Have you ever wondered, “What is sidewalk edging?” or “Do I even need to bother edging my yard?” The professionals with the Weller Brothers team in Sioux Falls, SD, and Rochester, MN are here to defend the hype behind sidewalk edging.
Sidewalk edging is a simple once a year service that makes a huge difference in lawn health and property value!
The Weller Brothers Way is to approach lawn health in a comprehensive, timely, and professional manner. It is time for you to take back control of your sidewalks and learn why sidewalk edging is the solution to your lawn health problems.
A cleanly edged lawn can completely transform the look of your outdoor space. The crisp, defined lines along sidewalks driveways and garden beds create a polished, intentional aesthetic. However, maintaining neat edges takes effort. Without regular edging, grass can encroach into unwanted areas leading to an unkempt appearance. Luckily, with the right tools and techniques, you can efficiently edge your lawn for stunning results.
In this article, we’ll explore the striking before and after transformations proper edging can achieve We’ll also cover when to edge, which tools to use, and tips for getting it done efficiently With a little work, you can give your lawn that crisp, professional edge.
The Power of Edging for Curb Appeal
Edging makes one of the quickest visible improvements to your lawn and landscape The contrast between an overgrown, uneven edge and a freshly manicured one is remarkable. Edging gives your lawn a clean finish that conveys care and intention, rather than neglect
Here are some key benefits:
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Contains grass growth – Edging creates a barrier to prevent grass from spreading into unwanted areas like garden beds, patios, and driveways.
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Defines bed shapes – The crisp edge serves as a frame, highlighting the shape and contours of planting beds, trees, and other features.
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Prevents soil erosion – The edge helps contain soil in planting beds, preventing erosion issues.
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Enhances curb appeal – Straight lines and crisp edges give a professional, refined look that impresses.
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Improves mowing – Defined edges provide clear mowing boundaries and prevents grass from getting flattened or damaged.
Striking Before and After Lawn Edging Transformations
Seeing a before and after of a freshly manicured edge shows just how dramatic the improvement can be. Here are some lawn edging makeovers:
Sidewalk Edges
Notice the striking contrast along this sidewalk. The before photo shows stray grass creeping between the paving stones. It looks unkempt and poorly maintained.
But the after shot shows how edging creates a clean border between the lawn and sidewalk. The crisp edge gives geometric definition that complements the organic grass shapes.
Around Trees
Over time, grass often encroaches on the mulched root zone around trees. As shown in this makeover, re-edging the rounded mulch ring makes the tree a focal point again. The sharp border contains the grass, preventing infiltration of the root area.
Driveway Edging
Grass can also spread into driveway cracks and edges. As you can see in this before and after, edging returns clear definition to the driveway border. The clean edge prevents grass from getting trampled onto the pavement.
Garden Bed Framing
Edging around garden beds, like in this transformation, keeps the lawn from invading into planting spaces. Flowers and plants can spread freely without competing with grass.
The edge also provides visual separation between where the bed ends and lawn begins. This enhances the overall design.
When to Edge Your Lawn for Best Results
Aim to edge your lawn at least twice per year for optimal appearance. The best times are:
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Spring – Edge in early spring after ground thaws to remove any grass encroachment over winter. Also defines edges around spring bulbs and early perennials.
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Mid Summer – Edge again in mid-summer to contain rapid growth during peak growing season.
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Fall – Final edging in late fall maintains crisp edges before snow cover arrives.
Edge more often if you notice excessive grass growth between edging. High traffic areas like sidewalks and driveways may need monthly attention.
Edging Tools for Stellar Results
You have several options when it comes to edging tools:
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Manual edgers – Half moon-shaped blades on a handle that require manual force. Best for smaller lawns.
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Power (motorized) edgers – Gas or electric powered motors spin the blade automatically. Great for quick edging of larger areas.
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Lawn tractor attachments – Attachments that allow you to edge while mowing for added convenience.
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String trimmers – While less precise, you can use a string trimmer for spot edging between full edging sessions.
Lawn Edging Techniques for Optimal Results
Follow these tips for the cleanest looking edges:
- Edge after mowing so grass is trimmed short
- Work in small sections, frequently removing debris
- Maintain consistent edger blade angle
- Apply steady even pressure on the handle
- Remove grass strips immediately after edging
- Use hand shears for hard-to-reach spots
Easier Lawn Edging Alternatives
For lower maintenance options:
- Use a string trimmer periodically to tidy edges
- Install gravel or paver borders that contain grass spread
- Hire a professional lawn service to handle edging
The Rewarding Results of Edging Your Lawn
Looking at these before and after lawn edging photos shows the stunning transformations possible with this simple lawn care task. Crisp, refined edges make your entire landscape look cared for and thoughtfully designed. With the right tools and techniques, you can edge your lawn like a pro for impressive curb appeal. Give it a try – the effort pays off in compliments and enhanced enjoyment of your outdoor living space.
When is the best time to edge my lawn?
While there is not a set date that you must edge your lawn, it is a task that you’ll want to tackle a few times a year and it will depend on different factors.
- Springtime: This provides optimal moisture in the soil while your grass is actively growing. Performing edging in the spring sets your lawn up for success throughout the growing season.
- Summer: As we reach the halfway mark of the Midwest lawn care season (July or August), the summer provides a great opportunity to reclaim overgrown edges and manicure your lawn for the rest of the season.
- Concurrent with each mowing: this ensures that your lawn edges stay well-manicured and benefit your property all season long.
5 Benefits of Sidewalk Edging
1. Smart Water Management: Midwest rainfall can be unpredictable, so preparing your lawn for heavy rains should be a priority.
Have you noticed that water pools in strange areas after it rains, specifically near your home’s foundation? Sidewalking edging helps you take control of this. Edging will help guide the water away from your house and avoid flooding your favorite landscaping plants. Think of edging like the bumpers found at the bowling alley — keep the water flowing exactly where you want it!
2. Keep the Trespassing Weeds to a Minimum: Edging your lawn is similar to building a fence or putting up a “no trespassing” sign for weeds. The clean line serves as a barrier, making it harder for weeds to trespass onto your property.
Not only does it serve your lawn better, but sidewalk edging can keep the weeds from invading your flower beds, too. It’s a win-win: less weeding, healthier grass, and a sharp-looking lawn. If you are having persistent problems with weeds in your lawn, we have a solution for that too with our fertilizer and weed control program.
3. Top Tier Organization: Lawn edging defines where gardens, walkways, or even your patio begin and end. This is similar to drawing a map of your yard; edging makes everything neat and prevents accidental trampling or mowing of flower beds. Not only will this make your yard look polished, but you will also be able to easily identify where you should mow.
4. Pest Protection: A similar reason to water management, edging will create a mini-wall that helps deter pesky pests from your landscape beds, garden, and patio. As a bonus, a clean edge makes it easier to spot pests and damage so you can take action immediately.
5. Property Value: Property value is important to any homeowner. Whether you are looking to sell or reappraise the value after the hard work of making your house a home, edging could help. Sidewalk edging is a simple way to make your lawn look like a well-maintained and high-quality property. Clean lines always impress potential buyers and boost your curb appeal.
How to Get Clean Edges in Your Lawn the Easy Way
FAQ
Is edging your lawn worth it?
The clean line serves as a barrier, making it harder for weeds to trespass onto your property. Not only does it serve your lawn better, but sidewalk edging can keep the weeds from invading your flower beds, too. It’s a win-win: less weeding, healthier grass, and a sharp-looking lawn.
Should you edge your lawn before or after mowing?
You want to wait to edge until the mower hits the perimeter first so the mower tires and deck will cut and push over the grass blades along the curb. Makes for a cleaner edge line.
How many times a year should you edge your lawn?
If you have the time, edge once in early June and once in late August. By addressing your edges at beginning and end of the peak growing season, you’ll have the crispest edges on the block, all year round.
How deep does edging need to be to stop grass?
Visit your local nursery or home improvement store to see available options. A cost-free option to maintain a clean appearance and keep grass in its place is to cut a 6 inch deep line between the bed and grass with a spade or shovel. A small scoop shovel leaves the straightest edge.