When it comes to lawn care, maintaining a neat and tidy appearance is crucial for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Two essential tasks in lawn maintenance are edging and mowing. Edging creates clean lines and definitions between different features of your lawn, such as between the lawn and gardens, sidewalks, or driveways. Mowing, on the other hand, keeps your grass at the right height. The question of whether to edge your lawn before or after mowing is a common dilemma for many homeowners and gardeners. Understanding the best approach can significantly impact the overall look and health of your lawn.
Understanding the Importance of Edging and Mowing
Both edging and mowing are critical for the health and appearance of your lawn. Edging helps in preventing grass from growing into unwanted areas, such as onto sidewalks, gardens, or other hardscapes. It also adds a professional touch to your lawn, making it look well-manicured and maintained. On the other hand, mowing is essential for the health of the grass, as it promotes even growth, prevents weed invasion, and maintains the desired aesthetic height.
The Case for Edging Before Mowing
Edging before mowing can have several advantages. Firstly, it allows for a clearer definition between different areas of your lawn and surrounding features. When you edge first, you can see exactly where your lawn ends and other areas begin, which can be obscured by tall grass if you mow first. This clear definition can make the subsequent mowing easier, as you have a clear guide on where to mow without accidentally cutting into gardens or other areas.
Furthermore, edging before mowing can also help prevent damage to edging equipment. If you mow first, particularly with a mower that throws clippings to the side, you might end up with clippings and debris on the edges, which can make edging more difficult and potentially damage your edging tool, especially if it’s not designed to handle thick clippings or debris.
The Case for Edging After Mowing
On the other hand, there are also compelling reasons to edge after mowing. One of the primary advantages is visibility and precision. Mowing the lawn first can make it easier to see the edges clearly, especially if the grass was tall. This visibility can lead to more precise edging, as you can see exactly where the lawn meets other features, allowing for cleaner, sharper lines.
Additionally, edging after mowing can help reduce the risk of missing spots when edging. If you edge first and then mow, there’s a chance you might miss some areas with the mower, especially if the edger doesn’t cut as wide as the mower. By mowing first, you ensure that the entire lawn is at a uniform height, making it easier to identify and edge all areas accurately.
Factors to Consider When Deciding
Several factors can influence whether it’s better to edge before or after mowing. These include:
- Lawn Size and Complexity: For smaller, simpler lawns, the order might not make a significant difference. However, for larger lawns with many gardens, trees, and hardscapes, edging first can provide a clearer guide for mowing.
- Equipment and Tools: The type of edger and mower you use can also impact your decision. For example, if you have a high-quality edger that can handle clippings and debris, edging after mowing might be preferable.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice between edging before or after mowing can come down to personal preference and what works best for your specific lawn care routine.
Best Practices for Edging and Mowing
Regardless of whether you choose to edge before or after mowing, there are several best practices to keep in mind for both tasks:
Edging Best Practices
When edging, use the right tool for the job. There are various types of edgers available, including gas-powered, electric, and manual edgers. Choose an edger that suits your lawn size and the complexity of your edges. Also, maintain your edger properly to ensure it continues to perform well. This includes sharpening the blade regularly and keeping the edger clean.
Mowing Best Practices
For mowing, keep your mower blade sharp to prevent tearing the grass, which can leave it vulnerable to disease. Mow at the right height for your grass type, and leave the clippings on the lawn if they are fine, as this acts as a natural fertilizer. However, if the clippings are thick, it might be better to remove them to prevent thatch buildup.
Conclusion
The decision to edge your lawn before or after mowing depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of your lawn, the equipment you use, and personal preference. Both approaches have their advantages, and what works best for one lawn might not work for another. The key to a beautifully maintained lawn is consistency and attention to detail, whether you choose to edge before or after mowing. By understanding the benefits and considerations of each approach and incorporating best practices into your lawn care routine, you can achieve a lawn that is not only visually appealing but also healthy and well-manicured.
What is the purpose of edging a lawn?
The purpose of edging a lawn is to create a clean and well-defined border between the lawn and other features such as gardens, sidewalks, and driveways. Edging helps to prevent grass from growing into these areas and gives the lawn a manicured and maintained appearance. It also helps to create a clear distinction between different areas of the yard, making it easier to mow and maintain the lawn.
By edging a lawn, homeowners can also help to reduce the amount of time and effort required to maintain their yard. For example, edging can help to prevent grass from growing into gardens and flower beds, reducing the need for frequent weeding and trimming. Additionally, edging can help to create a clear path for lawn mowers and other equipment, making it easier to navigate the yard and reducing the risk of damage to plants and other features.
Should I edge my lawn before or after mowing?
The order in which you edge and mow your lawn depends on the specific conditions of your yard and the equipment you are using. In general, it is recommended to edge your lawn before mowing if you are using a string trimmer or other type of edger that can accommodate long grass. This allows you to cut the grass and edges in one pass, saving time and effort. However, if you are using a blade edger or other type of edger that requires shorter grass, it may be better to mow the lawn first and then edge.
Edging before mowing can also help to prevent clippings and debris from getting in the way of the edger, making it easier to create a clean and precise edge. On the other hand, mowing before edging can help to reduce the amount of time and effort required to edge, as the lawn will already be at a uniform height. Ultimately, the best order for edging and mowing will depend on the specific needs and conditions of your yard, as well as your personal preference and the equipment you are using.
What type of edger is best for my lawn?
The type of edger that is best for your lawn will depend on the specific conditions of your yard, including the type of grass, the size of the lawn, and the amount of edging required. For small to medium-sized lawns with minimal edging needs, a string trimmer or handheld edger may be sufficient. These types of edgers are lightweight, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive. For larger lawns or lawns with more complex edging needs, a blade edger or gas-powered edger may be more suitable.
Blade edgers and gas-powered edgers are more powerful and can handle thicker and taller grass, making them ideal for larger lawns or lawns with dense vegetation. They are also more precise and can create a cleaner, more defined edge. However, they can be heavier and more difficult to use, and may require more maintenance and upkeep. Ultimately, the best type of edger for your lawn will depend on your specific needs and preferences, as well as the size and complexity of your yard.
How often should I edge my lawn?
The frequency at which you edge your lawn will depend on the rate of growth of your grass and the desired appearance of your yard. In general, it is recommended to edge your lawn at least once a week during the growing season, which is typically spring and summer. This will help to keep the edges of your lawn clean and defined, and prevent grass from growing into gardens and other areas. For lawns with slower-growing grass, edging may only be necessary every 10-14 days.
The frequency of edging may also depend on the type of edger being used. For example, string trimmers and handheld edgers may require more frequent use, as they can only cut a small amount of grass at a time. Blade edgers and gas-powered edgers, on the other hand, can cut larger amounts of grass and may only need to be used every 7-10 days. Additionally, the frequency of edging may also depend on the desired height of the edge, with lower edges requiring more frequent maintenance.
Can I use a lawn mower with an edging feature to edge my lawn?
Some lawn mowers come with an edging feature, which can be used to create a clean and defined edge along sidewalks, gardens, and other features. These types of mowers typically have a special blade or attachment that can be used to trim and edge the lawn. While these types of mowers can be convenient and save time, they may not provide the same level of precision and control as a dedicated edger.
Using a lawn mower with an edging feature can be a good option for lawns with simple edging needs, such as a straightforward edge along a sidewalk or driveway. However, for lawns with more complex edging needs, such as curved or irregular shapes, a dedicated edger may be more suitable. Additionally, lawn mowers with edging features may not be as effective at cutting through thick or dense vegetation, and may require more frequent maintenance and upkeep.
What safety precautions should I take when edging my lawn?
When edging your lawn, it is essential to take certain safety precautions to prevent injury and damage. One of the most important safety precautions is to wear protective clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and eye protection. This will help to protect you from flying debris and other hazards. It is also important to wear sturdy shoes or boots that can provide traction and support.
Additionally, it is essential to be mindful of your surroundings and to keep children and pets away from the area being edged. Edgers can be powerful and can throw debris significant distances, posing a risk to people and animals in the vicinity. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the edger, and to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and prevent accidents. By taking these safety precautions, you can help to ensure a safe and successful edging experience.
How can I maintain my edger to ensure optimal performance?
To ensure optimal performance and extend the life of your edger, it is essential to regularly maintain and upkeep the device. This includes cleaning the edger after each use, checking and replacing the blade or string as needed, and storing the edger in a dry and secure location. Regular maintenance can help to prevent damage and wear, and ensure that the edger continues to function properly.
Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and upkeep, as different types of edgers may have specific requirements. For example, some edgers may require regular lubrication or sharpening, while others may need to be cleaned with a specific type of solvent. By following these maintenance and upkeep procedures, you can help to ensure that your edger continues to perform optimally and provides years of reliable service.