Achieving a crisp, uniform lawn involves two primary tools: the string trimmer (often called a weed whacker) and the lawn mower. The trimmer uses a rapidly spinning monofilament line to cut grass and weeds in areas a mower cannot reach, such as along fences and landscaping beds. The mower handles the main expanse of the turf, providing a consistent height across the lawn. Homeowners frequently debate the most efficient order for using these two machines, as the sequence chosen directly impacts the final look and cleanup time.
The Optimal Sequence for Lawn Care
The definitive method for achieving a professional finish is to perform the string trimming before starting the lawn mower. This sequence is favored by lawn care professionals because it maximizes efficiency and results in superior aesthetics. When the trimmer cuts the longer, perimeter grass, it throws the clippings onto the main turf surface.
If trimming is done first, the mower performs a dual function: it cuts the bulk of the lawn and passes directly over the scattered trimmings. This allows the mower’s blades to either mulch the trimmings into finer pieces or vacuum them up and deposit them into the bag. This method ensures that the perimeter clippings are neatly removed from hard surfaces and either integrated back into the lawn or collected.
Mowing the lawn before trimming is counterproductive for a clean finish. If the trimmer is used after the mower, the resulting grass clippings are left scattered on the freshly cut lawn, sidewalks, and driveways. This requires manually raking or blowing away the clippings, an extra cleanup step that is eliminated when the trimmer precedes the mower.
Essential Techniques for Trimming and Mowing
Executing the trim-first sequence requires specific techniques to ensure the best results. When operating the string trimmer, aim to set the cutting height to match the height of the lawn mower deck. This uniformity prevents the trimmed areas from looking scalped or noticeably shorter than the rest of the lawn.
The most effective cutting action comes from the tip of the monofilament line, so the trimmer head should be held at a shallow angle (around 10 to 15 degrees) to avoid digging into the soil. As you trim along edges, direct the trimmer’s rotation so that the clippings are thrown inward, toward the center of the lawn. This intentional placement ensures they land where the mower will travel next.
Once trimming is complete, the lawn mower takes over, and its primary function is to collect the debris. Mowing with a slight overlap on each pass ensures that the mower’s suction and blade rotation effectively lift and collect all the trimmer clippings. Using a mower with a strong vacuum action or bagging capacity maximizes the collection of the pre-cut edge material, delivering a crisp, clean lawn with defined borders.