Whether or not buying an edger is worth it depends on a number of factors. For a homeowner, an edger can be a great purchase if they are looking to create a neat and well-defined lawn edge along their driveway, sidewalks, planting beds, and other landscape features.
Edging is the best way to achieve a neat and professional-looking landscape, and the investment of an edger can be returned in overall yard appeal and the potential to increase the value of the home.
An edger can also be helpful for homeowners who want a low-maintenance yard. Edging can help reduce the need for trimming and other lawn maintenance work, saving time and effort.
For commercial landscaping businesses, an edger is considered an essential tool for getting the job done efficiently and professionally. A commercial grade edger is able to handle larger and tougher jobs than the typical homeowner-grade edger and can make the difference between a property that looks great, and a property with sloppy, overgrown edges.
Professional grade edgers are usually more expensive, so businesses need to weigh the cost of the equipment against the cost of their labor and other landscaping costs when making their purchasing decision.
Ultimately, taking the time to weigh all factors can determine whether or not buying an edger is worth it.
What are some good edgers?
Good edgers can make all the difference when it comes to achieving the perfect look for your lawn. The type of soil, and how much time and effort you want to put into it. Some popular edgers include manual edgers, electric edgers, gas edgers, and robotic edgers.
Manual edgers are great for smaller lawns and are relatively inexpensive. Electric edgers are light weight and require less maintenance than gas edgers. Gas edgers are best for larger lawns and more difficult terrain.
They are the most powerful and labor intensive of the edgers. Lastly, robotic edgers can be programmed to do the work for you and are great for those with busy schedules.
How do I choose an edger?
When choosing an edger, it is important to consider a variety of factors. First, consider the size of your yard and the type of work you need to be done. If you have a small yard, an electric edger may be a good choice as they are typically lighter and easier to maneuver.
If you have a large yard and need to do more intricate jobs, then you may want to consider a gas-powered edger.
Another factor to consider is how often you plan on using your edger. If you only need to trim grass occasionally, then a manual edger may be suitable for your needs. Conversely, if you have a large yard and need to use your edger more frequently, then a powered edger with a larger engine may be a better choice.
Electric edgers typically come with more power than manual edgers and may be able to tackle more intensive edging jobs.
It is also important to think about the balance between cost and quality. If you are looking for a more affordable edger, then a manual edger might be the most cost-effective for your needs. Electric edgers tend to be more expensive, but they often have better power, maneuverability, and advanced features.
Additional features like comfort grips, adjustable speeds, and lawn stripes may be worth the additional cost.
Finally, consider the user-friendliness and safety features of the edger. Read reviews and ask others who have used the product that you are considering. Look for features like an adjustable blade height and visible on/off switches.
If you are new to using edgers, select a model that is marked as easy to use, so there is less of a learning curve.
In summary, when choosing an edger, consider the size of your yard, the extent of the edging job you need to do, your budget, and the safety and user-friendliness of the edger.
Is a walk behind edger better?
It depends on the size and type of your yard, as well as your personal preference. A walk-behind edger can be an effective tool to use if you have a relatively small lawn, as it is lightweight, doesn’t require a lot of space, and can get into tight spaces or around obstacles.
It is also easier to maneuver and can generally cover more area in a shorter time than a hand edger. However, a hand edger may be easier to use when edging around detailed surfaces such as flower beds or features with sharp edges.
Ultimately, it depends on the size and type of your yard and what kind of edging work you need to do. If you have a larger yard or plan to edge regularly, a walk-behind edger could be better for you than a hand edger.
How do I get perfect edges on my lawn?
Getting perfect edges on your lawn requires a combination of regular maintenance and the right equipment. First, it’s important to trim your lawn regularly. This helps to keep the edges looking neat and tidy.
The best time to trim lawn edges is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the grass is cool and still damp. Secondly, it’s important to use the right equipment. A lawn mower will do a decent job, but a strimmer is much better.
Strimmers are designed to cut grass and trim edges quickly, giving a neat finish. It’s also worth investing in a lawn edger if you’re looking for a perfectly even finish. When used properly, you can get crisp edges and a perfectly cropped lawn.
Finally, be sure to keep the blades of your equipment sharp. This helps to both make a cleaner cut and reduce damage to the lawn. Lastly, make sure you’re mowing or trimming in the same direction each time, as this will help to prevent your lawn from looking patchy and uneven.
How can I edge my lawn without an edger?
Edging a lawn without an edger is possible but requires a bit of extra effort. The first step is to mow the lawn and make sure the grass is cut evenly across the edges. Next, you’ll need to create a physical barrier between the grass and the edge.
This can be done with a variety of materials, such as bricks, wood, or metal. Place the desired material at the edge of the lawn and make sure it is perpendicular to the edge. You may want to use a line or tape measure to make sure it’s straight.
Once the material is in place, use a trowel or shovel to make a narrow trench in the ground between the edge of the lawn and the material. The trench should be deep enough to contain the edge material and should be as straight and even as possible.
When the trench is in place, fill it with soil or sand to create an even surface for the edge to lie on top of. Finally, add the edge material to the edge of the lawn either flush with the grass or slightly up to form a raised edge.
With these steps, you should be able to create a professional-looking edge to your lawn without the need for an edger.
Should you edge before or after you mow?
It depends on the type of lawn you have and the type of mower you are using. Generally, edging should be done before mowing when using a cordless or electric trimmer, as the trimmer can cut through thick grass more easily than a mower.
The clear, even edge created by the trimmer makes it easier to mow without missing blades of grass along the edges. When using a regular mower, it is typically more effective to mow first, then edge.
This is because the mower blade will cut the grass too close to the edge, potentially creating a sharp edge that the trimmer can’t get close enough to fix without user error. Plus, edging first can clog the mower with debris, entanglements or uneven height;s.
Mowing first makes it easier for edging as there is a reasonable height boundary, and it also pushes cuttings away from the edges, making the job simpler.
How often should you edge your lawn?
In general, an experienced homeowners should edge their lawns at least once a month during the active growing season (spring through late fall). To maintain a beautiful and functional lawn, you may need to edge your lawn more frequently.
Weekly edging is often recommended for landscaping beds or areas with curved gardens to keep soil and grass away from the edging material. Be sure to select the right type of edging material, such as plastic or metal, to match your needs and lawn’s aesthetic.
Depending on the type of edging you choose, properly maintaining the edges may also require trimming or removing growth that extends beyond the edging. Additionally, you may need to refill and compact soil or add additional edging material if a gap occurs between the material and the lawn.
Properly edging your lawn will require some dedication and attention, but the extra effort is worth it if you want a neat, attractive lawn.
What is the difference between an edger and trimmer?
An edger and a trimmer are both tools used for trimming and edging lawns and gardens, but they differ in the way they are used. An edger is a motorized tool used to trim and define the edges of a lawn or flower bed, typically along driveways, sidewalks, or around other structures.
It is used to make a clean, crisp edge and also helps to separate the grass from the flower beds. It is generally used for larger, more defined edges and can take off a larger section of grass in one pass.
A trimmer is a tool used to trim the weeds and grass along the edges of a lawn and is often used to help keep a garden or lawn looking neat and tidy without the need for constant edging. It is generally used for smaller, more manicured spaces, around flower beds and more intricate curves, and is typically run with a single line trimmer.
It is capable of taking off thin sections of grass during one pass, but it is not as effective as an edger when it comes to creating a defined edge.
Can you edge sidewalk with a shovel?
Yes, you can edge a sidewalk with a shovel. A shovel is one of the most common tools used to edge a sidewalk and is particularly useful for small edgings or for making precision cuts along the edge. Depending on the size of the shovel you have, you can use the blade to create a shallow trench around the sidewalk’s border.
To create a more finished look, use the pointed end of the shovel to cut sharper lines along the edge. After the edging is complete, you can use a garden rake to level out the dirt and spread it evenly around the sidewalk’s edge to finish off the project.
Can I use a string trimmer as an edger?
Yes, you can use a string trimmer as an edger. It is a versatile tool with multiple uses, and edging is one of them. To use a string trimmer as an edger, start by adjusting the trimmer to the right height.
Make sure to hold the trimmer handle at the right angle when edging, as this will determine the accuracy of the cut. When you are ready to begin edging, pull the trigger and hold it down as you move the trimmer along the edge.
Move the trimmer slowly in a straight line and apply even pressure as you trim. You may need to make additional passes to finish the job, but be careful not to trim too close or you could damage the grass.
When you are done, use a broom or blower to clean up the debris.
Are gas or electric edgers better?
The answer to whether gas or electric edgers are better depends on your individual needs. Gas edgers are great for larger yards and for those who need more power and a longer reach, since they can often run for a longer period of time and include more power modes.
Electric edgers are more maneuverable and quieter, so they are ideal for smaller yards or for those who prefer a more lightweight tool. Electric edgers are also the more sustainable and eco-friendly option since they’re battery operated.
Ultimately, you should choose the edger that best fits your individual needs and preferences. Consider the size of your yard, your budget, and the kind of power you need to get the job done when making your decision.
Which is better string or blade edger?
It is difficult to say which is better—string or blade edgers—because it depends on the individual lawn’s needs and the type of grass being mowed. String edgers require periodic replacement of the string line and may be more suitable for smaller lawns, as it can be difficult to maneuver when edging larger areas.
String edgers also produce a clean, well-defined edge, as long as the string is still in good condition and not frayed.
Blade edgers, on the other hand, are more powerful and suitable for larger areas of lawn. They can make quick work of an edge, making them great for larger lawns that take longer to edge with a string edger.
Blade edgers can also be used to cut through thicker lawns than those that can be cut with a string edger. The downside to blade edgers is that they can leave a rougher edge, as they can rip grass more easily than a string edger.
Ultimately, the best tool for edging will depend on the size of the lawn and the type of grass being cut. It’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of both types and choose the right tool for the job.
Do you push or pull an edger?
When using an edger, you should use a pushing motion to move the tool along the lawn or garden bed. Pulling the edger causes the blades to dig too deeply and may cause damage to the lawn. To ensure a clean cut when edging, start as far away from the edge as possible and gradually work your way in.
When you reach the edge, shift the edger slightly to the left and right as you work to get a smooth surface. Many edgers have the capacity to create a clean edge using a single pass.
How deep does an edger dig?
Usually, edgers are designed to dig between four to six inches deep. The depth that an edger can dig depends on the type or model of edger. Some edgers are equipped with adjustable blades that can be adjusted to dig deeper than 6 inches.
For instance, manual edgers are usually designed with a long, straight shaft to create a shallow edge around gardens and pathways, while other edgers have adjustable tines that can be adjusted to create a deeper edge.
Additionally, some edgers also come with a soil-throwing attachment that can be used to deepen the cut, up to 8 inches. Ultimately, the depth that an edger can dig is determined by the type of edger and its specific design features.
How long should an edger blade be?
The length of the edger blade you should use depends on the type of edger you own and the type of material that you are cutting. For electric and gas edgers, a 4-6 inch blade is suitable. This length works well for cutting grass, mulch, and dirt around pathways, tree rings, and flower beds.
For hardscapes like stone or concrete, a 6-9 inch blade may be necessary for a satisfactory cut. If you are edging along a long sidewalk or driveway, you may need to use blades up to 12 inches long. When shopping for edger blades, make sure the blade you choose is the correct size for your edger.
An incorrect blade size can cause the edger to be unsteady and create uneven edging.
Will an edger dig a trench?
Yes, an edger can be used to dig a trench. An edger, also known as a lawn edger or an edging tool, is a gardening tool used to create distinct boundaries between a lawn, flowerbed, sidewalk, driveway, or other landscaping feature.
It accomplishes this by cutting a shallow trench in the soil, forming a barrier between two areas. This trench, which may be as wide as two to three inches, helps define the two areas and also helps reduce the looked of encroaching grass or weeds.
Edgers come in both manual and electric versions. Manual edgers are typically used on smaller jobs and feature a curved blade usually attached to a handle. Electric edgers have an upright handle and a motor-driven blade.
Can you use an edger to install edging?
Yes, an edger can be used for installing edging. Edgers are typically used around the edges of walkways, driveways, and other landscaping materials, and are meant to give a crisp, clean line to the finished edge that provides a neat and finished look.
The edger is typically used at the edge of a lawn bed, driveway, sidewalk, or garden to create clean lines, which is perfect for installing edging. The edger will cut a nice edge into the lawn, which can provide a barrier that will help keep the edging in place.
When using an edger to install edging, it is important to set the edger wheel at a desired depth and go slowly while cutting. This will ensure that the edging is installed correctly and is not sunken in or sticking up too high.
It is also important to know what type of soil and landscaping material is being used so that the wheel of the edger can be set at the correct depth.
After the edging is in place, it is important to keep it properly maintained and might require adding additional material such as gravel. Doing so will ensure that the edging will remain in place and provide a neat and finished look to the landscape.
Can you use a chainsaw as a trencher?
No, a chainsaw is not typically used as a trencher. While a chainsaw has a long blade, it is designed for cutting trees, pruning wood, and trimming branches. It is not designed for digging trenches or for excavating soil.
Instead, a trencher is a specialized machine used to cut trenches of various shapes and sizes into the earth. Many trenchers use rotating chains or blades, so the name may seem similar. However, the blades on a trencher are specifically shaped and constructed to efficiently cut through soil and rocks in order to create the perfect trench.
A chainsaw, on the other hand, is not sturdy enough to cut through hard surfaces and could easily break due to the intense forces and torque it would be subjected to while trenchering.
What is an edger used for?
An edger is an outdoor power tool used for creating distinct lines in lawns. It is designed to cut grass that is growing close to areas such as sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, or around other landscaping features.
The powerful edger can cut clean, crisp lines through thick turf. Edgers are also used for creating decorative patterns and for taming pathways and walkways. Edgers are also used for general lawn maintenance such as trimming around trees, flower beds, and hard to reach areas.
With its unique blade design, the edger can cut around tight corners and make detailed cuts. Edgers may also be used to make shallow trenches in soil, typically to prepare a surface for laying down sod or to help install sprinkler systems or low-voltage lighting wire.