How to Use a Manual Lawn Edger

Using a manual lawn edger takes some strength and time. The manual edger is much different that a gas or electric powered lawn edger because all the work is done by the user. The lawn edger has a double sprocket with very pointed points that cut through the grass or other ground cover. Using the manual lawn edger should be well maintained to work well.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Manual lawn edger
• Spade
• Gloves

How to Use a Manual Lawn Edger

1. Take the spade and loosen the ground cover that hangs over any cement and blacktop. This should be done for all areas that will be edged. It makes it easier to find the edge of the concrete or blacktop when edging.

2. Take the manual lawn edger with to hands and insert into the ground cover at the edge of the concrete or blacktop. This will require some force to make a start.

3. Place one hand half way down the edger handle and the other at the top. Rock the edger back and forth while applying a downward force to cut through the ground cover.

4. Keep rocking back and forth, as you advance the manual lawn edger forward. This step will start getting faster as more of the ground starts to give way to the edger.

5. Once you have reached the end of the line. Take the spade and gently lift and pull edged ground away to reveal the edge of the cement or blacktop and the remaining ground.

Tips & Warnings

• The use of a back support of some kind will help ease the pain from bending and pushing.
• Keep the blades of the manual lawn edger sharp to easily move through thick ground cover.
• Use the spade to pull ground cover away, but use a larger shovel to pick up the remains and discard to a nearby trashcan or trailer.
• Back, arms and legs may become sore from the physical work involved.