A well manicured and maintained lawn does not look as such without proper edging and trimming. The right amount of time and the proper equipment can have the clean lines that everyone wishes to have. Whether using a manual edger or a power edger, both are quite easy to use and will be well worth the money when you see the neat and tidy lawn after the first use.
What is Edging
Edging is the process of cutting vertically into the ground, cutting about 3-5 inches to be sure to sever the grass plant and root to prevent a quick grow back. A manual edger is a small spade with a short flat blade. A manual edger is not run off of electricity, battery, or gasoline like a power edger. A power edger has 1-2 blades or nylon line that spins automatically and usually has a wheel to run on the concrete next to the area being edged. Power edgers are used along hard surfaces that follow a straight line, while manual edgers are typically used around landscaping, gardens, and trees.
Before Edging
The first step to edging is to take a look and examine the area for debris. An edging tool can cause things to fly, including rocks, sticks, and any other items that could cause injury. Eye protection is essential to protect against dirt, dust, and any debris that was missed during the initial look over.
If there is not a nice line to follow such as a driveway or sidewalk, one should be created using string or for curved areas, a flexible line can be made with a garden hose.
Proper Edging
Edging should be completed at least once each year, usually in the spring during the rapid growing season. Edging is a slow process and the path may need to be repeated several times before the proper edging results appear. Be sure that the edger is being held straight and being held steady, your body should move as the edger moves, rather than the edger getting in front of you at any point, which could lead to errors or unintentional cuts.
Sum it up
When it comes to edging, slow and steady really do win the race. Sometimes, the more time spent on edging allows for much better results and much better appearance. Use caution when operating either kind of edger and follow the proper safety precautions before jumping into a job.
It is always a good idea to consult with a lawn care professional and ask any questions you may have. Look around, ask friends or family, and research companies on the Better Business Bureau to find a company that you can trust.
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