Weedeating and edging your yard certainly isn’t rocket science. But it does take a little more thought and technique than simply firing up the weedeater and hacking away at clumps of tall grass.
What is Weedeating and Edging?
If you are new to the wonderful world of lawn care, you’ve probably heard the terms weedeating and edging. These two terms are similar, but not exactly the same.
Edging is a weedeating technique.
Weedeating is nothing more than using a trimmer to cut down grass and other vegetation that isn’t easy to reach with a lawnmower.
Most folks find themselves weedeating around their mailbox post or down there fence line.
It’s just too tough to get the lawnmower in those spots.
What Is Edging
Edging is exactly as it sounds, trimming grass or other vegetation along the edge of an object.
Meticulous property owners often find themselves edging along The Sidewalk or down the side of their yard to manicure the boundaries of their property. Here’s a quick recap.
Trimming-Cutting vegetation horizontally. Basically, using the weedeater just like a lawnmower.
Edging-Turning the head of the trimmer vertical and trimming away the vegetation to give you yard a smooth, clean edge.
Why Weedeating Matters
Weedeating may just seem like extra work. After all, do you really need to give your lawn a precise haircut every time you mow? Yes. And here’s why.
You can fertilize, you can use weed killer, and you can even water religiously. But, if you are not taking the time to trim and edge around those hard-to-reach areas, your essentially putting lipstick on a pig when it comes to your lawn.
Trimming and edging ensures your keeping your lawn at a healthy height. Keeping your lawn at the right height not only looks nice, but it helps your lawn stay healthy which keeps weeds from taking hold.
Professional Tips on Weedeating
We’ve covered the what and the why. Now, it’s time to take a look at techniques and equipment to get you weedeating and edging the right way.
One of the worst things you can do is to give your lawn a big “haircut”.
If you scalp your lawn or cut it too close to the ground, you are likely going to do some serious damage.
The roots of your lawn absorb nutrients. The majority of these nutrients are stored in the individual blades of grass.
If you scalp your lawn, go drastically reduce your grass’ ability to store nutrients.
Each blade of grass shades the soil below.
When grass is cut too short, the soil below receives more sunlight. This leads to rising soil temperatures. Higher soil temperatures can damage or even kill grass.
We’ve all seen the perfectly manicured lawns on the block. The owners spend every Sunday trimming their yard. They keep their grass about 1/2 inch away from their curb, sidewalk, and driveway.
This may improve your lawn’s aesthetics a bit, but it creates another big problem. Exposed soil sets the table for weeds to take hold and undo all of your hard work.
Get the Right Equipment
Having the right equipment can make edging and trimming a breeze.
Most lawn aficionados do their edging with a standard trimmer. They simply turn the head vertically and cut along the obstacle.
This works if you have the right technique. More on that in a minute. That being said, it’s hard to beat the results you get with a true edger.
What Is an Edger
An edger is specifically designed to be guided or rolled along an obstacle. There are a handful of different designs on the market. However, the goal of each is the same, give your grass and even trim quickly and without too much effort.
Pro Weedeating Techniques
Safety First: Before you do anything else, make sure any clippings or debris will be propelled away from your body.
Step 1: Position the trimmer so that the head is vertical. If there is a guard, make sure it is positioned between the ground and your body.
Step 2: Place one hand near the top of the trimmer’s shaft. Move your other hand to a lower position so you can comfortably guide the head of the trimmer.
Step 3: rest your top hand on your shoulder. Be sure to position the trimmer’s motor so you are not in danger of getting burned.
Step 4: Slow and steady wins the race. Walk at a very slow pace to easily cut a smooth and straight-line.
Start with a healthy lawn
Learning the right techniques for weedeating and edging are important. But, if you’re not starting out with a healthy lawn, your time, effort, and money are most likely going to go to waste.
Don’t worry if you are not exactly a green thumb. Our Lawn Maintenance 101 guide lays out everything you need to know in simple steps.
Get a Pro
Mabey you don’t have the time. Maybe you don’t have the energy. Maybe you want a beautiful lawn, but the thought of working on your yard is right up there with a root canal.
Whatever it is, hiring a pro to take care of your yard may be your best bet.
Before hiring a lawn care company, there’s a few things you need to consider.
- If they mow your lawn, does that automatically include trimming and edging?
- Do they also offer maintenance services such as weed control and pest removal?
- Will you be able to get a discount for multiple appointments over a certain period of time?
- Ideally, you want to call a handful of lawn care providers to get a variety of quotes.
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