a little slower to reach and maintain the maximum depth, but we also noted that it didn’t fling debris as badly as the more powerful models. While maintaining established edges, there was no performance lag between our most powerful gas model and this one.
Get the Greenworks 60V lawn edger at Amazon, Walmart, or Greenworks.
Best Manual
True Temper Dual-Wheel Rotary Edger
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4.5/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld rotary edger
- Power source: Manual
- Weight: 3.9 pounds
What We Like
- Tried-and-true driveway and sidewalk edger
- Self-sharpening serrated blades keep maintenance at a minimum
- 54-inch hardwood handle provides a comfortable grip for users of different sizes
- Rubber wheel and cushioned grip offer excellent user comfort and control
What We Don’t Like
- Slow-going edging compared to powered lawn edgers; best for small yards
- Works best for maintaining edges; it’s more difficult starting over on an unkept edge
In small lawns and gardens, it’s easy to forego gas and electric lawn care equipment by choosing quality manual tools. The True Temper rotary edger’s time-tested dual-wheel design cuts cleanly through grass and roots for crisp lawn edges along driveways and patios, or to use as a sidewalk edger. The True Temper rotary edger uses a two-way self-sharpening blade to trim grass at the edges of pavement. Two rubber-treaded wheels and a 54-inch hardwood handle with a padded grip offer excellent control and user comfort. If you want that manicured look without the noise and emissions of power tools, this could be the right tool for you.
In our tests, the True Temper dual-wheel rotary edger did a fine job along the driveway, patio, and walkout basement pad. It was less effective along the curbless street gutter due to the rough edge of the concrete, and it was not really workable for the areas where lawn meets landscape beds. Where it worked, however, it worked well. Using the tool took more time than a powered edger, but it didn’t really require that much more physical effort. You don’t need to be super fit to use it.
Admittedly, by the time we tested this edger, the lawn edges were well defined and only needed routine maintenance. It only took about 5 minutes to edge both sides of a 70-foot-long driveway. We would expect slower and maybe less perfect results if we were starting with overgrown edges, but with established edges, this manual tool made for easy upkeep.
Get the True Temper lawn edger at Amazon.
Best for Landscape Beds
Razor-Back Half-Moon Turf Edger With Wood Handle
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld half-moon edger
- Power source: Manual
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
What We Like
- 48-inch hardwood handle adds to strength and durability
- Works equally well creating crisp curved or straight edges
- Forward-turned step area provides secure foot placement
- Heavy-gauge steel blade works in any type of soil, including rocky areas
What We Don’t Like
- Not as fast for bed-line maintenance as a gas- or electric-powered bed redefiner/edger
When it comes to manual tools, blade specialization is very helpful. The Razor-Back half-moon edger, or step edger, uses a heavy-duty steel blade that is essentially a semicircular garden spade. The blade measures 9.1 inches wide by 1.5 inches deep, with a sharpened edge along the full semicircle.
The half-moon edger was designed for creating natural edges of uniform depth where the lawn meets the landscape bed. The top edges of the heavy-duty blade are forward turned for secure footing, and the blade is paired with a strong 48-inch hardwood handle.
The Razor-Back half-moon edger did a beautiful job rejuvenating and extending our landscape beds and renewing neglected edges along pavement. It worked best for edge-line creation and renovation of neglected edges. It’s not well adapted for routine edge maintenance, where a fast blade is required to achieve clean-cut grass roots, stems, and blades. For that reason, it makes a perfect companion for the True Temper rotary edger, which is built for maintenance.
Get the Razor-Back lawn edger at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or A.M. Leonard.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Lawn Edgers
We wanted to run these tools through real-world scenarios, such as basic grass edge maintenance along pavement, cleaning up soft edges along landscape bed lines, and digging into new ground as needed for bed definition. The test yard offered a good mix, with a driveway edge that needed only edging maintenance, a neglected curb with some overgrowth, and several landscape beds with edges that varied from maintenance condition to poorly defined.
To make our list, these edgers had to function well in every location based on the projects for which they were designed. For instance, plug-in electric edgers are designed for maintaining existing edges in small landscapes and are not expected to dig into unbroken soil for extended periods. On the other hand, gas-powered walk-behind models are intended for both detailed trim work and powerful groundbreaking during long hours of work.
What to Consider When Choosing a Lawn Edger
Don’t make a hasty decision about the best edger to landscape your garden and yard. There are several important considerations to keep in mind that can help you find the right lawn edger, including the power of the device, the blade type, the cutting width and depth, and included safety features to keep you protected while working.
Types of Lawn Edgers
There are many options to choose from when deciding on the best lawn edgers to keep the yard well maintained and weed-free. Edgers typically fall into three categories based on the power source: manual, electric, and gas.
Manual
Instead of relying on an electric- or gas-powered motor to get the job done, these manual lawn edgers are completely powered by the user.
- Rotary edgers have a long wooden shaft that attaches to a cutting wheel. The tool looks like a pole with a spiked wheel on the end. They work as the user applies pressure to the cutting wheel and rolls it along the edge of the lawn to cut through the overextended turf.
- Spade edgers resemble a shallow spade with a sharpened edge. To use, line up the bottom of the spade edger with the overextended turf and step down on the flat surface at the top of the blade to increase the force to cut through the sod, if necessary.
- Shear edgers are handheld tools that are rarely used. These tools are intended for cleaning up small pieces of sod or making cuts in narrow corners where other edging tools cannot reach. However, they aren’t suitable for edging the entire yard.
Motorized
If manually edging the lawn seems like a daunting task or if the goal is to not limit the war on weeds by physical endurance, then the best lawn edger may be motorized. There are two main kinds of motorized lawn edgers: ones with an electric motor and those powered by a gas engine.
- Electric lawn edgers are usually more budget-friendly and a more suitable tool for small yards. They’re either battery-powered or plug into an electrical outlet via a lengthy cord. Though they only provide 18 or so volts of power, battery-operated models allow you to trim anywhere in the yard. Corded varieties offer more power (usually 10 to 12 amps), though they are slightly less mobile unless paired with an extension cord.
- Gas-powered lawn edgers, available with a 2- or 4-cycle engine, boast considerable power and are better suited for larger yards. While 2-cycle engines are more common, users must replenish fuel and oil. They are far less environmentally conscious than 4-cycle engines, which run clean but cost and weigh more.
Power
When trying to decide on the best lawn edger for the yard, it’s important to understand the power potential of these tools. Both gas and electric options offer comparable power output, but manual lawn edgers depend on the power exerted by the user.
- Gas lawn edgers measure the power output in horsepower and the engine size in cubic centimeters. Typically, the higher the hp and cc, the more powerful the engine, creating significant differences in efficiency and cost, depending on the product.
- Electric- and battery-powered lawn edgers rely on electric engines that are powered by a direct connection to the home electrical system or with an attached battery. These devices measure power output in amps and voltage. As with the hp and the cc of gas engines, higher voltage and amp ratings indicate a more powerful electrical engine.
Blade Type
A straight no-frills blade can handle simple yards just fine, but an edger that offers multiple positions and angle settings may be a worthwhile investment if a property has a lot of flower beds and specialty features. The following are the three main types of edger blades:
- Flat rectangular blades with plain edges are the most common among lawn edgers and are suitable for basic edging jobs where the lawn is flush and level with the nearest hard surface (like a driveway or a sidewalk).
- Flat rectangular blades with scoop-cut edges carefully handle the perimeter of more delicate landscaping features like flower beds, which might otherwise be disturbed by the debris while rough cutting. These blades are also ideal to employ when the lawn and hard surfaces are uneven.
- Star-shaped blades are useful for cutting yards with firm boundaries, like lawns that end at a wall or a sturdy fence.
If you have only a few needs to address, it is possible to purchase the desired replacement blade(s) for the edger and swap them in as necessary. While this may be easy to do, this transition does add some time to yard work.
Cutting Width and Depth
The cutting width of a lawn edger can refer to the cutting width of a combined trimmer and edger tool, but it may also simply indicate the physical width of the edger. This can impact the ability of the edger to access tight corners or any areas restricted by fences, decks, patios, foliage, or even the home.
However, a more important consideration is the depth of the edger, which refers to the maximum depth the edger blade can penetrate the ground. Typically, corded-electric, gas-powered, and battery-powered lawn edgers have a blade depth of about 2 to 6 inches. This allows the blade to plunge into the turf to cut and remove deep root systems. Manual lawn edgers often have a limit of about 2 to 4 inches to the cutting depth, though this is still deep enough to cut through most root growth.
Wheel Configuration
While a lightweight manual edging tool moves on nothing more than the user’s guidance, the weight of an engine typically requires three or four wheels to cover a property without causing strain to the operator. The rear wheels are responsible for moving the entire unit along, while a guide wheel keeps the blade aligned with the task at hand.
Some gas-powered lawn edgers offer the addition of a fourth wheel (a “curb wheel”) to help stabilize the edger when using it at a slight drop-off, such as the line where the lawn meets the street. If you’re opting for an electric lawn edger or you don’t need to maneuver around many curbs, three wheels are likely sufficient.
Ease of Use
Using a lawn edger can be tiring, especially for those who are toiling away with a manual edger, but several factors can help make the work easier. These include the size of the shaft, the weight of the edger, and the runtime of both battery-powered and gas-powered edgers.
- The shaft of a lawn edger can vary in length and size depending on the specific tool. Some edgers have two handles to help maneuver heavy engines, while others have a single shaft to control the movement of lightweight edgers. Look for an edger that suits your height and strength to prevent overexertion while edging.
- The weight of a lawn edger can wear on the user, especially when working in a very large yard or dealing with many precision cuts in tight spaces. The additional time spent edging can cause lasting aches and pains, but switching to a lighter lawn edger can reduce muscle strain and fatigue.
- The runtime of both gas- and battery-powered lawn edgers can limit the amount of work that can be completed. Gas edgers need to be refilled with gas, and batteries need to be recharged. Keep these limitations in mind, especially when working on very large yards. Consider purchasing a spare battery so that one can always be on the charger.
Safety
Safety needs to be a priority at all times, especially for those who are operating a tool designed to cut through solid earth and tough root systems; otherwise, serious injuries can occur. Look for products with built-in features, such as debris guards, trigger locks, and padded grips, to help keep you safer while you work.
- Debris guards are typically positioned at the back of the edger to prevent grass, dirt, and rocks from being kicked back into the feet and legs of the user. However, even with a guard, some debris can escape, so you’ll always want to wear safety glasses, long pants, and closed-toe shoes while working.
- Trigger locks prevent the edger from being turned on accidentally. A trigger lock is a simple feature that locks the trigger unless the trigger lock switch is being held. With the switch held down, the edger can be used normally.
- Padded grips on the shaft and handle of the edger help to reduce vibrations. Strong and continuous vibrations can cause muscle fatigue and strain, but this padding keeps your hands protected and makes it easier to grip and control the edger.
Additional Features
Many manufacturers offer product features beyond the basic design to help improve the functionality of the lawn edger and to make the tool more appealing to users. These additional features can include two-in-one trimming and edging tools, adjustable auxiliary handles, and accessories.
- A two-in-one trimming and edging tool gives you the option to choose between trimming the grass or edging the lawn. These combined edging and trimming tools are useful for small-to-medium yards, but it may be better to invest in a separate edging tool for homes with larger yards.
- Adjustable auxiliary handles provide an additional place for you to grip the edger for better balance and control. The auxiliary handle can also be slid up or down the shaft to a position that is better suited for the height of the user. The more suited the position of the handle is to the natural movement of the user’s body, the easier it is to use the tool.
- Accessories can include a wide range of products that can be packaged together with the edger, including extension cords, extra batteries, and chargers.
FAQs
After reading the various shopping tips and factors involved in selecting a lawn edger, you may still have a few questions about the best depth for edging or how frequently a lawn should be edged. For answers to these questions and more, continue reading.
To maintain existing edges, simply follow along the edge of pavement with the lawn edger to keep grass neat and tidy. For existing natural edges between lawn and landscape beds, use the edger to make a thin cut all along the edge.
If you’re wondering how to edge a lawn for clean, natural landscape borders adjacent to mulched areas, first lay out neatly curved edge lines with a garden hose and cut a vertical line along the length of the hose with a half-moon edger. Alternatively, you can paint the line and follow the paint with a powered edging tool for the vertical cut. After making the vertical cut line, use a border spade to remove a wedge of soil from the landscape bed side along the length of the edge. The grass-side cut will be vertical while the bed side cut will be beveled.
Typically, about 2 to 4 inches deep is sufficient for controlling the growth and spread of grass roots, keeping the grass from growing into the gaps in the patio or walkway.
It depends on the grass. Some grass grows and spreads very quickly, so you need to at least check the edge lines every time you mow. While most yards won’t require edging every time the grass is mowed, it’s likely to need edging every two or three times it’s been cut with a mower.
Whether you edge or mow first is almost entirely a matter of preference. If you choose to edge first, the mower will help clean up excess grass clippings, but if you mow first then it’s easier to create a straight edge at a consistent depth.
Ease of use varies among people and products, but one of the easiest edgers to use is the Razor-Back lawn edger. Just line up the manual spade edger and push down with your foot to cut into the turf. Continue this process along the entire edge to complete the job.
A lawn edger and a string trimmer are two different tools that work together to maintain a well-groomed landscape. Lawn edgers have rigid blades that rotate vertically to cut off roots and shoots that would otherwise grow out of bounds. Many landscaping pros use the lawn edger once or twice a month to define the edges and employ the string trimmer in the interim to keep things tidy.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
Additional research provided by Andréana Lefton and Timothy Dale.
