Cutting under fence lines and close to other obstacles requires a different approach compared to how you’d usually use a line trimmer.
Cordless lawnmowers are great for mowing grassy areas that are easily accessible. However, when tidying up grassy areas under fence lines, at the base of walls or even around the base of structures like garden sheds and greenhouses, your best friend is a cordless grass trimmer.
Line trimmers are easy to handle and provide a visible cutting area, making them better suited for cutting grass in hard-to-mow areas. They can also leave just as clean a cut as a cordless lawn mower, making your lawn neat and tidy.
Keeping the grass neatly trimmed along the base of a fence can seem like an impossible chore Long grass and weeds can quickly grow along the fence line, creating an unkempt appearance. While it may seem difficult, there are several effective techniques to trim grass for a crisp, clean edge. This article will provide a complete guide to choosing the best way to trim grass along a fence for your needs
Why Proper Fence Line Trimming is Important
Before jumping into the how-tos, let’s first go over why it’s worthwhile to keep the grass trimmed along your fence:
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Curb Appeal – Overgrown grass looks messy and unmaintained. Neatly trimmed grass makes the lawn and garden look tidy and well-cared for. This is especially important in front yards and other highly visible areas.
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Pest Control – Long grass along a fence provides cover and habitat for pests like mice voles and snakes. Keeping it trimmed minimizes appealing hiding spots.
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Moisture Control – Untrimmed grass blades pressing on the fence can lead to moisture issues like mold, mildew and rot over time. Trimming allows air flow.
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Easier Mowing – It’s very difficult to mow right along an overgrown fence line. Trimming enables easy mowing access.
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Prevent Fence Damage – Overgrown vegetation can eventually warp, bend or crack wooden fence boards. Trimming prevents this.
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Weed Control – The fence line is prone to weeds. Regular trimming helps keep weeds at bay.
Hand Trimming Techniques
The most basic method of trimming grass along a fence is by hand using standard tools Here are some effective hand trimming techniques
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Hedge Shears – Basic hedge shears with long blades allow you to comfortably trim several inches away from the fence.
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Long Handled Grass Shears – For thicker vegetation, long handled grass shears provide extended reach and substantial cutting power.
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Stand Outside the Fence – Position yourself on the outer side of the fence and cut inward for the best access.
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Angle Blades Downward – Angle the blades to follow the contour of the ground as you trim for an even cut.
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String Trimmers – Gas or electric string trimmers are great for handling thick grass and weeds. Use a head guard.
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Wear Gloves & Safety Glasses – Protect your hands from blades and eye from debris with durable gloves and glasses.
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Take Your Time – Slowly make successive passes for a neat, consistent edge. Periodically step back to check evenness.
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Clear Debris When Finished – Sweep or blow away trimmings to keep the border looking crisp and clean.
Power Edging Options
For sharp, professional results, power edging tools are the way to go:
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Electric Weed Trimmers – The thin trimmer line allows for precision edging accuracy. Use a pivot head.
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Electric Edgers – These dedicated power tools are designed specifically for edging. The guide wheel ensures a straight edge.
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Manual Edgers – More affordable models allow you to cleanly edge with the turn of a wheel.
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Lawn Mowers with Edging Features – Some mowers have built-in edging capabilities to trim and mow in one pass.
When using power tools:
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Wear protective eyewear, long pants and sturdy shoes.
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Clear loose debris first to prevent flying projectiles.
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Use lower power settings for better edging control.
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Keep string trimmer lines from contacting wood fences.
Chemical Growth Prevention
In addition to trimming, you can use chemicals along the fence to prevent vegetation growth:
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Pre-Emergent Herbicide – Applied in early spring, this stops seeds from sprouting for 6-8 weeks typically.
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Non-Selective Herbicides – Spraying along the fence kills existing grass and weeds to prevent regrowth between trims. Avoid spraying desirable plants.
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Landscape Fabric – Laying fabric or weed barrier material blocks sun to inhibit growth.
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Products with Growth Regulators – Products like Preen and Vegamat prevent growth when activated by watering.
Always carefully follow product label directions and use proper protective gear when spraying.
Key Trimming Tips
Follow these tips for the best results when trimming along your fence:
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Trim grass back 3-4 inches from the fence for ideal appearance and mowing access.
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Use string trimmers carefully to avoid damaging wood fences.
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Clear cut debris when finished for a clean look.
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Dispose of excessive clippings to avoid fungal issues.
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Apply pre-emergents and growth regulators to help suppress regrowth between trims.
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Mulch or landscape fabric can be used for organic suppression.
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Start edging early in the season before vegetation gets out of control.
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Avoid spraying herbicides on windy days to prevent harming desired plants.
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Hire a professional lawn company if the task seems too difficult or time consuming.
Which Method is Best?
So which technique is best for trimming grass along your fence? It depends on several factors:
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Fence Material – Hand trimming is safest for wood fences. Use power tools carefully to avoid damage. Any method works for chain link.
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Type of Vegetation – Thick or overgrown vegetation may require power tools. Hand tools work fine for routine maintenance.
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Desired Frequency – Growth regulators and pre-emergents reduce trimming frequency. Frequent hand or power trimming provides maximum control.
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Cost – Hand tools provide an affordable DIY option. Hiring pros provides convenience at a price.
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Time Investment – Those lacking time may prefer hiring professionals. For DIYers, power and hand tools are viable options.
Hiring a Professional
For flawless results without the work, hire a professional lawn or landscaping company to handle trimming along your fence. Ask fence installation companies if they offer maintenance services as well. Lawn mowing crews sometimes also provide add-on fence edging for an additional fee. Just be sure to get references and reviews before hiring anyone. Expect to pay $50-100 or more per service call.
Maintain a Beautiful Fence Line
Keeping your fence line trimmed not only looks great, but makes caring for your lawn much simpler. With the right tools and techniques for your specific needs, you can achieve a crisp, clean edge along your fence. A neatly manicured fence line really finishes off a landscape beautifully. The small effort is well worth it for impressive curb appeal and easier lawn maintenance.
Guidelines for using a line trimmer under fences
The standard practice for using a line trimmer is to sweep the tool in a back-and-forth ‘U’ motion. This is appropriate for larger, more open areas without obstacles. However, when it comes to more delicate areas like under fence lines and at the base of walls, you should adopt a different technique:
First, check the area you are about to work in and make sure there aren’t any obstacles, such as loose wire hidden in the grass, that could damage your line trimmer.
Now, you can start setting up your line trimmer. If your tool comes with a harness, attach the tool to the harness and set it to the appropriate height and angle that’s most comfortable for you to use in the environment you’re in.
Hold your cordless line trimmer steady and at an angle so it cuts the grass effectively. Walk slowly along the fence line and hold the tool as still as possible- this ensures more precision and control.
Avoid swinging the tool in a ‘U’ motion to prevent the likelihood of hitting the fence and wearing down your trimmer line.
Instead, walk in one direction and then in the opposite direction to cut the grass at a different angle, which will give a closer and cleaner cut.
Cutting too close to the fence or wall could result in your trimmer line catching the obstacle and wearing it down. However, if you do catch your trimmer line, follow our guidance on how to replace it.
Our tip to avoid getting too close is to ensure your battery line trimmer line is the right length. If it’s too short, it’s difficult to see where the tip of the line is as it cuts; if it’s too long, the line won’t stay rigid during cutting and will be harder to cut accurately.
Simple steps to replacing your trimmer line
In the event of catching a hard surface like a wall or fence, you may need to replace your trimmer line. Here’s our quick guide on replacing your trimmer line:
- If you are using a battery line trimmer like the EGO ST1610E-T 40cm liner trimmer – remove the battery.
- Remove the spool retainer from the spool assembly by pressing the tabs.
- Check that the spool is empty and that the assembly is clean and in good working order.
- Place the pre-wound spool into the retainer and align notches and eyelets.
- Fit the ends into opposite notches on the spool with 4” left on each side.
- Align the spool notches with the retainer eyelets and replace the spool.
- Tug the line ends from the notches in the spool and fit into retainer eyelets.
- Check that the spring is properly located in the spool base and tighten it if necessary.
- Align tabs on the retainer with the slots on the base and click into place.
EASY Method // Weed Eat Around Chain Link Fence
FAQ
What is the best tool for cutting grass next to a fence?
There is a lawn tool called an edger. It trims a straight line along a side walk or fence. The blade is vertical and there is wheel it rolls on beside the blade. You can get one at Lowes/Home Depot/Tractor Supply etc. They aren’t super expensive.
How to deal with grass along a fence?
Trench the fence line: This involves removing grass and weeds and digging a shallow trench along the fence line with a shovel. Spray herbicide: Spray a premixed glyphosate herbicide to kill any remaining grass along the fence line. If you prefer not to use chemicals, opt for vinegar instead.
How to trim next to a fence?
Walk slowly and trim as close to the fence line as possible. Go over the area multiple times if you need to. Trim one side of the fence first, then the other. After you’ve trimmed both sides, there may still be long grass directly under the chain link fence.
How to mow between fences?
- Place the fence away from the edge of the lawn.
- Run paving between the fence and lawn.
- If vegetation comes in contact with posts or structures, use Fence Armor’s Post Guards to protect against damage.
- Install mowing borders and mulch around it.