How to Edge a Sidewalk with a Weedeater

Want a sharp, clean lawn? It's easy. One of the most commonly skipped areas in routine, domestic lawn care is weedeating -- more specifically edging the sidewalk with a weedeater. You don't have to have an edger with a metal blade just to edge your sidewalk. Stick with your weedeater, unless, of course, your dirt has overgrown the walk. Then you may need a little extra help to get started.

Things You'll Need

• Weed eater (gas or electric)

Instructions

Edging a sidewalk with a weedeater

1. Safety first: Wear eye and ear protection, long pants and a long sleeve shirt if you can bear the heat. The weedeater is more likely to sling debris at your face while edging, so take heed. Also make sure the protective guard is installed on the head of the weedeater. Removing may appear to give you more access, but it causes far more problems than it solves.

2. Make sure you have enough string out so you don't drag the head on the concrete.

3. Stand on the sidewalk. If you are right-handed, start with the right side of the walk. Tilt the weedeater so that the string spins perpendicular with the ground. You don't have to hold the weedeater upright with the motor in the air by your head. (This could easily cause an injury.) Just twist your wrists slightly, continuing to hold the weedeater horizontally.

4. Watch closely to see the cutting path of the string. Run the string along the edge of the grass, just beside the concrete, cutting into the dirt lightly. Walk slowly and steadily, cutting in a straight path.

5. Walk back down the other side of the walk the same way.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time. A crooked line can make your sidewalk look worse than if it wasn't edged.

• Although edging a sidewalk is relatively safe, weedeaters are not your best friend and will cut you or throw things at you if you're not careful. Be especially careful when edging along the curb of the street. Broken glass and sand often collect along the grass line, and it will shoot back up at you.

Resources

• Safety tips for lawn care