How to Buy a Lawn Edger

Grass always grows beyond its soil, overlapping to narrow sidewalks and driveways. A lawn edger keeps the grass trim while making clean and distinctive cuts at the walk or drive. . The various edgers you'll find all do the same thing; however, more features make the job easier.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the type of edger to buy--lighgweight electric, rechargable battery, gas powered or manually operated.

2. Buy a suitable gas engine. A 4-cyle engine has separate oil and gas compartments, delivering more horsepower, while a 2-cycle engine has less horsepower and requires you to mix the oil with the gas.

3. Select the model by blade size. They range between 7 and 10 inches with adjustable settings averaging 1 to 4 inch depths.

4. Choose a manually operated rotary lawn edger or step edger. The rotary model does the job with a self-sharpening blade and 48-inch handle that you push; you step on the step edger like a shovel as you walk it along the edge.

5. Pick according to terrain. Some models have angle adjustments, making it easier to handle on slopes.

6. Consider three wheels with two handles or a one-wheel single handheld power edger. Both electric and gas models have large vertical blades with depth adjustments.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to any lawn and garden shop to handle an edger before buying it.
• Sharpen your edger's blades when needed and replace chipped or broken blades. You also can hoose a model with self-sharpening blades.
• Wear safety glasses when edging.