Why does lawn edging matter?
Clean lawn edges have a disproportionate impact on how a garden looks. A perfectly mown lawn with ragged edges looks untidy, while even an average lawn with crisp edges looks well maintained. Edging defines the boundary between lawn and border, path, or patio. It prevents grass from creeping into flower beds and makes mowing easier by giving the mower a clear line to follow. Professional gardeners consider edging as important as mowing itself. At ELawnCare, every lawn mowing visit includes a basic edge check, with full re-edging available as an add-on service. The difference between a good garden and a great one is often just the edges.
How to create a new lawn edge
To create a new lawn edge, lay a straight plank or taut string line along the desired edge as a guide. Using a half-moon edging iron (also called an edging knife), cut vertically downwards along the guide to a depth of about 50 to 75 millimetres. Angle the blade slightly away from the lawn to create a shallow channel. Remove the strip of turf and soil from the border side. For curves, use a garden hose laid on the ground as a guide instead of a straight edge. After cutting, sweep loose soil from the lawn surface and tidy the channel. This clean-cut edge will last several months before needing maintenance. For a permanent solution, install metal or plastic lawn edging strips that sit flush with the turf.
How to maintain lawn edges
Once you have a clean edge, maintaining it is simpler than creating it. Use long-handled edging shears after each mow to trim any grass that overhangs the edge. A battery-powered strimmer turned vertically also works for quick touch-ups. Every season, re-cut the edge with a half-moon edging iron to restore the clean vertical face. This takes a few minutes per edge and prevents gradual creep. If the lawn edge has become uneven or wavy over time, re-establish it with a plank and edging iron as described above. ELawnCare offers strimming and edging as an add-on at £12 per visit, or £28 per hour as a standalone service for larger jobs.