Lawn edging creates a clean, defined boundary between the turf and adjacent landscape elements, such as sidewalks, driveways, or garden beds. This practice provides a sharp, finished appearance that enhances curb appeal. Edging also serves a practical function by establishing a physical separation that prevents the lateral spread of grass runners (stolons or rhizomes) into flower beds or onto hardscapes. Delineating the lawn area makes subsequent mowing and maintenance tasks more efficient.
Optimal Time for Initial Edging
The most effective time for the major annual edging is early in the growing season, just as the lawn begins its first flush of active growth. This initial, deeper cut re-establishes border lines that may have blurred over the dormant winter months. Performing this task early sets the shape for the entire season and makes subsequent maintenance work easier.
For cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, this period falls in early to mid-spring, when soil temperatures consistently reach the 50°F to 65°F range. This timing aligns with the grass emerging from dormancy. Wait until the grass is actively growing, but before it becomes too overgrown, which makes the initial deep cut more difficult.
The timing shifts later for warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda or Zoysia grass, which prefer warmer temperatures between 80°F and 95°F. These grasses begin their major growth cycle in late spring or early summer, which is the ideal window for initial edging. Since warm-season varieties spread aggressively with runners, setting a firm, crisp line at the start of their peak growth period helps manage encroachment.
Establishing a Maintenance Schedule
Once the initial deep cut is performed, maintaining the edge requires a consistent schedule throughout the active growing season. The frequency depends on the turf’s growth rate, the specific grass type, and the desired level of sharpness. For areas bordering hard surfaces like concrete, a weekly edging routine is recommended during peak growth, ideally performed every time the lawn is mowed.
Warm-season turfgrasses, known for their vigorous lateral growth in summer heat, often necessitate weekly attention to prevent blurring the defined lines. For soft edges, such as those bordering flower beds or mulch, the maintenance frequency can be extended to every two to four weeks. Performing light, frequent maintenance cuts is easier than allowing the grass to overgrow and attempting a major cleanup.
During periods of slower growth, such as mid-summer dormancy for cool-season grasses or the shoulder seasons, the edging interval can be reduced. Linking the edging task directly to the mowing schedule provides a simple framework for ensuring the borders remain crisp and well-defined. Consistency is the most important factor for preserving a professional-looking lawn edge.
Ideal Soil and Weather Conditions
The environmental conditions on the day of edging impact the ease of the task and the quality of the result. The soil should be slightly moist or damp, but not fully saturated. When the ground is lightly damp, tools slice through the soil and turf with less resistance, allowing for a cleaner, more precise line.
Edging excessively dry soil, such as during a drought, is difficult because the compacted earth causes the edger to jump, resulting in uneven cuts. Working with saturated or muddy soil is discouraged, as the wet earth clogs equipment and leads to a messy, imprecise edge that can damage the lawn.
It is advisable to perform the edging when the grass blades are dry, which prevents clippings from clumping and ensures smooth operation. While the initial deep edge can be performed in cooler spring weather, ongoing maintenance should be avoided during periods of extreme midday heat to prevent unnecessary stress on the turf and the person performing the work.