Lawn care is more than just running a mower across your grass. To achieve a truly manicured look, you need to consider every detail, including the order in which you tackle different tasks. One of the most common questions among homeowners is: Should you edge your lawn before or after mowing? The answer isn’t always straightforward, and the best approach often depends on your specific situation and desired outcome.
Understanding the Basics of Lawn Edging and Mowing
Before diving into the debate, let’s establish a solid understanding of what each process entails. This will help clarify why the timing matters and how each technique contributes to a healthy and aesthetically pleasing lawn.
What is Lawn Edging?
Lawn edging is the process of creating a clean, defined border between your lawn and other surfaces, such as sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, and patios. It involves cutting away the overhanging grass and soil to create a crisp, vertical edge. This not only enhances the appearance of your lawn but also helps to prevent grass from encroaching on adjacent areas.
A well-defined edge gives your lawn a polished, professional look. It frames your yard, highlighting its shape and separating it from other landscape elements. Edging can also make mowing easier and more efficient by creating a clear path for your mower wheels to follow.
What is Lawn Mowing?
Lawn mowing is the process of cutting the grass blades to a uniform height. This is typically done with a lawn mower, which can be powered by gas, electricity, or even manual force. Regular mowing promotes healthy grass growth by encouraging new shoots and thickening the turf.
The height at which you mow your lawn is crucial. Mowing too short can stress the grass, making it more susceptible to weeds, disease, and drought. Mowing too high can lead to thatch buildup and a shaggy, unkempt appearance. The ideal mowing height depends on the type of grass you have and the desired look of your lawn.
The Case for Edging Before Mowing
Many lawn care enthusiasts advocate for edging before mowing. This approach offers several potential advantages.
A Cleaner Cut and Enhanced Precision
Edging before mowing allows you to create a precise, defined edge without the interference of long grass blades. When you edge first, the mower has a clear path to follow, resulting in a cleaner cut and a more uniform appearance along the edges. This is especially beneficial if you’re using a string trimmer to edge, as it can be difficult to see exactly where you’re cutting when the grass is tall.
By removing the overhanging grass first, you can ensure that the mower blades cut evenly and consistently along the edges of your lawn. This helps to prevent scalping, which is when the mower cuts the grass too short in certain areas, leaving unsightly brown patches.
Reduced Clogging of Mower
Edging before mowing can also help to reduce clogging of your mower. When you mow over long, uncut grass along the edges of your lawn, the grass can wrap around the mower blades, causing them to become clogged. This can reduce the efficiency of your mower and potentially damage the blades.
By removing the excess grass with an edger first, you minimize the amount of debris that gets caught in the mower blades. This allows the mower to operate more smoothly and efficiently, resulting in a better cut and less wear and tear on your equipment.
Improved Visibility and Control
When the edges of your lawn are clearly defined, it’s easier to see where you’re mowing and maintain control of the mower. This is particularly important when mowing near obstacles such as trees, shrubs, and flower beds.
Edging before mowing provides a visual guide, helping you to avoid accidentally damaging your landscaping. It also allows you to mow closer to the edges of your lawn without the risk of scalping or uneven cuts.
The Case for Edging After Mowing
While edging before mowing has its advantages, there are also compelling reasons to edge after you’ve mowed your lawn.
Gathering Clippings for a Tidy Finish
One of the main benefits of edging after mowing is that it allows you to gather up any grass clippings that may have accumulated along the edges of your lawn during mowing. This creates a cleaner, more polished finish.
When you mow, some grass clippings inevitably end up on sidewalks, driveways, and other surfaces. By edging after mowing, you can use the edger to sweep these clippings back onto the lawn, where they can decompose and provide nutrients to the soil.
Easier Navigation and Maneuverability
Mowing first can make it easier to navigate and maneuver around obstacles in your yard, especially if the grass is overgrown. This is because the mower provides a wider, clearer path than an edger.
When you mow first, you can identify any areas that need special attention, such as spots where the grass is particularly thick or uneven. This allows you to adjust your mowing technique accordingly and ensure that you get a consistent cut throughout your lawn. Then you can edge after and clean up anything that might be left behind.
Less Mess and Debris
Edging after mowing can also result in less mess and debris. When you edge before mowing, the edger can kick up dirt and debris onto the freshly cut grass. This can make your lawn look dirty and unkempt.
By edging after mowing, you can minimize the amount of dirt and debris that gets scattered around your yard. The mower will have already removed most of the loose grass and debris, leaving a cleaner surface for the edger to work on.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Approach
Ultimately, the best approach for edging your lawn depends on several factors, including the type of grass you have, the condition of your lawn, and your personal preferences.
Type of Grass
The type of grass you have can influence whether you should edge before or after mowing. For example, grasses that tend to grow quickly and spread aggressively, such as Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass, may benefit from edging before mowing to prevent them from encroaching on other areas.
Grasses that are more slow-growing and less aggressive may not require edging as frequently, so you may be able to get away with edging after mowing. Consider the growth habits of your particular grass type when deciding on your edging strategy.
Condition of the Lawn
The condition of your lawn can also play a role in your decision. If your lawn is overgrown or uneven, it may be easier to mow first to create a clearer path for the edger.
If your lawn is well-maintained and relatively even, you may prefer to edge before mowing for a cleaner, more precise cut. Assess the overall condition of your lawn and choose the approach that will give you the best results.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice of whether to edge before or after mowing comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the cleaner cut and enhanced precision of edging before mowing, while others prefer the tidier finish and easier navigation of edging after mowing.
Experiment with both approaches and see which one works best for you and your lawn. There is no right or wrong answer, so choose the method that you find most effective and enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Edging Your Lawn Like a Pro
Regardless of whether you choose to edge before or after mowing, there are some general tips and techniques that can help you achieve professional-looking results.
Gather Your Tools and Equipment
Before you start edging, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. This includes an edger, a lawn mower, a rake or broom, and a trash bag or container for collecting debris.
You can use a manual edger, a power edger, or a string trimmer to edge your lawn. Choose the tool that you feel most comfortable using and that is best suited for the size and shape of your lawn.
Prepare the Area
Before you start edging, clear the area of any obstacles such as rocks, branches, or toys. This will help to prevent damage to your equipment and ensure a smooth, even cut.
Also, make sure that the ground is dry before you start edging. Edging wet grass can be more difficult and can result in a less clean cut.
Establish a Guideline
Use the edge of the sidewalk, driveway, or flower bed as a guide to ensure that you’re edging in a straight line. If necessary, you can use a string or chalk line to create a temporary guideline.
Follow the guideline carefully to maintain a consistent edge. Avoid making sudden turns or deviations, as this can result in an uneven or jagged edge.
Make Multiple Passes if Needed
If the grass is thick or overgrown, you may need to make multiple passes with the edger to achieve the desired depth and definition.
Start with a shallow pass and gradually increase the depth with each pass. This will help to prevent the edger from bogging down and ensure a clean, even cut.
Clean Up Debris
After you’ve finished edging, use a rake or broom to sweep up any grass clippings or debris that may have accumulated along the edges of your lawn.
Dispose of the debris in a trash bag or container. Consider composting the grass clippings to recycle them and provide nutrients to your garden.
Maintaining Your Lawn Edges for Long-Lasting Results
Once you’ve edged your lawn, it’s important to maintain the edges regularly to prevent them from becoming overgrown and unkempt.
Regular Edging
Edge your lawn at least once a month, or more frequently if necessary, to maintain a clean, defined edge.
Regular edging will prevent grass from encroaching on sidewalks, driveways, and other surfaces. It will also make it easier to mow your lawn and maintain a polished appearance.
Weed Control
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to the edges of your lawn in the spring and fall to prevent weeds from growing in the soil.
Weeds can detract from the appearance of your lawn edges and make them more difficult to maintain. By using a pre-emergent herbicide, you can keep your lawn edges weed-free and looking their best.
Mulching
Mulch around flower beds and trees to help prevent grass from growing in these areas.
Mulch provides a physical barrier that prevents grass from spreading and also helps to retain moisture in the soil. This can make it easier to maintain a clean, defined edge between your lawn and your landscaping.
In conclusion, the decision of whether to edge before or after mowing is a matter of personal preference and depends on various factors like grass type and lawn condition. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Experimenting with both can help you determine the best approach for achieving a perfectly manicured lawn. Regardless of the method chosen, maintaining your lawn edges through regular edging, weed control, and mulching is crucial for long-lasting results.
FAQ 1: What are the main arguments for edging before mowing?
The primary argument for edging before mowing centers around efficiency and cleanliness. When you edge first, the mower can then effectively collect any clippings and debris that the edger throws onto the lawn. This reduces the need for a second cleanup pass with a blower or rake, saving time and effort. Additionally, edging before mowing allows you to establish a defined edge prior to cutting the grass, potentially making the mowing process smoother and more precise, especially along sidewalks and driveways.
Furthermore, edging before mowing can prevent the mower from pushing over longer, untrimmed grass along the edges. This ensures a cleaner, more consistent cut along the borders of your lawn. By creating a distinct separation between the grass and the hardscape, you reduce the likelihood of the mower getting caught or scalping the grass close to the edge. This approach can lead to a more professional-looking and well-maintained lawn appearance.
FAQ 2: What are the main arguments for mowing before edging?
Mowing before edging allows you to get a better sense of the overall lawn height and shape before focusing on the finer details. By mowing first, you can more accurately assess the areas that need to be edged and avoid unnecessary edging in areas where the grass is already short. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re aiming for a specific lawn aesthetic or are trying to conserve energy by minimizing the amount of edging required.
Moreover, mowing before edging can sometimes be more efficient depending on the type of edger you use. If you’re using a bladed edger, for example, mowing the bulk of the grass can help to reduce the amount of resistance the edger encounters, potentially extending the lifespan of the blade and making the edging process smoother. It can also prevent the edger from bogging down in overly thick or tall grass along the edges.
FAQ 3: Does the type of edger I use influence the best order for edging and mowing?
Yes, the type of edger you use significantly impacts the optimal order of operations. If you are using a bladed edger, mowing before edging might be more effective. This is because the mower clears away the bulk of the grass, reducing the strain on the edger blade and allowing it to more easily create a clean, defined edge. The mower essentially preps the area for the edger, leading to a more efficient and less demanding edging process.
Conversely, if you use a string trimmer as an edger (often held vertically), edging before mowing can be advantageous. The string trimmer can easily flick clippings onto the lawn, which the mower can then collect. This method can also prevent the string from getting tangled in longer, unmowed grass, making the edging process smoother. Different edger types have different strengths, influencing which order proves most efficient.
FAQ 4: How does the type of grass I have affect the decision of when to edge?
The type of grass you have plays a crucial role in determining whether to edge before or after mowing. For grass types that tend to grow quickly and spread aggressively, such as Bermuda or Zoysia grass, edging before mowing is often preferable. This allows you to control the spreading growth more effectively and prevent it from encroaching onto sidewalks and driveways.
Conversely, for grass types that grow more slowly and have a less aggressive spreading habit, such as Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass, the order is less critical. In these cases, you might find mowing before edging more convenient, as it gives you a better overview of the areas that need the most attention. However, even with slower-growing grasses, maintaining a consistent edging routine is still important for a neat and manicured lawn.
FAQ 5: What if I’m using a lawn care service? How does this affect the order of edging and mowing?
When using a lawn care service, the order of edging and mowing is typically determined by the service’s standard practices and equipment. Most professional services have optimized their process for efficiency and often edge before mowing. Their equipment is designed to handle the resulting clippings effectively, and the process is streamlined for speed and a consistently high-quality result.
However, it is perfectly acceptable to discuss your preferences with your lawn care provider. If you have specific concerns or believe that a different order would be better suited to your lawn’s needs, communicate this to them. A reputable service will be willing to consider your input and adjust their process accordingly, within reasonable limits, to ensure your satisfaction.
FAQ 6: What are some common mistakes people make when edging their lawn?
One common mistake is neglecting proper safety precautions. Always wear eye protection when edging, as debris can be thrown up with considerable force. Additionally, ensure that children and pets are kept a safe distance from the area being edged to prevent any accidental injuries. It’s also crucial to be aware of underground utilities before digging or using an edger that penetrates the soil deeply.
Another frequent error is not maintaining the edger properly. Dull blades or worn string can lead to ragged edges and inefficient cutting. Regular sharpening or replacement of blades and timely string refills are essential for a clean and professional finish. Furthermore, failing to follow a straight line or consistent depth can result in an uneven and unprofessional look, detracting from the overall appearance of the lawn.
FAQ 7: Are there any specific weather conditions that favor edging before or after mowing?
In dry conditions, edging before mowing can be more advantageous. When the grass is dry, the clippings are lighter and easier for the mower to collect, preventing them from clumping and potentially smothering the underlying grass. This helps maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing lawn appearance. Edging after mowing in dry conditions can also lead to the scattering of dry soil, making cleanup more tedious.
Conversely, in slightly damp conditions (but not soaking wet), mowing before edging might be preferable. The moisture can help to weigh down the grass blades, making them easier to cut and preventing them from flying around as much during the mowing process. This can result in a cleaner cut and reduce the amount of debris that needs to be cleaned up afterwards. However, avoid edging or mowing in excessively wet conditions, as this can damage the lawn and create a muddy mess.