How to Edge a Property in 7 Simple Steps

Edging, the process of trimming away overgrown grass from around your walkways and patios, is one of the most important landscaping tasks there is. From keeping things looking clean to removing any potentially harmful weeds, knowing how to edge can set you up for success when presenting the property to other people. Ahead, learn how to edge a property in seven simple steps and what you need to know to ensure a polished result every time.

Step One: Mow Your Property

First, you’ll want to start out this project by removing any thick underbrush, and mowing your grass with a finish cut mower. Having everything else neatly trimmed allows you to see what areas need edging more clearly. This also makes it easier to judge the height of your grass and match the edges of your property with accuracy. The more consistent you can make the property appear, the more aesthetically pleasing it’ll be to you and the outside observer.

While mowing, double-check that you aren’t trimming the grass more than one-third of an inch at a given time. Doing so can weaken the roots of each blade and result in the appearance of thin or bald patches in the middle of your yard.

Step Two: Mark Your Desired Borders

Next, take some time to mark which areas need the most trimming. This is especially crucial if you’re working on a larger property. Make sure to note any gardens or ornaments to avoid, and place down indicators for paths you’re trying to create. You can skip this step altogether if you’re simply edging around established paths like driveways and sidewalks. The clearer these indicators are, the more accurate your cutting job will be.

Step Three: Identify and Remove Potential Hazards

Once you know where to trim, go back and remove any items that could get in the way of your equipment or present a hazard. This could be anything from a small rock to a piece of yard debris. Keeping your path clear of these items will reduce the risk of your machine kicking it up toward your leg or gouging the yard in a way you didn’t intend.

Take this opportunity to ensure there are no children or pets nearby. If one of them crosses into your path while you’re edging, it can be difficult to react in time. Alertness is key when you’re taking on this task.

Step Four: Pick Your Edging Equipment

If you’re going to learn how to edge a property, you must have the right tools for the job. There are several different ways to edge a patch of land. For example, you can use a manual edger or a powerful string trimmer. People generally prefer string trimmers for their ease of use and consistent cuts, as well as the amount of time they save for the user. In fact, Swisher’s deluxe walk behind string trimmers even come with additional features. Our models use a rotating trimmer head that allows you to cut up to a vertical 90 degrees from the ground. This promises better results, as it removes weeds and problem plants at their root and reduces the risk of them growing back. These pieces of equipment also have adjustable debris shields that protect your legs and ensure that the rotating strings only cut where you want them to.

Step Five: Edge According to Your Equipment’s Instructions

After finding the equipment you want to use for your edging project, read the instruction manual and determine the best way to operate the device. Running these machines properly is vital to keeping you safe and yielding the results you’re after. Taking this time now can save you a lot of hassle down the line. This is why all of Swisher’s string trimmers come with a detailed manufacturer’s guide that covers everything, from how the product runs to the best practices for storing and maintaining it over time.

Step Six: Inspect Your Work

Even after you think you’re done with edging your property, make sure that you go back over it to check for anything you may have missed. As accurate as modern landscaping tools are, even they can miss a few blades of grass if the wind blows in a particular way. Inspecting for jagged edges or blades that are too tall is the best way to guarantee everything is how you want it. One way to do this is to dig up small patches of dirt near the border of your driveway or sidewalk and look for any blades that stick out from the rest. If you notice a few, you might want to go back over this area again.

Step Seven: Clean Up Remaining Debris

Once you’re satisfied with your work, pick up any debris left sitting on the grass. This debris diminishes the look you’ve worked so hard to create, and it also prevents the plants underneath from getting sunlight. This can cause sections of your grass to deteriorate and change color—leaving you with dead patches instead of a lush, healthy yard.

Don’t forget to clean and properly store your edging equipment, too. Allowing yard trimmings to collect around the cutting strings can reduce the machine’s effectiveness during later uses. Reference your owner’s manual for details related to storage and maintenance.

We at Swisher understand that getting the landscaping results you’re after has everything to do with the quality of the equipment you’re using. That’s why we go above and beyond to provide each of our customers with the best string trimmers, rough cut mowers, and finish cut mowers you can find. We ensure that each of our models is a powerhouse that can handle anything an overgrown property can throw your way. And if you experience mechanical issues, our technical support team is on call to help walk you through the troubleshooting process.

For more information about our products and how they can get you one step closer to a clean and efficient landscaping job, give us a call or visit our website.