How to Edge a Lawn

Not everyone has a lawn service available to mow the grass and edge the sides.

With my new landscaping, I decided it was time, again, to edge the sides of the lawn near the sidewalk.

Edging the gives a crisp natural edge to lawns or flower beds.

There is actually a tool called a half moon step edger you can purchase but I like using this straight edge shovel.

Straight Edge Shovel

In edging a flower bed, the first step is to mark the outline of the area you wish to edge.

You can do this by either using marking spray paint or laying a hose in the shape you want to edge.

Marking spray paint is available in assorted colors and is designed to mark soil, grass, gravel, etc., for short term resistance.  However, unless you are absolutely sure of the shape, it might be easier to mark with a hose as there are no “do-overs” with spray paint.

I didn’t have to mark my edges since the area abutted the sidewalk.

Grass Overgrown on Sidewalk

In this photograph you can see I started the edging project.  The grass has grown over the sidewalk and looks sloppy.

Push the shovel or half-moon edger into the soil with your foot and remove the cut off sod and grass.

I had a wheelbarrow with me to pick up all the grass cut offs.

As a helpful hint, it is easier to edge if you do it after it rains as the soil will be softer to work with.

Completed Edging Project Excess Sod and Grass Cuttings

The last step is to take the broom and clean off the sidewalk area.

I gave things a quick sweeping but will be back another time to rake up the leaves.

Always, something else to do in lawn care.