The quest for a perfectly manicured lawn is a noble one, pursued by homeowners and lawn care professionals alike. But amidst the various tasks involved – mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and more – one question frequently arises: should you mow or edge your lawn first? The answer, surprisingly, isn’t as straightforward as you might think. It depends on several factors, including your personal preferences, the type of lawn you have, and the specific tools you’re using. Let’s delve into this verdant dilemma and uncover the best approach for achieving that envy-inducing lawn.
Understanding the Basics: Mowing and Edging Defined
Before we declare a winner in the mow-vs-edge debate, it’s crucial to understand exactly what each task entails and why they are essential for a well-maintained lawn.
What is Mowing?
Mowing involves cutting the grass blades to a uniform height. This is typically achieved with a lawnmower, which comes in various forms such as rotary, reel, and robotic mowers. The primary purpose of mowing is to maintain a consistent lawn height, promoting healthy growth and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Regular mowing also encourages the grass to thicken, filling in any bare patches and preventing weed growth.
What is Edging?
Edging, on the other hand, focuses on creating a clean, defined border between your lawn and other surfaces, such as sidewalks, driveways, flowerbeds, and fences. This is typically done with an edger, which is a specialized tool designed to cut a vertical line along the edge of the lawn. Edging provides a sharp, crisp look, separating the grass from adjacent areas and preventing it from encroaching onto them. It’s like the finishing touch that elevates your lawn from simply “mowed” to professionally manicured.
The Case for Mowing First
Many lawn care experts advocate for mowing before edging. This approach offers several advantages that can contribute to a more efficient and effective lawn care routine.
Efficiency and Cleanliness
One of the main reasons to mow first is efficiency. Mowing often throws clippings onto the edges of your lawn, especially along sidewalks and driveways. If you edge first, these clippings will fall onto your freshly edged surface, requiring you to clean up twice. By mowing first, you can then edge and clear away all the debris in one fell swoop. This saves time and effort, leaving you with a cleaner, more polished result.
Think of it like painting a wall. You wouldn’t apply the trim first, then the wall color, and then re-apply the trim. You’d apply the wall color and then trim, cleaning up any overlapping edges just once.
Visibility and Precision
Mowing first also allows you to better visualize the areas that need edging. By cutting the grass to its desired height, you can clearly see where the lawn meets the hardscape and where the edger needs to create a clean line. This improved visibility leads to more precise edging, preventing you from accidentally cutting into flowerbeds or damaging sidewalks.
Preventing Damage to Edging Tools
In some cases, mowing first can help protect your edging tools. If the grass along the edges is particularly long or thick, it can put extra strain on the edger’s blade or motor. Mowing first reduces the amount of grass the edger needs to cut through, minimizing wear and tear on the equipment.
The Case for Edging First
While mowing first is a popular choice, there are also valid arguments for edging before mowing. This approach can be particularly beneficial in certain situations.
Dealing with Overgrowth
If your lawn is significantly overgrown, edging first can help create a manageable path for the mower. Overgrown edges can be difficult to mow cleanly, especially with a standard rotary mower. By edging first, you establish a clear boundary that the mower can easily follow, preventing scalping or uneven cuts.
Imagine trying to cut a straight line through a thick, untamed forest. It’s much easier if you clear a path first.
Achieving a Deeper Edge
Edging first can also allow you to create a deeper, more defined edge. When you mow first, the mower’s wheels can sometimes compress the grass along the edges, making it difficult to achieve a clean, vertical cut with the edger. By edging before mowing, you can ensure that the edger blade penetrates the soil more deeply, creating a more pronounced and visually appealing edge.
Specific Tool Considerations
Certain edging tools, such as stick edgers with vertical blades, might perform better when used before mowing, especially if the grass is dense and tends to lay down. The vertical blade can cut through the grass more effectively before it’s been flattened by the mower.
Factors to Consider When Deciding
Ultimately, the best approach – mowing first or edging first – depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Lawn Type: Some grass types are more prone to spreading and encroaching onto hard surfaces than others. If you have a particularly aggressive grass type, edging may need to be done more frequently, potentially making edging first a more logical choice.
- Mowing Frequency: If you mow your lawn frequently, the difference between mowing and edging first may be negligible. However, if you tend to let your lawn grow longer between mowings, edging first may be more beneficial to manage the overgrowth.
- Edging Tool: The type of edger you use can also influence your decision. A powerful, gas-powered edger may be able to handle overgrown edges with ease, making mowing first a viable option. On the other hand, a smaller, electric edger might struggle with thick grass, making edging first a more practical approach.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best approach is the one that works best for you. Experiment with both methods and see which one yields the best results and is the most efficient for your lawn care routine.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Lawn Care: Mowing First Approach
Let’s outline a comprehensive step-by-step guide assuming you choose to mow first. This popular method focuses on overall efficiency and a cleaner final result.
- Preparation: Before you start, clear your lawn of any obstacles such as toys, rocks, or branches. This will prevent damage to your mower and ensure a smooth, even cut.
- Mowing: Mow your lawn to the desired height, using a consistent pattern to avoid scalping or uneven areas. Overlap each pass slightly to ensure complete coverage. Always follow the one-third rule, never removing more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing session. This helps prevent stress and promotes healthy growth.
- Cleanup: After mowing, use a blower or rake to remove any grass clippings from sidewalks, driveways, and other hard surfaces. This prevents staining and keeps your property looking tidy.
- Edging: Now it’s time to edge. Use your edger to create a clean, defined border between your lawn and other surfaces. Maintain a consistent depth and angle for a uniform look.
- Final Cleanup: Once you’ve finished edging, use a blower or broom to remove any remaining debris from the edges. This final cleanup will give your lawn a polished, professional appearance.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Lawn Care: Edging First Approach
Now, let’s outline the alternative, edging first, focusing on preparing the lawn for an easier mow and creating a very defined edge.
- Preparation: Just like with mowing first, start by clearing your lawn of any obstructions.
- Edging: Use your edger to create a clean, defined border around your lawn. Focus on creating a deep, consistent edge. If the grass is overgrown, you may need to make multiple passes.
- Cleanup (Optional): Depending on how much debris the edging process generates, you might choose to do a preliminary cleanup of large clumps of grass.
- Mowing: Mow your lawn to the desired height, using the edge you created as a guide. This can help ensure a straight, even cut, especially along the edges.
- Final Cleanup: After mowing, use a blower or broom to remove any remaining grass clippings and debris from all surfaces. This will ensure a clean and polished look.
The Importance of Regular Lawn Maintenance
Regardless of whether you choose to mow or edge first, the key to a beautiful lawn is regular maintenance. This includes consistent mowing, edging, watering, fertilizing, and weed control.
- Consistent Mowing: Mowing at the correct height and frequency is crucial for healthy grass growth.
- Regular Edging: Edging helps maintain a clean, defined look and prevents grass from encroaching onto hard surfaces.
- Proper Watering: Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your lawn according to its specific needs, using a balanced fertilizer.
- Weed Control: Control weeds promptly to prevent them from spreading and competing with your grass.
Tools of the Trade: Essential Lawn Care Equipment
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your lawn care efforts. Here are some essential pieces of equipment:
- Lawn Mower: Choose a mower that is appropriate for the size and type of your lawn. Options include rotary, reel, and robotic mowers.
- Edger: Select an edger that is comfortable to use and effective at creating a clean, defined edge. Options include manual, electric, and gas-powered edgers.
- String Trimmer: A string trimmer (also known as a weed whacker) is useful for trimming grass in hard-to-reach areas, such as around trees, fences, and flowerbeds.
- Blower: A blower can be used to quickly and easily remove grass clippings and debris from hard surfaces.
- Rake: A rake is essential for removing leaves, twigs, and other debris from your lawn.
Conclusion: The Choice is Yours
The debate over whether to mow or edge first is ultimately a matter of personal preference and specific circumstances. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can determine which method works best for you and your lawn. The most important thing is to develop a consistent lawn care routine that includes regular mowing, edging, and other essential maintenance tasks. With a little effort and the right approach, you can achieve a lush, healthy, and beautifully manicured lawn that will be the envy of your neighbors. Remember to experiment and see what works best for your lawn, your tools, and your personal preferences. Happy mowing and edging!
FAQ 1: What are the arguments for mowing the lawn before edging?
Mowing first allows the mower to fling clippings onto the areas that need edging. This means the edger can then neatly chop up and disperse these clippings, acting as a sort of miniature mulcher. This approach results in less cleanup overall, as you’re essentially integrating the clippings into the edged areas rather than having to rake or blow them away afterward. This also helps with nutrient recycling back into the soil.
Furthermore, some argue that mowing first provides a clearer line of sight for edging. By removing the bulk of the grass, you can more easily see the edge of the lawn, leading to a straighter and more precise cut. This is particularly beneficial for those who are newer to lawn care or those who have edges that are not perfectly defined.
FAQ 2: What are the reasons some lawn care experts recommend edging before mowing?
Edging first creates a defined boundary, which can then serve as a guide for the mower. This ensures a cleaner and more uniform cut, preventing the mower from encroaching on flower beds or other landscaped areas. It also prevents the mower from potentially damaging the edging itself, especially if you have brick, stone, or concrete edging.
Another reason for edging first is to prevent the mower from pressing down on tall grass blades along the edges. By edging beforehand, you ensure that all grass blades are standing upright, allowing the mower to cut them evenly. This prevents unsightly, uneven patches and promotes a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing lawn edge.
FAQ 3: Does the type of grass influence the order of mowing and edging?
Yes, the type of grass can play a role. Grasses that tend to lay down or have a sprawling growth habit might benefit from edging first. Edging lifts the grass blades, allowing the mower to cut them cleanly. This is especially important for grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda grass that are known for their aggressive lateral growth.
Conversely, for grasses that stand upright naturally, such as fescue, the order might be less crucial. However, even with upright grasses, if you have thick growth along the edges, edging first can still provide a more refined finish. Ultimately, it often comes down to personal preference and observing how your specific grass type responds to each approach.
FAQ 4: What is the impact of lawn shape and landscaping on the mowing/edging order?
Lawns with intricate landscaping, numerous flower beds, or curved edges often benefit from edging first. Creating a clear, defined edge before mowing helps prevent accidental damage to plants or landscaping features. It allows for more precise mowing around these areas, reducing the need for tedious trimming later.
Simpler, rectangular lawns may not require the same level of precision. In these cases, mowing first and then edging to clean up any stray clippings can be a perfectly acceptable approach. The shape of the lawn and the complexity of the landscaping should definitely be considered when determining the optimal mowing and edging order.
FAQ 5: How does the frequency of lawn maintenance affect the choice of mowing or edging first?
If you maintain your lawn frequently, perhaps weekly, the order might not be as critical. With regular maintenance, there’s less buildup of grass clippings and less overgrowth along the edges. This allows for flexibility in choosing the order that best suits your workflow or preference.
However, if you only maintain your lawn sporadically, such as every other week or longer, edging first might become more important. Longer intervals between maintenance allow for more significant overgrowth along the edges, making it harder for the mower to achieve a clean cut. Edging before mowing in these situations will yield a more polished result.
FAQ 6: What tools are best suited for edging after mowing versus before mowing?
If you’re edging after mowing, a string trimmer (weed whacker) can be effective for cleaning up stray clippings and defining the edges. The string trimmer can easily cut through any grass that the mower missed, providing a neat finish. It’s versatile and can be used along various types of edging materials.
For edging before mowing, a powered edger with a blade specifically designed for cutting turf can be a more suitable choice. These edgers create a clean, defined trench along the edges, making it easier for the mower to follow. A sharp, defined edge created by this tool can really enhance the overall appearance of the lawn.
FAQ 7: Are there any safety precautions to consider when deciding to mow or edge first?
Regardless of the order, always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, hearing protection, and closed-toe shoes. Debris can be thrown by both the mower and the edger, posing a risk of injury. Be mindful of your surroundings and ensure that pets and children are kept at a safe distance.
When edging, pay close attention to the position of the edger and your feet. Maintaining a stable stance and keeping your feet away from the blade is crucial to prevent accidents. Also, ensure the power cord (if using an electric edger) is positioned to avoid it being cut by the mower or edger.