There are two aspects to edging a lawn. One is creating barriers or edges to keep grass from invading flower beds or other areas outside the perimeter of the lawn and the other is trimming to keep lawn edges neat. Both will help to give your yard a finished look. Here are 11 lawn edging tips, 5 related to creating clean edges around beds to keep grass out and 6 related to trimming the edges of the lawn to achieve a manicured look.
There are preemptive steps that you can take to keep grass from invading the flower bed and mulch or dirt from spreading onto the lawn, including the following.
Make a Moat. One of the easiest ways to create an edge between flower bed and lawn is to dig a shallow moat. Not only will this trench help to keep grass from commingling with your flowers, but it will provide a convenient run-off channel for excess water.
Install a Decorative Border. Another yard edging alternative to keep grass and flowers apart is to install a decorative border around flower beds. You’ll find plenty of ready-made choices in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, brick or stone, at your local lawn and garden store.
Create Your Own Border. If you want to save money or prefer the natural look, you can also create your own border using stones, bricks, or wood.
Lay Out Your Border before Proceeding. Before creating a border, take the time to lay it out using string or a flexible rubber strip so that you can visualize how it will look from a variety of angles when complete and make adjustments as necessary. It is much easier to do this ahead of time than to reroute a border once it has been installed.
Measure First, Then Buy. Once you are satisfied with the border layout, measure it so that you can be sure to acquire the necessary amount of border material.
Even if you edge your flower beds, sidewalks and driveway with barriers to keep your lawn in check, you probably will have to do some manual yard edging occasionally. Here are 6 tips to make the lawn edging process easy and safe.
Think Safety. When edging a lawn with a gas or electric lawn trimmer, always wear goggles, gloves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and ear protection.
Opt for Quality Equipment. Purchase a good quality lawn trimmer. Although it will cost a little more, it will last longer and do a better job than the bottom-of-the line model and may have more safety features.
Trim Level with the Mowed Lawn. Trim edges so that they are flush with the rest of the lawn when is has been mowed. Trimming lawn edges too close so that the dirt or thatch in the lawn shows through is like getting a haircut that is too short. It will grow out eventually, but in the meantime may not provide the look you hoped for.
Hand Trim Where Necessary. If you have installed decorative borders around flower beds, you may have to trim the grass along the outer edge by hand. You also may have to hand trim excess grass around mail box poles, children’s swing sets, lawn benches and other items that are in the lawn and can’t be moved.
Handle Trees with Care. Don’t trim too close to tree trunks. It is best to clear and mulch a space around the base of trees so that you can easily mow the lawn without damaging the tree’s bark. If you have to trim close to the trunk, either do it carefully by hand, or, if using a gas or electric trimmer, wrap the trunk to protect it from mishaps.
Edge as Needed. How often you have to edge your lawn will depend on the type of grass you have and how fast it grows. However, unless you are fanatical about always having a fastidiously manicured lawn, you probably will not have to edge each time you mow. The best rule of thumb is to use your judgment and edge only when necessary.
Sources:
Jennifer, lawncare.savvy-cafe.com, Lawn Care – Give Great Lawn Edging Tips
www.landscapingnetworx.com, About Edging and Trimming/Tips for Edging and Trimming Lawns
