First impressions matter. Whether it’s your neighbor walking their dog or a potential buyer scoping out the place, the first thing they notice is your lawn. And a clean, well-kept yard? That’s money in the ground. Watch your money grow!  Haha. 

The Best String Trimmer Edging Methods and Benefits

A healthy, neat lawn can increase your home’s value by up to 15%. It makes your home look cared for, adds functionality, and gives your property that polished, intentional vibe that may catch an eye or two.

How to Edge Your Lawn

Lawn edging creates a defined line between your grass and areas like driveways, flower beds, mulch beds, or walkways. It’s the finishing touch that makes your yard look sharp and professionally maintained.

Using a String Trimmer when you don’t have an edger
A string trimmer is an easy and effective way to get clean edges. For best results, extend the line about 4 inches from the head. That’s the sweet spot — long enough for reach and power, short enough for control.

Go with the Spin
When using the trimmer, always go the way the head spins. It’s much more efficient and provides a cleaner cut than going against the grain. If you fight the spin, the trimmer won’t perform as well, and you’ll end up wasting time and energy.

Remove the Guard (Optional)
Some people prefer removing the guard for better visibility and maneuverability while edging. Just know:

•  

  • • It might void your warranty.
  • • You should always wear PPE (safety glasses, gloves, closed-toe shoes). Flying debris is no joke.
  • Visibility improves, but so does the risk — be smart and stay safe.

Establish the Edge
If it’s your first time edging an area, take it slow and dig a small trench with the trimmer. Use the string to cut a narrow groove between the grass and hard surface. Once you’ve got that groove, future passes will be way easier and cleaner. Don’t do this every time, but only once as you make your first pass.

Watch the RPMs
Pay attention to the sound of your trimmer. If the string is too long, the RPMs drop and the motor struggles. Too short, and it won’t cut effectively. When the length is right, the motor stays smooth, and your lines stay crisp.

Consider a Stick Edger
If you want to level up your edging game, a stick edger is a great tool to get perfectly straight, sharp lines. It’s easier to control, but keep in mind — it will be an additional cost from a string trimmer. If you’re a weekend warrior or plan to do regular edging, it might be worth the investment for cleaner results.

Edge After Mowing
Edge after you mow — it helps highlight the lines, clean up leftover grass, and give everything that fresh, tidy look.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend big to make your yard stand out. With a strong lawn and sharp edges, you’re not just improving your property’s appearance — you’re boosting its value and giving it character. All it takes is a bit of effort, a string trimmer, and some attention to detail.