Tools and Materials
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Lawn Edgers Versus Lawn Trimmers
Both lawn edgers and trimmers are useful tools to maintain a lawn. However, they have different uses for specific purposes.
What Is the Difference Between a Lawn Trimmer and a Lawn Edger?
A lawn trimmer, also known as a string trimmer, weed whacker or weed eater, trims grass and weeds in hard-to-reach areas, such as along fences, buildings, trees and rocks. It can also be used in place of a lawnmower on terrain that may be difficult for a
lawnmower to access. By contrast, a lawn edger cuts grass along driveways, sidewalks and roads, producing a neat lawn border. Both are handheld devices, but a lawn trimmer cuts with a monofilament nylon line that rotates parallel with the ground, while a landscape edger uses a blade that spins perpendicularly to the ground.
Are Edgers Better than Trimmers?
Because lawn edgers and trimmers are designed for different purposes, one is not better than the other. If your goal is to edge the lawn, an edger makes it easier. However, lawn trimmers can be used to edge; to do this, simply hold the trimmer at an angle so that the string rotates parallel to the blades of grass. Additionally, because a lawn can be edged manually with a shovel, if you are choosing between an edger and a trimmer, the latter will probably serve more purposes in your lawn care.
How Often Should You Edge Your Lawn?
Just like mowing, the frequency of edging depends on the growth rate and appearance of your lawn. Some people edge every time they mow, while others choose to edge every other mow. When you mow the lawn, check the edges to see if they appear overgrown; if they are, edge them! Edging is especially important in the spring as your grass is growing, so be sure to include this step in your early spring lawn maintenance.
Learn more about the best tools for maintaining a beautiful yard from our lawncare guide.
Selecting a Power Lawn Edger
There are many options for landscape edgers. Select a power lawn edger that will best handle the type of work you'll be doing.
Electric-powered edgers are easy to start and don't require as much maintenance as gas-powered models. Cordless edgers offer easy mobility for smaller jobs, while corded edgers have unlimited run time using a suitable extension cord. Follow the edger manufacturer's instructions for selecting compatible extension cords.
Learn more about safely connecting a cording edger with a power cord.
Gas-powered edgers provide power for large jobs and prolonged use. Models with 2-cycle engines run on a gasoline/oil mixture, while edgers with 4-cycle engines, which are usually larger and have more power, don't require you to mix gasoline and oil. Gasoline lawn edgers crank with a pull-start. Some models have a built-in electric starter, though others can crank with the use of an optional powered starting device that you purchase separately.
Power lawn edgers cut using either a blade, a cutting wheel or, in the case of a string trimmer/edger combination device, a monofilament line.
Features and Specifications
Some features to look for on a power lawn edger include the following:
- Handle-mounted depth control for added convenience
- Curb wheel that adjusts for stability when edging along raised curbs or beds
- Bevel adjustment to change the angle of the cut and give an angled edge to beds and gardens
- Electric start feature on some gas-powered models for easy cranking
Some power lawn edgers include a trenching blade that makes burying electrical lines or sprinkler lines much easier. If equipped, follow the manufacturer’s directions for installing and using the trenching blade. Call 811 to check for underground utilities before digging.
Power Lawn Edger Operation
These steps outline using a gas-powered lawn edger. Modify them as needed for an electric-powered model. All edgers work similarly, depending on options, but follow the operating instructions for your specific model.
Power Lawn Edger Care and Maintenance
Before storing your edger, make sure you let it cool off. Use a brush to remove any clippings and debris. Don't spray the unit with water or other cleaners, as this may damage it. Store your lawn edger somewhere dry and out of reach of children, pets and possible damage.
Maintenance is an important part of keeping your lawn edger cutting, so check your owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule. Typical items include:
- Checking the condition of the line, blade or cutting wheel before every use and replacing as needed
- Checking and cleaning, re-oiling or replacing the air filter as indicated
- Filling the fuel tank and checking the oil (4-cycle engine) before every use
- Emptying the fuel tank when storing for long periods of time between use (e.g., winter storage)
- Changing the oil (4-cycle engine) as indicated.
- Cleaning the spark plug arrestor as indicated
- Checking the spark plug condition and verifying the gap as indicated