How To Use A Trimmer As An Edger

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In the realm of lawn care, precision is paramount. While traditional lawnmowers excel at covering large areas, they often struggle to tackle the intricate edges and borders of your property. Enter the versatile string trimmer, an indispensable tool that can double as an edger, delivering crisp, clean lines that elevate the aesthetics of your outdoor space. With a few simple adjustments and techniques, you can harness the power of your trimmer to achieve professional-looking results.

To transform your trimmer into an edger, start by detaching the trimmer head from the shaft and replacing it with a specialized edging blade. This blade is designed to cut vertically, allowing you to precisely shape the edges of your lawn, flower beds, and walkways. Additionally, consider equipping your trimmer with a guide wheel or base plate attachment. These accessories provide stability and ensure that the blade remains at a consistent height, resulting in even, uniform cuts.

Once your trimmer is configured for edging, proceed with the following steps. First, begin by outlining the area you wish to edge. Use a chalk line or string to establish a clear boundary that will guide your cuts. Next, position the trimmer blade perpendicular to the edge, with the guide wheel or base plate resting on the lawn. Gradually lower the blade to the desired height and slowly move the trimmer along the boundary, maintaining a firm grip and a steady pace. As you edge, be mindful of the direction of the blade rotation.

Identifying Edging Applications

Edging is the process of defining the boundaries of your lawn and separating it from adjacent surfaces like flower beds, driveways, or sidewalks. It creates a clean, finished look that enhances the overall appearance of your outdoor space. Using a trimmer as an edger is a convenient and effective way to achieve this. However, it’s crucial to identify the specific edging applications where this technique is most suitable.

Lawn Edging

One of the primary applications for using a trimmer as an edger is to define the border of your lawn. Whether you have a formal or informal lawn shape, edging helps to create a clean transition between the grass and other features. It prevents the grass from encroaching on flower beds or pathways and simplifies mowing by providing a clear boundary.

Flower Bed Edging

Edging is also essential for flower beds. It keeps the soil and mulch within the designated area, preventing unwanted spread into the lawn or walkways. This helps to maintain a tidy appearance and ensures that the flower bed remains defined. Trimmers can be used to create a clean and precise edge around flower beds, giving them a professional finish.

Driveway and Sidewalk Edging

Trimmers can also be used to edge driveways and sidewalks, creating a crisp separation between these surfaces and the lawn. Edging prevents grass from growing into the cracks and crevices of these surfaces, ensuring a clean and safe transition. Additionally, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space by creating a well-defined boundary.

Application	Purpose
Lawn Edging	Defines the boundary of the lawn, separating it from adjacent surfaces.
Flower Bed Edging	Keeps soil and mulch within designated areas and prevents unwanted spread.
Driveway and Sidewalk Edging	Creates a crisp separation between these surfaces and the lawn, preventing grass growth and enhancing safety.

Prepare for Edging

Wear Safety Gear

Before you start edging, make sure to wear appropriate safety gear to protect yourself from any potential hazards. This includes wearing safety glasses, gloves, and even a dust mask if you sensitive to dust.

Clean the Trimmer Head

To ensure the trimmer head is free of debris and any potential obstacles, clean it before you start edging. Use a brush or a damp cloth to remove any grass clippings, dirt, or debris that may have accumulated on the trimmer head. This will help prevent the trimmer from clogging or binding up while you are edging.

Adjust the Trimmer Head

For optimal edging results, adjust the trimmer head to the appropriate angle. Most trimmers allow you to adjust the trimmer head from 0 to 90 degrees. For edging, you will want to set the trimmer head to a 90-degree angle, which will allow you to trim along the edge of your lawn or garden beds.

Set the Trimming Height

It’s important to set the trimming height to the desired level. The trimming height refers to the distance between the ground and the cutting blades of the trimmer. For edging, you will want to set the trimming height to a low level, typically between 1 to 2 inches, to create a clean and precise edge.

Edge Around Obstacles

When edging around obstacles like trees or flower beds, take extra care to avoid damaging them. Use the tip of the trimmer to carefully trim around the edges of these obstacles, being mindful not to bump or hit them with the trimmer.

Angle Adjustment for Edging

Edging with a trimmer requires a specific angle adjustment to achieve clean and precise results. Follow these steps to adjust your trimmer’s angle for edging:

1. Clean the Trimmer Head

Before adjusting the angle, ensure the trimmer head is clean. Remove any grass or debris that may affect the angle setting.

2. Tilt the Trimmer Head

Hold the trimmer firmly and tilt the head approximately 45 degrees away from the surface you’re edging. This angle allows the trimmer line to reach the root of the grass without scalping the lawn.

3. Check the Angle and Adjust

Inspect the angle carefully. If the trimmer line is not parallel to the ground, adjust the head further. Use the adjustment lever on the trimmer to fine-tune the angle until the line is perfectly horizontal.

Here’s a table to assist you with angle adjustment:

Angle	Trimmer Line Position
45 degrees	Parallel to the ground, slightly angled away from the surface
90 degrees	Perpendicular to the ground, trimming vertically

Remember, the optimum angle may vary slightly depending on the specific trimmer model and ground conditions. Experiment with different angles to find what works best for your situation.

Line and Edge Control

Trimmers often come with adjustable guide wheels that help you maintain a consistent distance from the edge of your lawn. These wheels prevent you from accidentally trimming too close to the edge and scalping your grass. Some trimmers also have a built-in edging feature that allows you to create sharp, clean lines along sidewalks, driveways, and other hard surfaces.

4. Trimming Tips

There are a few things you can do to ensure that you get the best possible results when using a trimmer as an edger:

Start by trimming around the perimeter of your lawn, using the guide wheels to maintain a consistent distance from the edge.
Once you have trimmed around the perimeter, you can start to edge along sidewalks, driveways, and other hard surfaces.
Use the edging feature on your trimmer to create sharp, clean lines.
Be careful not to trim too close to the edge of your lawn, as this can scalp your grass.

Tip	Description
Start by trimming around the perimeter of your lawn	This will help you to get a feel for the trimmer and to maintain a consistent distance from the edge.
Once you have trimmed around the perimeter, you can start to edge along sidewalks, driveways, and other hard surfaces	Use the edging feature on your trimmer to create sharp, clean lines.
Be careful not to trim too close to the edge of your lawn, as this can scalp your grass	Scalping occurs when the trimmer blade cuts the grass blades too short, which can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease.

Maintaining Precision

The key to edging with a trimmer is to maintain precision and control. This can be achieved by following these tips:

Use a guide: A straight edge, such as a plank or length of pipe, can be used to guide the trimmer against. This will help to create a straight, clean edge.
Trim in sections: Don’t try to edge your entire lawn in one go. Break it down into smaller sections, such as 10-15 feet, and work on one section at a time.
Trim slowly and carefully: Avoid rushing the job. Take your time and make sure to trim the grass evenly. Use short, gentle strokes and avoid digging into the soil.
Check your work: As you trim, step back and check your work frequently. Make sure that the edge is straight and clean. If necessary, make adjustments to your trimming technique.
Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to where you are trimming and be aware of any obstacles, such as trees, shrubs, or fences. Avoid hitting these obstacles with the trimmer, as it could damage them.

Tip	Description
Use a guide	Helps to create a straight, clean edge
Trim in sections	Makes the job more manageable and helps to maintain precision
Trim slowly and carefully	Avoids rushing and ensures an even trim
Check your work	Ensures that the edge is straight and clean
Be aware of your surroundings	Avoids hitting obstacles and damage

Trimming Curved Edges

Trimming curved edges can be a bit more challenging. To do this, you must first make the trimmer as narrow as possible by removing the guide wheels.

Then, you want to start at the outside edge of the curve and mow in a way that follows the natural curve.

You may have to make several passes to get the desired result.

Here are some additional tips for trimming curved edges:

1. Use a sharp blade

A sharp blade will make it easier to trim curved edges cleanly and precisely.

2. Go slowly

Don’t try to trim curved edges too quickly. Take your time and make sure you are following the natural curve of the edge.

3. Be careful not to over-trim

It is easy to over-trim curved edges. Be careful not to cut too much into the grass, or you will end up with a brown or damaged lawn.

4. Use a chalk line or string to create a guideline

This can help you to trim straight edges and ensure that you are following the desired curve.

5. Practice makes perfect

The more you trim curved edges, the better you will get at it. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it perfect the first few times.

6. Different Types of Trimmer Blades and Their Impact on Edging

Blade Type	Description	Impact on Edging
Single Line	Consists of a single nylon line that rotates at high speed	Precise and clean edging, suitable for narrow areas and tight corners
Double Line	Features two nylon lines that rotate in opposite directions	Faster and more efficient edging, provides a thicker, fuller cut
Blade Trimmer	Utilizes a metal blade that rotates horizontally	Powerful and durable, capable of trimming through thicker vegetation and weeds, ideal for heavy-duty applications

Dealing with Obstacles

Obstacles in the Way

Sometimes, you’ll encounter obstacles in the way of your edging, such as:

Fences
Mailboxes
Driveways
Sidewalks
Play equipment

Edging Around Obstacles

To edge around obstacles, you’ll need to use a combination of techniques, including:

Trimming vertically against the obstacle.
Manually trimming with edging shears.
Using a weed whacker or string trimmer to trim around the obstacle.

Tips for Edging Around Obstacles

Obstacle	Tips
Fences	Trim vertically against the fence. Use edging shears to trim the grass close to the fence.
Mailboxes	Use a weed whacker or string trimmer to trim around the mailbox. Be careful not to damage the mailbox.
Driveways	Use a straight edge or chalk line to mark the edge of the driveway. Trim along the line with a trimmer or edging shears.
Sidewalks	Use a weed whacker or string trimmer to trim the grass along the edge of the sidewalk. Be careful not to damage the sidewalk.
Play equipment	Manually trim the grass around the play equipment with edging shears. Be careful not to damage the equipment.

Edge Finishing Techniques

Achieving precise and professional-looking edges requires mastering specific finishing techniques. Here are some common methods to enhance the appearance of your trimmed areas:

Perfect Edge

This technique produces a sharp, defined edge by trimming close to the surface being bordered. It’s ideal for creating crisp lines around walkways, patios, and flower beds.

Beveled Edge

A beveled edge slopes gradually away from the surface, creating a subtle transition. This technique is often used for flower beds and garden borders to prevent soil erosion and promote water drainage.

Curved Edge

This technique allows for the creation of smooth, curved lines. It’s perfect for edging around curved garden beds or when creating decorative borders.

French Curve Edge

Similar to a curved edge, a French curve edge is more pronounced, creating a more dramatic and elegant border. It’s used for intricate designs and formal gardens.

Sculpted Edge

This technique involves using a trimmer to shape and create unique patterns in the lawn. It’s ideal for adding a touch of artistry and creativity to your outdoor space.

Herringbone Edge

This technique creates a zigzag pattern along the edge of the trimmed area. It’s an eye-catching design that adds interest and depth to your lawn.

Scalloped Edge

This technique involves trimming the edge in a series of scallops, creating a playful and whimsical border. It’s a great option for play areas or informal gardens.

Intricate Edging

This advanced technique requires precision and skill, allowing you to create intricate patterns, logos, or designs in the trimmed area. It’s often used for special occasions or decorative purposes.

Edge Finishing Technique	Description
Perfect Edge	Sharp, defined edge
Beveled Edge	Slopes gradually away from the surface
Curved Edge	Smooth, curved lines
French Curve Edge	Pronounced, dramatic curved edge
Sculpted Edge	Unique patterns and shapes
Herringbone Edge	Zigzag pattern
Scalloped Edge	Playful, whimsical border
Intricate Edging	Advanced technique for intricate designs

Post-Edging Maintenance

After edging, it’s important to perform regular maintenance to keep your lawn looking its best. Here are some key steps:

1. Regular Trimming

Continue trimming the edges of your lawn on a regular basis to prevent grass from growing over the edging. Use the same technique described in the edging section to create clean, defined lines.

2. Weed Control

Edging can expose soil and create opportunities for weeds to grow. Apply herbicide or hand-pull weeds as needed to prevent them from overtaking your lawn.

3. Fertilize

The edging process can remove some of the soil’s nutrients. Fertilize the edged areas to provide essential nutrients for healthy grass growth.

4. Water Deeply

Edging can disturb the soil’s moisture levels. Water the edged areas deeply to encourage root development and prevent wilting.

5. Mow the Lawn

Mow the lawn regularly to keep it at a consistent height. This will help blend the edged areas with the rest of the lawn.

6. Check for Damage

Inspect the edging regularly for any damage, such as cracks or broken sections. Repair any damage promptly to prevent further deterioration.

7. Define the Edge

If the edge of your lawn becomes less defined over time, use a sharp edging tool or string trimmer to recut the line. This will restore the clean and crisp appearance of your edging.

8. Remove Debris

Clear away any grass clippings, leaves, or other debris from the edging to prevent buildup and potential damage.

9. Seasonal Maintenance

The following table provides additional maintenance tips based on the season:

Season	Maintenance Tips
Spring	Fertilize and water deeply to promote healthy grass growth.
Summer	Water regularly to prevent wilting and mow the lawn frequently to keep it healthy.
Fall	Apply herbicide to control weeds.
Winter	Remove snow and ice from edging to prevent damage.

Symmetrical Trimmer Line

Symmetrical trimmer heads are not the best choices for edging, but you can still use them with a little bit of a technique. If you can’t get the edge as sharp as you’d like, you can try these adjustments:

Tilt the trimmer head at a 45-degree angle.
Move along the edge rather than trimming straight on.
Overlap your passes as you go.

It may take a little longer, but you’ll get a neat, clean edge.

10. Scalloped Edges

A scalloped edge is another issue you might encounter while edging with a trimmer. This can be caused by a few different things:

The trimmer line is too long. If the trimmer line is too long, it will tend to bend and flex as you trim, which can create a scalloped effect. Trim the line to the recommended length for your trimmer model.
The trimmer is not moving fast enough. If the trimmer is not moving fast enough, the line will not have enough time to cut through the grass cleanly, which can also create a scalloped effect. Increase the trimmer speed to reduce scalloping.
The trimmer is not parallel to the ground. If the trimmer is not parallel to the ground, the line will not be able to cut through the grass evenly, which can also create a scalloped effect. Hold the trimmer parallel to the ground as you trim.
The trimmer blade is dull. A dull trimmer blade will not be able to cut through the grass cleanly, which can also create a scalloped effect. Sharpen or replace the trimmer blade if it is dull.
The grass is too thick or tall. If the grass is too thick or tall, the trimmer may not be able to cut through it cleanly, which can also create a scalloped effect. Use a lawn mower to cut the grass before trimming.
The trimmer is not properly adjusted. If the trimmer is not properly adjusted, it may not be able to cut through the grass cleanly, which can also create a scalloped effect. Refer to the trimmer’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to adjust the trimmer.
The trimmer line is incorrectly installed. If the trimmer line is incorrectly installed, it may not be able to cut through the grass cleanly, which can also create a scalloped effect. Refer to the trimmer’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to install the trimmer line.
The trimmer is not being used correctly. If the trimmer is not being used correctly, it may not be able to cut through the grass cleanly, which can also create a scalloped effect. Refer to the trimmer’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to use the trimmer.