Maintaining a pristine lawn is a point of pride for many homeowners. Achieving that perfectly manicured look involves more than just running a mower over the grass. It’s a careful dance of mowing, edging, trimming, and more. But one question consistently surfaces: should you mow before you edge, or edge before you mow? The answer, as with many things in lawn care, isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on several factors, including your equipment, the type of grass you have, and your desired aesthetic.
The Case for Mowing First
The argument for mowing before edging is rooted in efficiency and practicality. Mowing inevitably leaves behind clippings. These clippings can land on sidewalks, driveways, and, crucially, along the edges of your lawn.
Think about it: you meticulously edge your lawn, creating a crisp, clean border. Then, you mow. Grass clippings fly everywhere, immediately undoing your hard work and blurring the lines you just defined.
Mowing first allows you to clear away the bulk of the grass clippings. This creates a clearer, less cluttered surface for edging. You can then focus on creating a clean, defined edge without constantly battling stray clippings.
Moreover, mowing first can help you identify areas where the grass is overgrown or uneven along the edges. This allows you to adjust your edging technique accordingly, ensuring a consistent and professional finish. It’s like sketching the outline before you fill in the details.
This approach also allows you to see the true height of the grass along the edges. If you edge first and then mow, you might accidentally scalp the edges if the grass is significantly taller in those areas. Mowing first helps you avoid this common mistake.
The Case for Edging First
Despite the compelling arguments for mowing first, there are also valid reasons to edge before you mow. For some, it’s about achieving the absolute cleanest cut possible.
Edging first allows you to define the boundaries of your lawn with precision. This is particularly useful if you have complex landscaping features or irregular lawn shapes. By creating a clear edge first, you can guide your mower more accurately, preventing it from encroaching on flower beds or other areas.
Think of it as laying the groundwork for a perfect mow. The defined edge acts as a guide, ensuring a straight and consistent cut. This is especially beneficial for those who strive for perfectly parallel lines in their lawn.
Furthermore, edging first can sometimes reduce the amount of grass clippings that end up on hard surfaces. When you edge first, you’re essentially creating a small trench or channel along the edge of your lawn. This channel can help to catch some of the grass clippings produced during mowing, preventing them from scattering onto sidewalks and driveways.
For those with robotic lawnmowers, edging first can be a game-changer. A well-defined edge provides a clear boundary for the robot, preventing it from wandering off course and ensuring that it covers the entire lawn effectively.
Choosing the Right Approach: Factors to Consider
The best approach for you depends on a variety of factors. Let’s break down some key considerations.
Your Equipment
The type of lawn care equipment you use plays a significant role in determining the optimal mowing and edging order.
If you’re using a traditional gas-powered mower, mowing first is often the most efficient approach. These mowers tend to produce a significant amount of grass clippings, making it more practical to clear them away before edging.
However, if you’re using a mulching mower, which finely chops grass clippings and returns them to the lawn as fertilizer, edging first might be a viable option. The mulched clippings are less likely to create a mess on hard surfaces.
For edging, the type of edger you use matters too. A string trimmer can be used for both edging and trimming, making the order less critical. However, a dedicated bladed edger requires a clear surface for optimal performance, making mowing first the preferred choice.
The Type of Grass
Different types of grass have different growth habits and textures. This can influence the best order for mowing and edging.
For example, fast-growing grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia tend to produce more clippings and require more frequent edging. In these cases, mowing first can help to manage the volume of clippings and create a clearer surface for edging.
Conversely, slower-growing grasses like Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass might benefit from edging first. The defined edge can help to encourage denser growth along the borders of the lawn, creating a more polished look.
Your Desired Aesthetic
Ultimately, the best order for mowing and edging depends on your personal preferences and the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
If you prioritize a perfectly clean and defined edge, edging first might be the way to go. This approach allows you to focus on creating a crisp border without being distracted by grass clippings.
However, if you’re more concerned with efficiency and minimizing mess, mowing first is likely the better option. This approach allows you to clear away the bulk of the clippings before focusing on the edges.
The Weather Conditions
The weather can also influence your decision.
If it’s windy, mowing first might be a bad idea, as the clippings will be blown everywhere, potentially making the edging process even more difficult. In this case, edging first might be a better option, as it will help to contain the clippings.
If it’s wet, mowing first can also be problematic, as wet grass clippings tend to clump together and stick to surfaces. This can make edging more difficult and create a mess.
A Step-by-Step Guide: Mowing Before Edging
Here’s a detailed guide to mowing before edging, ensuring a professional-looking finish.
- Prepare your lawn: Before you start mowing, remove any obstacles from your lawn, such as toys, branches, or rocks. This will prevent damage to your mower and ensure a smooth, even cut.
- Mow the lawn: Mow your lawn to the desired height, using a consistent pattern to ensure an even cut. Overlap each pass slightly to prevent scalping and leave no uncut strips.
- Clear away clippings: Use a leaf blower or rake to remove any grass clippings that have landed on sidewalks, driveways, or other hard surfaces. This will create a cleaner surface for edging.
- Edge the lawn: Use your chosen edging tool to create a clean, defined edge along the borders of your lawn. Follow the existing contours of your lawn and landscaping features to ensure a consistent look.
- Trim as needed: After edging, use a string trimmer to trim any areas that the mower couldn’t reach, such as around trees, fences, or other obstacles.
- Clean up: Finally, use a leaf blower or rake to remove any remaining grass clippings from the edges of your lawn. This will leave you with a perfectly manicured lawn and a professional-looking finish.
A Step-by-Step Guide: Edging Before Mowing
Alternatively, here’s how to achieve great results when edging before mowing.
- Prepare the edges: Remove any debris or obstructions from the edges of your lawn. This will ensure a clean and consistent cut.
- Edge the lawn: Use your chosen edging tool to create a clean, defined edge along the borders of your lawn. Pay close attention to detail and ensure a straight, even cut.
- Mow the lawn: Mow your lawn to the desired height, following the defined edges as a guide. Overlap each pass slightly to prevent scalping and leave no uncut strips.
- Trim as needed: Use a string trimmer to trim any areas that the mower couldn’t reach, such as around trees, fences, or other obstacles.
- Clean up: Use a leaf blower or rake to remove any remaining grass clippings from the edges of your lawn.
The Hybrid Approach: Combining Techniques
In some cases, the best approach might be a hybrid one, combining elements of both mowing first and edging first.
For example, you could mow the bulk of your lawn first, then edge the perimeter to create a defined border, and finally make a second pass with the mower along the edges to clean up any remaining clippings.
This approach allows you to take advantage of the benefits of both methods, achieving a clean, defined edge while minimizing mess and maximizing efficiency. It’s a balancing act, tailored to your specific lawn care needs.
Beyond Mowing and Edging: Completing the Lawn Care Picture
Remember, mowing and edging are just two pieces of the puzzle when it comes to achieving a healthy and beautiful lawn. Other essential elements include:
- Watering: Proper watering is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. Water deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and frequently.
- Fertilizing: Fertilizing your lawn provides it with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for your grass type and soil conditions.
- Weed control: Weeds can compete with grass for nutrients and water, so it’s important to control them. Use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating, and a post-emergent herbicide to kill existing weeds.
- Aeration: Aerating your lawn helps to improve drainage and allow air and nutrients to reach the roots.
By combining proper mowing and edging techniques with these other essential lawn care practices, you can create a lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood. It’s about understanding your lawn’s needs and adapting your approach accordingly.
Should I always mow before edging, regardless of the lawn size?
Edging before mowing is generally not recommended, even for small lawns. Mowing first allows the mower to collect the clippings that the edger might kick onto the lawn surface. This minimizes the amount of clean-up required after both tasks are completed, saving you time and effort in the long run.
Furthermore, mowing first helps to define the perimeter more clearly. Seeing the cut line from the mower allows you to create a cleaner, more precise edge. This prevents you from unnecessarily cutting into your grass or landscape features, resulting in a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing lawn.
What are the potential downsides of edging before mowing?
One significant downside is that edging first can leave grass clippings and debris scattered across the already edged border. This requires a second pass to clean up the mess, essentially doing the same task twice. It’s less efficient and adds extra labor to your lawn care routine.
Another issue is the potential for uneven edging. Without the defined cut line from mowing, it’s harder to create a consistent and straight edge. You might inadvertently cut too far into the lawn in some areas or leave uncut grass in others, resulting in a less polished and professional look.
Does the type of edger I use affect whether I should mow first?
The type of edger doesn’t significantly change the recommendation of mowing first. Whether you use a manual edger, a powered string trimmer (used as an edger), or a dedicated bladed edger, the principle remains the same: mowing first provides a cleaner workspace. Any loose clippings thrown by the edger will be taken care of during the mowing process.
Regardless of the tool, edging is more effective and efficient when the area is already prepped by mowing. Having a clean, visible edge to follow simplifies the process, leading to a better final result. The type of edger primarily affects technique and speed, not the order of operations.
Are there any rare exceptions to the “mow before edge” rule?
A rare exception might occur if you’re dealing with extremely overgrown edges. In this scenario, a preliminary edging pass could remove the thickest overgrowth, making it easier to mow those areas effectively. However, this should be followed by a proper mowing and then a second, more precise edging pass.
Another exception could be if you’re intentionally creating a new edge where none existed before. In this case, edging first helps define the new border before mowing the larger area. Still, consider mowing the immediate area along the newly edged line afterwards to remove any loose clippings and refine the edge.
How does mowing before edging help with overall lawn health?
Mowing before edging contributes to overall lawn health by promoting a cleaner cut and reducing stress on the grass. When you mow first, you’re removing the bulk of the grass blades, making it easier to edge without tearing or damaging the remaining grass. This minimizes stress and allows the grass to recover more quickly.
Additionally, mowing helps prevent the spread of diseases. By removing potentially infected grass blades before edging, you’re less likely to spread fungal spores or other pathogens along the edge of your lawn. This contributes to a healthier and more resilient turf.
What’s the best technique for edging after mowing for a perfect lawn?
After mowing, use a slow and steady pace while edging to create a clean, defined border. Maintain a consistent depth and angle with your edger to avoid uneven cuts. Overlapping slightly with each pass can also help create a smoother, more professional look. Ensure that the edger is clean and sharp for optimal performance.
Consider using a string trimmer (as an edger) or a dedicated bladed edger to achieve the desired look. When using a string trimmer, tilt it at the correct angle and walk along the edge, letting the string do the work. For a bladed edger, guide it along the edge, ensuring it cuts cleanly and evenly. After edging, use a blower or broom to remove any remaining debris.
Does mowing before edging help with clean-up and prevent grass stains on walkways?
Absolutely! Mowing before edging significantly reduces clean-up time and minimizes the chances of grass stains on walkways and driveways. The mower collects the bulk of the grass clippings, preventing them from being flung onto hard surfaces during the edging process.
By removing the majority of the clippings before edging, you prevent them from getting trapped in cracks and crevices on your walkways. This makes it easier to sweep or blow away any remaining debris, leaving your hard surfaces clean and free of grass stains. A little extra effort to mow first saves significant cleaning later.