Edge Lawn and Beds
Crisp edges are the difference between "nice lawn" and "wow, who's their landscaper?" This single task makes everything look intentional and well-maintained.
Quick Summary
1-2 hours
$0-200
Easy
Very High
Why Edging Matters
Visual Impact
- • Defines spaces clearly
- • Makes lawn look manicured
- • Highlights planting beds
- • Creates clean sight lines
Practical Benefits
- • Keeps grass from invading beds
- • Holds mulch in place
- • Makes mowing easier
- • Reduces trimming needs
Tool Options
Manual Half-Moon Edger
A flat, half-circle blade you push into soil with your foot. Creates a clean vertical cut. Best for initial edging and redefining overgrown borders.
String Trimmer (Turned Vertical)
Your existing weed whacker rotated 90 degrees to cut a vertical line. Quick for maintenance edging along sidewalks and driveways.
Power Edger
Dedicated tool with spinning blade specifically for edging. Creates the cleanest, most consistent line. Electric or gas powered.
Bed Redefiner
Specialized tool that cuts and throws soil in one motion. Makes fast work of overgrown bed edges. Often rentable.
Step-by-Step: Manual Edging
1. Mark Your Line (If Needed)
For new beds or irregular shapes, lay a garden hose along the desired edge. Adjust until the curve looks natural, then mark with spray paint or flour.
2. Water the Day Before
Slightly moist soil cuts much easier than dry, compacted soil. Water lightly the evening before edging.
3. Position the Edger
Place the half-moon edger on the bed side of the line, blade vertical. The cut soil will fall into the bed (you'll remove it later).
4. Cut Straight Down
Step on the edger to drive it 3-4 inches into soil. Rock slightly back and forth, then pull up. Move 4-6 inches and repeat.
5. Remove Excess Soil
Use a flat shovel to remove the cut strip of grass/soil from the bed side. Add to compost or use elsewhere in the yard.
6. Clean Up
Sweep or blow debris from sidewalks. Rake beds smooth. The fresh edge should be a clean vertical line 3-4 inches deep.
Edge Types
Natural/Cut Edge
Just a clean cut into soil—no materials. Most natural look, but requires maintenance 2-3 times per year.
Best for: Traditional landscapes, curves
Metal Edging
Thin steel strips installed below ground. Nearly invisible, holds edges permanently. Professional look.
Best for: Modern homes, low maintenance
Plastic Edging
Affordable and easy to install. Comes in rolls. Can become visible and shift over time.
Best for: Budget projects, temporary solutions
Stone/Brick Edging
Decorative border adds visual interest. Requires more installation effort but is very durable.
Best for: Traditional/cottage gardens
Common Mistakes
- ✕Cutting at an angle. Keep the blade vertical for a clean edge that lasts.
- ✕Not going deep enough. Shallow cuts fill in quickly. Aim for 3-4 inches.
- ✕Leaving cut debris. Remove soil and grass chunks or they'll root and grow.
- ✕Creating too wide a trench. A narrow, clean cut beats a wide moat.
Maintenance Schedule
- •Spring: Re-cut all bed edges to define after winter. This is the main edging session.
- •Monthly: Quick touch-up with string trimmer on hardscape edges (sidewalks, driveway).
- •Fall: Re-cut bed edges before adding mulch for winter.
- •As needed: After mulching or heavy rain, beds may need cleanup.