Do you mow or edge first? Its a good question. There is no definitive answer to the long-standing dispute over which to do first regarding lawn care, edging, or mowing.
Some swear by edging first, arguing that it sets a tidy boundary for the rest of the lawn. Others believe that mowing first is the way to go, as it avoids the need to re-trim areas that may have been missed. So, which is the better approach?
As with most things in life, each strategy has pros and cons. In this article, Ill explore the arguments for and against both methods so you can decide which one is best for your lawn care routine.
Whether youre a seasoned pro or a newbie with a green thumb, this is a debate you do not want to miss.
When it comes to lawn care, one of the most common debates is whether you should edge or mow your lawn first. Both edging and mowing are important parts of lawn maintenance, but the order you do them in can have an impact on the end results. In this detailed guide, we’ll examine the pros and cons of edging first vs. mowing first, as well as provide tips on how to get the best results regardless of which task you start with.
What is Edging?
Edging involves using a specialized tool to create clean, defined borders along sidewalks, driveways, garden beds and other hardscapes in your yard. The purpose of edging is to prevent encroaching grass and weeds from growing over these boundaries. It gives your lawn a neat, polished look. Edging is typically done with a mechanical edger that uses a steel blade to cut a small trench along the edge. String trimmers fitted with an edging attachment can also be used.
What is Mowing?
Mowing simply refers to cutting the grass to an even height using a lawnmower. This should be done routinely throughout the growing season to maintain a uniform turfgrass length Mowing prevents the grass from becoming overgrown while encouraging dense, healthy new growth Rotary mowers with spinning blades are the most common type used by homeowners.
The Great Debate: Edge First vs. Mow First
The question of whether to edge or mow first is a topic of debate among lawn care enthusiasts. Here are the primary cases for each school of thought
The Case for Edging First
Proponents of edging first cite several benefits:
-
Creates a clean slate before mowing. With edges neatly trimmed, you can mow the rest of the lawn without worrying about missing straggly bits near borders.
-
Allows grass clippings to be contained. Edging first contains grass trimmings within the lawn area so they can be collected by the mower. Less mess along hardscapes.
-
Prevents damage to landscaping features. Well-defined edges minimize the risk of accidentally hitting obstacles with the mower.
-
Looks more uniform when done. Starting with crisp, clean edges gives the entire lawn a tidier appearance once mowing is complete.
The Case for Mowing First
Those who prefer mowing first also have compelling reasons:
-
Saves time. You aren’t wasting time carefully edging areas that will be trimmed again when mowing.
-
Avoids re-edging. Mowing first means you won’t have to re-edge spots you missed. The mower reaches any stragglers.
-
Allows easy debris cleanup. Mowing first lets the mower contain and collect any grass and weeds along the edges, leaving a clean surface.
-
Prevents grass buildup on edges. Starting with mowing prevents clippings from accumulating messily on sidewalks and driveways while edging.
Tips for Deciding Between Edging or Mowing First
When choosing your approach, there are a few factors to consider:
-
Lawn size – For larger yards, mowing first is often more practical. With smaller lawns, edging first may be more feasible.
-
Grass length – Letting the grass get too long before edging makes creating clean lines difficult. Mow first if growth is excessive.
-
Edge overgrowth – If edges are very overgrown, mow first to prevent clogging and mess from thick edging debris.
-
Weather conditions – Edging first can help reduce mowing time in hot, dry conditions where grass clippings are more likely to fly around.
-
Event timing – If preparing the lawn for an event, edging first may provide cleaner, more refined results.
No matter which method you choose, here are some general tips for success:
-
Use sharp mower blades for clean cutting and optimal mulching of clippings.
-
Adjust mower height periodically based on grass type, season and weather conditions.
-
When mowing, alternate direction each time to prevent lawn ruts and matting.
-
For edging, maintain bed edges at least 1″ away from any solid objects to prevent damage.
-
Edge along concrete edges or use a guide on the tool to keep lines straight.
-
Sweep or blow debris off hardscapes when finished to leave a pristine lawn.
Should You Edge Every Time You Mow?
Edging every single mowing session isn’t always necessary. Here are some signs it’s time to refresh the lawn edges:
-
Grass is encroaching onto sidewalks or other hardscapes.
-
Weeds are growing in edge areas, creating an uneven boundary.
-
Previously sharp edges are looking shaggy or rounded off.
-
Debris is collecting along the edges.
-
You can’t remember the last time you edged!
Aim to edge about every 2-3 mowings for average size, low-maintenance lawns. High traffic areas may need edging more frequently to keep the borders looking sharp.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the ideal lawn care order comes down to personal preference. Try alternating between edging first and mowing first to see which method you prefer. Pay attention to the weather, lawn condition and desired results to make the best choice each time you cut the grass. And remember that keeping mower blades sharp, switching mowing patterns and edging on occasion are key to maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn no matter which task you start with.
What is Edging, and What is Mowing?
Before I discuss the debate, its essential to understand what I mean by edging and mowing.
Mowing involves cutting the grass with a lawnmower, typically using a rotating blade to trim the grass to a consistent height.
Edging involves cutting the grass along the edges of the lawn. It creates a clear boundary between the grass and any sidewalks, driveways, or other landscaping features. Edging is usually done with a trimmer or edger, which can be electric or gas-powered.
Both edging and mowing are important components of lawn care, but the order in which you do them can make a big difference.
Benefits of Edging and Mowing
Also, lets take a quick look at the benefits of edging and mowing.
Mowing your lawn regularly is essential for maintaining healthy grass.
Trimming the tips of the grass blades ensures they grow thicker and stronger, which can help prevent weeds and other unwanted growth.
Mowing your lawn can help to distribute nutrients more evenly, as the clippings are collapsed and returned to the soil.
Meanwhile, edging helps create a clean and polished look for your lawn. Creating a clear boundary between the grass and other landscaping features gives your lawn a more defined and professional appearance.
Edging also prevents weed growth from deteriorating the quality of line trimming.
Edge or Mow First?
FAQ
Should you edge 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.
In what order should you do your lawn?
- Core aerate the lawn
- Throw down some lime. The test results recommended 50 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.
- Put down some pre-emergent (hello Tenacity!)
- Fertilize 5a. Overseed 5b. Cover bare spots with peat moss to help protect the seeds from the cruelties of the world
Should you line trim or mow first?
It’s best to edge and string trim first. Sometimes I also blow leaves and debris onto the lawn before mowing. The lawnmower cuts and sucks up everything as it goes leaving a nice clean yard.
Is it better to rake or mow first?
If it’s tall, I would rake it after that mow. After it’s short, I don’t rake it after mowing. I only rake it when it’s exceptionally long. The clumps can kill parts if it’s too thick. Short thin grass clippings can be good for the grass. If you stay on top of mowing after the first big mow, you shouldn’t need to rake.
Should you mow or edge your lawn first?
If you quite enjoy sweeping, then you would be free to mow first and enjoy a lengthy clean-up when both jobs are done. In contrast, if you prefer to edge your lawn first, then you should do so before mowing to ensure a clean edge along your lawn’s borders.
Should I mow or edging my lawn first?
There is no ‘right’ order when it comes to mowing and edging. It’s generally a good idea to mow first, as doing so cleans up the bulk of the lawn which can make it easier to see to edge the lawn afterward.
When should I edge my lawn?
You should edge your lawn each time you mow. To determine whether or not your lawn needs edging, simply assess its condition while you mow. If the grass is noticeably growing over adjacent surfaces (the driveway, sidewalk, flower bed, etc.), then you should edge.
Should You Mow the lawn first or use a sidewalk Edger?
Whether you choose to use the sidewalk edger first or mow the lawn first, there is no denying that there are benefits and drawbacks to both methods. Mowing the lawn first might make it easier to edge the sidewalk, but using the sidewalk edger first can help prevent grass clippings from being scattered on the sidewalk during mowing.
Should you trim or edge a lawn before mowing?
Most professional landscape gardeners recommend edging and trimming a lawn before mowing for a lovely finish. However, there is no definitive rule, and it ultimately depends on your preference.