Maintaining a pristine lawn involves more than just running a mower across the grass. It’s an art, a science, and a constant battle against unruly nature. One of the most debated aspects of lawn care is the sequence of edging and mowing. Is it better to edge before you mow, or after? The answer, as with many things in lawn care, is nuanced and depends on several factors.
Understanding the Importance of Edging and Mowing
Before diving into the “before or after” debate, let’s appreciate the significance of both edging and mowing in achieving a well-manicured lawn.
Mowing, of course, is the fundamental process of cutting the grass to a uniform height. A properly mowed lawn looks neat, encourages healthy growth, and helps control weeds. Regular mowing at the correct height prevents scalping, reduces stress on the grass plants, and contributes to a dense, lush turf.
Edging, on the other hand, is the process of creating a clean, crisp border between your lawn and other surfaces, such as sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, and patios. Edging gives your lawn a polished, professional look, preventing grass from encroaching onto paved areas and defining the landscape.
The Case for Edging Before Mowing
Many lawn care enthusiasts swear by the “edge before you mow” approach. There are several compelling arguments in its favor.
One primary advantage is efficiency. Edging before mowing allows you to quickly and easily dispose of the clippings generated by the edger. When you mow afterward, the mower can effectively mulch or collect these clippings along with the freshly cut grass, leaving a cleaner overall finish. If you edge after mowing, you are often left with strips of grass clippings on the paved surfaces, which can be time-consuming to remove.
Another reason to edge first is to establish a clear line of sight for the mower. The freshly edged border serves as a visual guide, helping you maintain a consistent mowing line and avoid accidentally running the mower over the edge of the pavement or into flower beds. This is particularly helpful if you have irregular or curved edges.
Furthermore, edging before mowing can prevent the mower from damaging the edging itself. By edging first, you create a defined space, allowing the mower wheels to run along the edge without bumping into or chipping the edging material.
Finally, some believe edging first reduces the spread of weeds. By cutting the grass along the edges before mowing, you remove any weed seeds or seedlings that may be present, preventing them from being dispersed by the mower during the mowing process. This can contribute to a healthier, weed-free lawn over time.
Benefits of a Pre-Mow Edge
- Efficient cleanup of clippings.
- Clear visual guide for mowing.
- Reduced risk of damage to edging.
- Potential reduction in weed spread.
The Case for Edging After Mowing
While edging before mowing has its merits, there are also valid reasons to edge after mowing.
One of the most compelling arguments for edging after mowing is grass height consistency. After mowing, you have a better sense of the overall height of your lawn. This allows you to adjust the edger to the appropriate height to create a consistent and even edge. If you edge before mowing, you might inadvertently edge too low or too high relative to the final mowing height, resulting in an uneven appearance.
Another argument is debris management. Mowing can sometimes leave behind small debris, such as leaves or twigs, along the edges of the lawn. Edging after mowing can help to dislodge this debris, making it easier to sweep or blow away.
Moreover, edging after mowing allows you to make fine adjustments to the edge. After mowing, you might notice areas where the grass is slightly overgrown or uneven along the edge. Edging after mowing gives you the opportunity to touch up these areas and create a perfectly defined border.
Finally, some argue that edging after mowing is simply more convenient. If you’re in a hurry or have a large lawn, it might be easier to focus on mowing first and then quickly edge the lawn afterward. This can save time and effort, especially if you have a powerful edger that can quickly create a clean edge.
Benefits of a Post-Mow Edge
- Ensures consistent grass height along the edges.
- Helps dislodge debris along the edges.
- Allows for fine adjustments and touch-ups.
- May be more convenient for some.
Factors to Consider When Deciding
The “best” time to edge—before or after mowing—isn’t set in stone. Consider these factors to make the right choice for your lawn:
Type of Edger: The type of edger you use can influence your decision. Walk-behind edgers, which are more powerful and precise, may be better suited for edging before mowing, as they can handle thicker grass and create a clean edge even before the mower passes. String trimmers used as edgers might be more effective after mowing, allowing you to refine the edge after the bulk of the grass has been cut.
Grass Type: Different types of grass have different growth habits. Warm-season grasses, like Bermuda or Zoysia, tend to spread more aggressively along the edges, making edging before mowing a good option to control their growth. Cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, may not require as frequent edging, making the timing less critical.
Edging Material: The type of edging material you have can also affect your decision. If you have concrete or brick edging, which is durable and resistant to damage, you might be able to edge before or after mowing without worry. However, if you have plastic or metal edging, which is more prone to damage, edging after mowing might be safer to prevent accidental bumps from the mower.
Lawn Size and Shape: The size and shape of your lawn can influence the efficiency of each approach. For smaller lawns with simple shapes, the timing might not matter as much. However, for larger lawns with complex shapes, edging before mowing can provide a clear visual guide and save time in the long run.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best time to edge is the time that works best for you. Consider your personal preferences, your schedule, and the specific needs of your lawn. Experiment with both approaches to see which one yields the best results and feels the most comfortable.
The Importance of Proper Edging Technique
Regardless of when you choose to edge, proper technique is crucial for achieving a clean, professional-looking result. Here are some tips for effective edging:
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris and sharp edges.
- Adjust the edger to the correct depth to avoid scalping the grass or damaging the edging material. A depth of 1-2 inches is usually sufficient.
- Maintain a consistent walking speed to create a uniform edge. Avoid going too fast or too slow, as this can result in an uneven or jagged edge.
- Overlap each pass slightly to ensure that all the grass is cut and to prevent gaps or missed spots.
- Keep the edger blade clean and sharp for optimal performance. A dull blade will tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, resulting in a ragged edge.
- Use a string trimmer for detail work. While a dedicated edger is great for creating a defined edge, a string trimmer can be useful for cleaning up around trees, shrubs, and other obstacles.
Additional Tips for Lawn Care Success
While the timing of edging is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving a healthy, beautiful lawn. Here are some additional tips for lawn care success:
- Mow regularly at the correct height for your grass type. Avoid cutting off more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
- Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid frequent shallow watering, which can lead to shallow roots and increased susceptibility to drought and disease.
- Fertilize your lawn regularly with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the grass.
- Aerate your lawn annually to improve soil drainage and reduce compaction. This is especially important for lawns that receive heavy foot traffic.
- Control weeds and pests promptly to prevent them from spreading and damaging your lawn. Use a combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, as well as insecticides if necessary.
- Overseed your lawn in the fall to fill in bare spots and improve density. This will help to prevent weeds from establishing and keep your lawn looking lush and green.
The Verdict: It Depends
Ultimately, there’s no definitive answer to the question of whether you should edge before or after mowing. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Experiment with both methods and see which one works best for you and your lawn. Whether you choose to edge before or after, the key is to maintain a consistent routine and use proper techniques to achieve a clean, professional-looking result. A well-maintained lawn adds value to your property and provides a beautiful space for you and your family to enjoy.
Remember, lawn care is a journey, not a destination. Be patient, persistent, and willing to learn and adapt, and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, vibrant lawn that you can be proud of.
Should I edge my lawn before or after mowing?
The question of whether to edge before or after mowing is a common one, and there’s no single “right” answer. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your lawn. Many professionals recommend edging before mowing because it allows the mower to easily pick up any stray clippings or debris that the edger creates. This results in a cleaner, more manicured look.
Edging before mowing also saves time. After the edging is done, mowing can be completed seamlessly without the interruption of having to go back and clean up the edges separately. If you prefer to edge after mowing, it can be beneficial for creating a sharper, more defined edge, especially if you’re using a blade edger. You can visually see the exact line you want to create after the grass has been cut to a uniform height.
What are the advantages of edging before mowing?
One significant advantage of edging before mowing is the efficient cleanup process. As the edger cuts along sidewalks, driveways, or flowerbeds, it inevitably throws grass clippings and debris onto these surfaces. When you mow afterwards, the mower can effectively collect this material, leaving a cleaner, more polished appearance. This eliminates the need to manually sweep or blow away the edged debris.
Another benefit is the time savings. By edging first, you create a clear, defined pathway for your mower. This allows for a smoother, more efficient mowing process, as you’re not constantly stopping to address overgrown edges or straggling grass. It can streamline the lawn care process considerably, particularly for larger lawns.
What are the advantages of edging after mowing?
Edging after mowing allows you to see the finished height of the lawn before creating your edge. This can be particularly helpful if you’re aiming for a very precise and clean edge. It provides a visual reference point that might be lacking if you edge first, especially when working with varying grass heights or uneven terrain.
Furthermore, edging after mowing can prevent accidentally scalping the lawn along the edges. Sometimes, when you edge before mowing, you might unknowingly cut too deep, leaving a bare or uneven patch after the mower has passed. Edging after provides more control, allowing you to adjust the depth and create a smoother transition between the lawn and the hardscape.
Does the type of edger I use matter when deciding when to edge?
Yes, the type of edger you use can influence whether you should edge before or after mowing. For instance, if you are using a string trimmer as an edger, you might find it easier to edge after mowing. A freshly mowed lawn provides a clearer line to follow, leading to a more precise and defined edge with a string trimmer.
On the other hand, if you are using a blade edger, edging before mowing may be more advantageous. The blade edger can cut through overgrown grass and thatch more effectively before the grass is shortened. Also, the mower can more easily pick up any debris churned up by the blade edger.
Will edging before or after mowing impact the health of my lawn?
Neither edging before nor after mowing will directly impact the health of your lawn, provided that you are using the edger correctly. The most important factor for lawn health is ensuring that you are not cutting too deep and damaging the root system of the grass. Regardless of when you edge, be mindful of the soil conditions and adjust the edger depth accordingly.
Maintaining a sharp edger blade is crucial, regardless of when you choose to edge. A dull blade can tear and stress the grass, making it more susceptible to disease and pests. Regular maintenance of your edging equipment will help ensure a clean cut and minimize any potential harm to your lawn.
What is the best way to achieve a professional-looking lawn edge?
To achieve a truly professional-looking lawn edge, consistency and precision are key. Whether you choose to edge before or after mowing, focus on maintaining a straight, even line. Using a guide, such as a board or string, can help you achieve a consistently straight edge, particularly for longer stretches along driveways or sidewalks.
Additionally, consider using an edging tool that is specifically designed for creating a defined edge. A half-moon edger, for example, can be used to create a clean, vertical edge along flowerbeds or garden borders. Regular edging, combined with proper mowing techniques, will significantly enhance the overall appearance of your lawn.
How often should I edge my lawn?
The frequency with which you should edge your lawn depends on several factors, including the type of grass, the rate of growth, and your desired aesthetic. As a general guideline, edging every one to two weeks during the peak growing season (spring and summer) is usually sufficient to maintain a neat and well-defined edge.
However, if you have a fast-growing grass type or prefer a very sharp, manicured look, you may need to edge more frequently, perhaps even weekly. Conversely, if your grass grows more slowly or you are happy with a less defined edge, you can extend the intervals between edging sessions to three or four weeks. Adjust the frequency based on your specific lawn and personal preferences.