Once you cut the grass to the desired length it will be easier to see where you need to edge. With either tool, be sure to mow the grass first. Be careful while trimming your edges that you don’t cut too close to the ground and make the grass look uneven. This can be done by holding the string trimmer at a 90 degree angle and moving it along the border, trimming back the overhanging grass. It is also a good choice when you only have small areas to touch up. This is a valid choice if you are edging along a hard surface, like a sidewalk, and there is minimal grass overgrowth. Some string trimmers are even marketed as a trimmer/edger and are designed to help you do both tasks. However, it is possible to do some edging work with a string trimmer. Ideally you will use a lawn edger to edge, and a string trimmer to trim grass. back to menu ↑ Which tools can both Edge and Trim? This is because lawn edgers are bigger and more stable, and may therefore be more suitable for creating a clean edge in your yard. A dedicated lawn edger is the best tool to use when you initially create edges on your lawn’s boundaries. Most string trimmers can be re-positioned vertically so that you can use them to edge your boundaries. This is an important step after mowing to give your yard a finished look. The string trimmer is great for trimming long grass near the edges and around obstacles so that the yard doesn’t look shaggy. Don’t use one when the other is needed – you will end up spoiling your garden! While a lawn edger is designed to create a new boundary, the string trimmer is meant to maintain that boundary. back to menu ↑ What are the Differences Between Edgers and String Trimmers? You can also choose an angled or straight rod. Some have guards and guiding wheels, or even a line that automatically extends as needed (instead of manually changing it or needing to hit the head on the ground to let out more line). Apart from the power source, you will also need to determine which features will suit your yard care needs. The electric trimmer is more powerful but obviously needs needs to stay plugged in.Ī cordless electric trimmer might better suit your trimming needs if your property isn’t so big that you will run out of charge before finishing. You may find that a battery-powered or cordless trimmer is convenient and light to handle, but you will probably find that it is not as powerful as an electric trimmer. Gas powered trimmers have more power than electric powered trimmers to cut through tougher plants, but are heavier. You need to consider the how you will use your string trimmer before determining which model to choose. These may use either gasoline or electricity to power a horizontal rotating head.
String trimmers have a flexible mono-filament line to cut the grass. back to menu ↑ What is a String Trimmer?Īlso known as a weed whacker or a weed eater, string trimmers are best for trimming grass and removing weeds in places your lawn mower can’t reach – such as around trees, buildings and other obstructions. While shopping, remember that you don’t need to get the most powerful edger with lots of features if you are just using it to clean up the flowerbeds in your yard once a month. Once you have decided on the basics, there are a multitude of brands and variations to choose. The downside is that gas powered edgers are heavier and noisier than their electric counterparts. Gasoline powered edgers are the most powerful, and are best if you have a lot of thick weeds to cut through.
While a manual edger is very inexpensive, it might not be the best choice if you have a lot of ground to cover.
Either way, the end result is a clean, defined edge that leaves your landscaping looking professional and polished. Motorized edgers often have a guiding wheel so you can roll them along the length of the border you are edging. Manual edgers are variations of spade tools while motorized edgers are comprised of a rotating blade powered either by gas, electricity or battery. Edgers typically use a vertical spinning blade to cut through turf thus eliminating messy borders.Īn edge trimmer can be either manual or motorized. Grass has the tendency to grow over the edges and give your yard an undesirable messy look. These boundary lines include the division between your lawn and the sidewalk or driveway, as well as the separation between your lawn and flowerbeds. What are the Differences Between Edgers and String Trimmers?Ī lawn edger, confusingly enough also called an edge trimmer, is a tool used to define boundary lines in your yard.