You stand in your backyard, gazing at your lawn. It’s a scene of verdant beauty, but something just doesn’t feel quite right. The edges, those lines where your grass meets the sidewalk, driveway, or flowerbeds, are a mess. They’re uneven, shaggy, and frankly, a bit embarrassing. You know you need to do something about them, but the question is: should you edge your lawn before mowing, or after? This article will delve into the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, offering insights and tips to help you choose the best strategy for your lawn.
The short answer is: it depends. There are strong arguments for both edging before and after mowing. Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual preferences, the type of mower you use, and the specific features of your lawn. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each method in more detail.
Edging Before Mowing: The Advantages of a Clean Start
Edging your lawn before mowing offers several benefits.
1. Precise Lines and a Sharper Look
The most obvious advantage of edging before mowing is that it allows you to create clean, defined lines around your lawn’s perimeter. This makes your yard look neat and well-maintained, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
Why it Matters:
- Visual Appeal: Edging gives your lawn a polished, professional appearance, showcasing your commitment to landscaping.
- Property Value: A well-edged lawn adds to your home’s curb appeal and can potentially increase its value.
- Sense of Pride: Taking the time to edge your lawn demonstrates a dedication to creating a beautiful outdoor space.
2. Mowing with Greater Precision
When you edge first, you’re essentially setting the boundaries for your mowing. This makes it easier to follow the edge lines with your mower and avoid accidentally trimming too much grass or cutting into unwanted areas.
Why it Matters:
- Avoiding Damage: By clearly defining the edges, you reduce the risk of your mower hitting fences, sidewalks, or other objects.
- Efficient Mowing: Well-defined edges allow for more efficient mowing, preventing you from having to go back and forth multiple times to get everything.
- Less Weed Growth: Edging removes excess grass from the edges, discouraging weeds from sprouting in these areas.
3. Less Strain on Your Mower
When you edge before mowing, you’re removing the bulk of the extra grass along the edges. This means your mower won’t have to work as hard to cut the remaining grass, potentially extending the life of your equipment and reducing wear and tear.
Why it Matters:
- Mower Maintenance: Less strain on your mower reduces the frequency of repairs and maintenance.
- Fuel Efficiency: A lighter workload on your mower can lead to improved fuel efficiency.
- Reduced Noise: Less strain on the mower can result in less noise pollution during mowing.
Edging After Mowing: When it Makes Sense
While edging before mowing has its advantages, there are also compelling reasons to edge after you’ve mowed.
1. Quicker and More Convenient
For many people, edging after mowing simply feels more efficient. It allows you to tackle both tasks in a single session, saving you time and effort. This approach can be especially appealing if you have a large lawn.
Why it Matters:
- Time Management: Combining edging and mowing into one session reduces the time you spend on yard work.
- Flexibility: You can easily adapt the schedule to fit your own preferences and available time.
- Fewer Sessions: By tackling both tasks at once, you minimize the number of times you need to be out in the yard.
2. Less Stress on Your Back
If you find yourself struggling with back pain after edging, edging after mowing might be a better solution. This approach allows you to spend more time mowing, which is typically a less strenuous activity, and save the more physically demanding task of edging for the end.
Why it Matters:
- Ergonomics: Reduces the amount of bending and stooping involved in edging, minimizing strain on your back and joints.
- Increased Comfort: Makes yard work more enjoyable by reducing physical discomfort.
- Injury Prevention: By minimizing strain, it reduces the risk of back injuries.
3. More Precise Cutting Heights
When you edge after mowing, you can more accurately control the height of the grass along the edges. This is because the mower has already cut the bulk of the grass, allowing you to fine-tune the edge height without fear of over-cutting.
Why it Matters:
- Uniform Appearance: Ensures a consistent look throughout your lawn, avoiding any noticeable height differences.
- Improved Health: Maintaining a consistent cutting height helps promote a healthy lawn, allowing for proper nutrient uptake.
- Aesthetic Control: Gives you greater control over the overall look and feel of your lawn.
Factors to Consider
The decision of whether to edge before or after mowing depends on a few factors unique to your situation:
- Type of Mower: If you use a rotary mower, edging before mowing can be a good strategy to prevent uneven cuts. However, reel mowers are designed to cut grass closer to the ground and can often handle edging with ease.
- Type of Edge: For curved or intricate edges, edging before mowing may be more challenging, as it requires more precision. Straight edges are easier to manage with either approach.
- Personal Preferences: Ultimately, the best approach is the one you find most comfortable and efficient. Experiment with both methods to determine which you prefer.
Tips for Edging Your Lawn
Regardless of when you choose to edge, here are a few tips for achieving the best results:
- Use a Sharp Edger: A dull edger will create uneven cuts and make the job more difficult.
- Go Slowly: Take your time and be precise with your cuts. Rushing can lead to uneven edges.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you edge your lawn, the better you’ll become at it.
- Maintain Your Edger: Clean your edger regularly and keep it well-maintained to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
The choice between edging before or after mowing is a matter of personal preference and practical considerations. Whether you choose a pre-mow or post-mow approach, the key is to achieve well-defined edges that enhance the beauty and health of your lawn. By following these tips and considering your individual needs, you can create a manicured and aesthetically pleasing lawn that you’ll be proud to show off.
FAQs
1. What is edging a lawn?
Edging your lawn involves creating a clean, defined line between your lawn and other areas like walkways, driveways, or flowerbeds. This can be done using a variety of tools, including an edging tool, a shovel, or even a string trimmer. The purpose of edging is to give your lawn a more polished and professional look.
When edging your lawn, you are essentially trimming the grass along the perimeter to create a crisp, straight line. This helps to define the edges of your lawn and prevent grass from encroaching into other areas. It also makes your lawn look more manicured and neat.
2. Why would I edge my lawn before mowing?
Edging your lawn before mowing is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to create a clean edge that your mower won’t accidentally cut over, preventing uneven trimming and ragged edges. Secondly, it can prevent your mower from scalping the grass along the perimeter, which can damage the lawn and make it more susceptible to disease.
Finally, edging before mowing allows you to maintain a neat and defined lawn appearance, creating a more aesthetically pleasing landscape. It also helps to prevent grass from encroaching onto walkways, driveways, and other areas.
3. What are the benefits of edging a lawn?
Edging a lawn offers several benefits beyond just improving the visual appeal. It promotes a healthier lawn by minimizing grass scalping and preventing damage to the perimeter. This can contribute to better grass growth and a more lush, vibrant lawn.
Additionally, edging helps to prevent weed growth and invasion, as it creates a clean barrier between the lawn and surrounding areas. It also makes it easier to mow and trim around obstacles like trees and shrubs, resulting in a more precise and efficient lawn care routine.
4. How often should I edge my lawn?
The frequency of edging your lawn depends on factors like the type of grass, the weather, and your personal preference for lawn appearance. However, a general recommendation is to edge your lawn every 2-4 weeks. This frequency allows you to maintain a clean edge and prevent grass from becoming overgrown.
In some cases, you might need to edge more often, such as after heavy rains or when the grass is growing rapidly. If you have a particularly wide lawn or a lot of obstacles, you may also need to edge more frequently.
5. What if I don’t edge my lawn?
While edging isn’t strictly necessary for a healthy lawn, it can have a significant impact on its overall appearance and health. Without edging, your lawn will lack a defined shape and may have uneven patches of grass. Overgrown grass along the perimeter can also impede mowing and lead to scalping, damaging the lawn.
Furthermore, the lack of edging can allow weeds to invade your lawn, making it more difficult to control and manage. This can eventually lead to a less appealing and healthier lawn.
6. What are some tips for edging a lawn?
When edging your lawn, consider these tips for optimal results:
- Use a sharp tool, whether it’s a manual edging tool or a powered edger. This will ensure a clean and precise cut.
- Keep the edging tool at a consistent depth, avoiding excessive digging or shallow cuts.
- Work your way around the perimeter of your lawn, maintaining a smooth and even line.
- If using a string trimmer, use it carefully to avoid damaging plants and other landscaping features.
7. Does edging my lawn impact my lawnmower?
Edging your lawn before mowing can actually benefit your lawnmower. By creating a clean edge, you minimize the risk of your mower blades getting tangled or damaged by overgrown grass. This helps to prolong the life of your mower and ensure optimal performance.
Furthermore, edging prevents grass from accumulating around the mower deck, which can reduce airflow and hinder cutting efficiency. By keeping the perimeter clean and defined, you can ensure a smoother mowing experience and maintain the health of your lawnmower.