How to Edge With a String Trimmer | Perfect Lawn Edge Guide

A mower is necessary for lawn care, but it can’t reach all the nooks and cranny of your lawn. A string trimmer comes in handy in this situation. It plays a vital role in keeping your lawn neat and manicured.

However, a lack of knowledge on how to edge with a string trimmer can create a mess. But don’t you worry! Here we provide you the ultimate guideline on how you can use string trimmer safely and smoothly.

Let’s get started!

Types of String Trimmer

Before jumping into the usage, you should know about the different types of weed eater/string trimmers. There are mainly two types of string trimmer, gas-powered and electric, so you can choose one to do your task.

Gas-Powered String Trimmer

These trimmers are the oldest kind, and they work on gas or a mixture of gas and oil. They offer the most powerful engine among weed eaters and perfect for heavy-duty. You can carry them anywhere you want as they do not need cords.

The engine in these trimmers is fuel-efficient, which enables long run time. But it would help if you put more effort into maintaining these trimmers than the electric ones. Operation cost is also higher.

Electric String Trimmer

These trimmers are the perfect option for small gardens. They are lighter, quieter, and safer to the environment as they do not release any gas. Electric weed eaters are available in the following two forms.

• Corded

Corded string trimmers operate in a continuous plug-in. They offer unlimited runtime, easy startup but limited mobility.

• Cordless

They need rechargeable batteries to run. They are highly portable but provide limited battery runtime.

How to Edge With a String Trimmer – Easy 6 Steps

Now coming to the central part, you can quickly edge your lawn with a string trimmer by following these useful steps.

Step 1: Mow First

Before you start edging your lawn, the first thing you have to is to mow the lawn with a lawnmower. Mowing would help you get rid of most of the bulk of grass. So you can easily decide how short you want to trim the grass on the edges.

Step 2: Position the Trimmer

Accurate positioning the trimmer is a crucial step as it ensures safety and efficient edging. First, you need to make sure the debris will be out of your way when edging with a string trimmer.

You also need to ensure vertical cut by flipping the head of the trimmer 180 degrees. Try to make the string perpendicular to the ground as much as possible and maintain the shield facing your body.

Step 3: Mark Out the Path

Marking out a path is very helpful, especially if you are new to edging your lawn and don’t have a specific edge like wall or sidewalks. You can mark the path by placing a hose or rope in the edging area.

When you edge along driveways or walkways, always try to walk on the concrete surface and refrain from stepping on the grass. Slowly and carefully continue edging the path. Cut the overgrown grass on the drive a little at a time rather than cutting all at once. 

Step 4: Control Your Trimmer

While edging, you need to hold the trimmer firmly. To get a nice, straight edge, try to move your body slowly without moving your arms. Also, try to keep the string trimmer and the guard in the same position almost all the time.

Step 5: Follow the Right Direction

You need to keep moving from left to right as most of the spin string clockwise while edging. In that way, the ejected trimmings will be inside the lawn and away from the walkways. Doing this will save your time from the extra cleaning afterward.

Step 6: Clean up

Finally, after trimming, you have to clean the trimmer immediately using a stiff brush. If you don’t clean right away, the grass bits will dry and harden.

You can watch YouTube video to get clear view about this lawn edging guideline.

Tips for Using a String Trimmer

Using a string trimmer for the first time without proper knowledge on the usage can cause harmful damages. Here are some essential tips you should know before edging with a trimmer.

• Safety Measures

While using trimmers, you must wear eye protectors/goggles to avoid getting any debris, pebbles getting into the eye. Use a visor to get full-face protection. Debris can cut your skin so instead of shorts, wear heavy trousers.

Wear gardening apron and shoes with firm soles and steel caps to protect your feet when working in an overgrown area. Using ear muffs would protect your ears from the loud sounds of the trimmer. 

• Take Care of Cables

Be careful not to hit any cable when you use an electric trimmer. As gas versions are more powerful than electric ones, the line may not cut the cord but can destroy the insulation.

•  Choose the Right Condition

The condition of the grass is an essential factor to consider for edging. Not ever start edging on wet grass. The wet grass can reduce the cutting ability of the string by sticking to it.

• Watch Out for Passersby

While trimming, people near you will have a higher chance of getting hit by debris/scrap than yourself, especially if you are mowing on high ground. So try to work on trimmers when nobody is around you. You must take extra care if you have young children as they should not be anywhere near any powered garden tool.

• Avoid Windows and Cars

Debris, pebbles flying from the trimmer can heavily damage glass or paintwork. So try to keep the direction of the debris away from the window of your house and your car. 

You can also use shovels to edge your lawn. Watch Youtube video for the guideline.

FAQs

1. How to take care of string trimmer?

Regular maintaining enables a string trimmer to last longer. Clean the debris, dirt from the string after every use. If you use your string trimmer often, you need to replace the string when necessary.

For a gas-powered weed eater, replace the spark plug after using it for three to four months. Before storing your trimmer for a long time, always make sure the gas tank is empty.

2. How often should I clean the filter in my weed eater?

Most weed eater users recommend cleaning the air filter every five hours. You can wash the foam filter with soap and warm water. Rinse and let the filter dry.

3. Are thicker trimmer line better?

It depends on how you use your string trimmer. You need a thicker trimmer line for heavy-duty use because it will provide more power and durability. It would be best if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on string size.

Conclusion

Having a clean manicured lawn is not just useful in maintaining your home’s overall visual appearance; it’s also crucial in preserving a lawn’s health. We hope that our article on how to edge with a string trimmer will help you maintain your perfect lawn easily without wasting your time.