OK, so we all know about the efforts to maintain a lush lawn. You might hate the process, but if you are consistent with your routine and do things the way you are supposed to, you shouldn’t encounter problems.
And the satisfaction of getting to your house and enjoying a brilliant green, healthy lawn is incomparable. After all, the yard is the first thing you see when getting to a property. And seeing it tidy and lush should make you feel proud of yourself: all those hours spent on your lawn are giving fruits!
Maintaining a lawn involves following a consistent watering schedule, fertilizing it, keeping weeds (and pests) at bay, and (of course) mowing it at least once per week.
Keeping a consistent schedule means ensuring your lawn grows healthy, reducing the risk of pests, diseases, and weeds, and maintaining your property attractive. So, it is a good idea to put some effort into learning how to do it properly. But is it better to mow or edge first? And does the question matter?
You are in the right place to clear up any doubt you might have on the subject. Indeed, it seems challenging to find information on these questions. People seem to have contradictory opinions about them. But, don’t worry: we are here to help you!
Mow or Edge First? What You Should Know
Let’s get things straight: the truth is that whether you mow or edge first won’t affect the health of your lawn. However, it will impact its aesthetic appeal. So, the answer to this question is that what you should do first depends on your preference (and how much time you have at your disposal).
If you keep your turf to a low height and mow it frequently (we are talking about more than once a week), you are probably better off cutting it first.
Under such circumstances, edging can be the finisher. Plus, mowing first will allow you to see what’s left and be more accurate with edging.
Cutting the grass will lead to neater edges and might take more effort, but it will be worth it. However, it also means that you’ll have to remove extra grass clippings once you finish.
But if you don’t have much time to spend in your garden and only mow your grass weekly during the growing season, you should consider trimming the edges before cutting your lawn.
It will give you a better finishing touch. Also, it will decrease the amount of work for yourself and make it easier to maneuver your equipment in the yard while ensuring a uniform cut.
Indeed, edging your turf with a lawn edger or bed redefiner before mowing will make your lawnmower suck up most clippings afterward and deposit them in the grass. So the clean-up will be less messy.
But the principal reason why so many gardeners prefer this method is that it prevents damaging trees, shrubs, and other plants. In the end, you will complete the task of mowing in less time.
To keep it simple, you can start with edging, follow it by blowing (to clean up some of the mess), mowing, and whipping. If you are good at maintaining your grass healthy, you should encounter no issues following these steps.
But if you have waited long enough to allow the grass to creep into the flowerbeds, paths, and paving, you might have to spend more time thinking about your strategy.
You might even need a half-moon tool and lawn edging shears to remove all the grass into those areas. Make sure you adapt your mowing schedule to your lawn’s conditions.
Is It Better To Mow Or Edge First: The Bottom Line
The truth is that there isn’t a definite answer regarding what’s better for your lawn. It all depends on its conditions and your preference.
Some people like to trim the edges first to save time in the cleaning phase and have a clear view when mowing. Wear safety glasses when mowing your lawn: edgers have sharp metal blades that spin waste, twigs, and even rocks at high speed.
It is not uncommon to get hit by flying debris when cutting the grass, but you must protect your eyes to avoid injury. Also keep children and pets out of the way.
Plus, don’t forget that you don’t have to edge your grass every week, but you should do it with enough frequency.
And finally, avoid cutting your grass too deep: you might stress it too much and prevent it from growing back.
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