How to Use a Manual Lawn Edger

Using a manual lawn edger is a great way to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy, especially along sidewalks, driveways, and other hard surfaces. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Safety First

- Before you begin, ensure you're wearing proper safety gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy shoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Lawn Edger

- Check that the edger's blade is sharp and properly secured.

- If adjustable, set the cutting depth to about 1-1.5 inches.

Step 3: Mark the Edging Line

- Use a chalk line or string to mark the areas you want to edge, creating a clear line between the lawn and the hard surface.

Step 4: Edge the Lawn

- Place the lawn edger over the line you marked and start pushing it forward, keeping it as straight as possible.

- The edger should cut into the soil and create a clean, straight edge.

Step 5: Trim Vertically

- When approaching vertical surfaces, such as curbs, use the edger's vertical blade to trim the edge against it, creating a crisp line.

Step 6: Cut Away Grass and Weeds

- Push the edger against any long grass or weeds that may have encroached onto your edging, cutting them away as you go.

Step 7: Maintain a Steady Pace

- Keep a steady pace while using the edger to ensure straight and even results.

Step 8: Clean the Lawn Edger

- After use, clean the edger's blade and other parts with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 9: Sharpen the Blade Regularly

- To maintain the effectiveness of your lawn edger, sharpen its blade regularly using a whetstone or file, ensuring a smooth cut.

Step 10: Store Properly

- Keep the lawn edger stored in a dry place, out of children's reach, when not in use.

Step 11: Edge Regularly

- To maintain a well-edged lawn, repeat this process every three to four weeks or as needed.

Remember that manual lawn edging may require some physical effort, especially if your soil is hard or compacted. If you find the task too strenuous or time-consuming, consider investing in a powered lawn edger for faster and easier edging results.