Edging the grass along a sidewalk creates a sharp, clean division between the lawn and the hardscape surface, enhancing curb appeal. Proper edging contains the lateral growth of turfgrass, preventing runners and rhizomes from creeping onto the concrete or pavement. This separation maintains the intended boundary and makes subsequent mowing easier.
Selecting the Right Edging Tool
The choice of tool depends on the length of the sidewalk and the desired effort level. The manual half-moon edger is a straightforward, inexpensive option requiring the most physical exertion, as the operator must step on the tool to drive the blade into the soil. This method is highly precise for establishing an initial line but is best suited for properties with short sidewalk runs.
The string trimmer is the most common tool because of its versatility in trimming areas the mower cannot reach. To use it for edging, the head must be rotated 90 degrees so the string is perpendicular to the ground, a technique sometimes called “flip edging.” This method is fast and convenient but demands a steady hand to avoid creating a wobbly or uneven cut line.
For the fastest and most professional-looking result, a dedicated stick edger with a rotating metal blade is the preferred option. This tool is designed to follow the straight line of a hard surface, often featuring a guide wheel that stabilizes the unit and maintains a consistent cut depth. Although they represent a higher initial investment, dedicated edgers provide a superior, uniform trench that is easier to maintain.
Establishing the Edge: Technique and Depth
Before beginning the cut, ensure the area is clear of small debris and loose gravel that could be thrown by a powered tool. Use the sidewalk’s existing edge as the guide for the cut line, which provides a naturally straight reference point. The goal is to make the cut as vertical as possible, ensuring the blade or string is perpendicular to the ground surface.
When using a powered tool, hold the blade or string vertically and aim to slice approximately 2 to 3 inches deep into the soil. This depth severs the deeper grass roots and underground runners (stolons or rhizomes), effectively creating a trench barrier. Cutting these reproductive structures prevents rapid re-encroachment of the grass onto the sidewalk.
If the grass has severely overgrown the sidewalk, it may be necessary to make multiple passes to establish the edge. The first pass should be shallow, cutting through the dense, matted layer of turf and soil. Subsequent passes can be made progressively deeper until the desired 2 to 3-inch vertical trench is achieved. This gradual approach reduces strain on the equipment and helps prevent gouging or uneven cuts.
Post-Edging Cleanup and Debris Removal
The initial edging process generates a significant amount of debris, including severed grass blades, roots, and soil. This material, often called the “edging plug,” should be removed immediately after the cut is complete. Failing to remove the plug allows viable plant fragments to remain near the sidewalk.
The best method for gathering this debris is to use a stiff-bristled broom or a shovel to scrape the material from the sidewalk and the newly established trench. Alternatively, a leaf blower can direct the material back onto the lawn where it can be collected or mulched during the next mowing. Prompt removal prevents loose soil and organic matter from washing back onto the hardscape, which would degrade the crispness of the new edge.
Maintaining a Crisp Edge
Once the initial, deep vertical cut has been established, maintaining the edge becomes a lighter and faster task. During the peak growing season, touching up the edge every week or two is recommended. This frequency prevents the grass from re-establishing a strong root system across the line.
Maintenance passes do not require the deep trenching of the initial cut. Instead, a string trimmer or manual edging shears can be used to lightly trim the new growth that overhangs the sidewalk. This light trimming minimizes soil disruption and reduces the volume of debris generated. Consistency is the primary factor in long-term edge maintenance, ensuring the separation remains defined.