How to Trim & Edge

Trim and edge your lawn to keep it looking good.

Trimming and edging are the processes that typically precede a lawn mow to keep your property looking neat. Specifically, trimming cuts areas of grass that come in contact with pavement areas, such as sidewalks or driveways, and edging removes pieces of lawn that encounter other garden features like shrubs where a mower or edger can't reach. Before you cut the grass, understand how to trim and edge your property to keep it healthy and attractive.

Things You'll Need

• Protective glasses
• Ear plugs
• Close-toe shoes
• Lawn shears or trimmer
• Edger
• Broom and pan

Instructions

Trim

1. Put on protective glasses and ear plugs before you work on your lawn. The eye ware shields your eyes from flying debris, and the plugs protect your ears against the noise of the tool. Further, wear close-toe shoes to protect your feet from the tool's blades.

2. Take your lawn shears and cut along the edge of the grass where it is growing into another garden element such as a flower bed. If you have a larger or difficult area to trim, use a trimmer by running it over the areas you want to cut.

3. Continue to trim your landscape as the grass grows and at least once a month.

Edge

1. Position the edger tool so that the wheel (if applicable) rests on the pavement and the blade hovers over the grass being cut.

2. Push the edger along the line of grass to create a distinct lawn border.

3. Sweep up the cuttings and dispose of them in a compost bin or yard waste receptacle.

Tips & Warnings

• Trimmers and edgers come in gas, electric and battery-powered models to fit all types of landscape needs.

• Read your trimmer and edger owner's manuals to ensure you follow proper use and safety precautions.

• Refrain from running your trimmer over the same grass area to avoid "scalping" the area, which causes an unsightly appearance.

• Never allow your trimmer to repeatedly bump into trees or run over your flowers because this can cause them to die.

References

• Louisiana State University Agricultural Center: Turf Edgers
• Louisiana State University Agricultural Center: Selecting and Using a String Trimmer

Resources

• Louisiana State University Agricultural Center: Trimming and Edging
• Ohio State University: Lawn Mowing
• University of Vermont: Fertilizing Lawns