Edging your lawn is one of the most effective jobs you can do to keep it looking neat and tidy. It not only provides a clean and professional-looking finish, but it also helps prevent grass from growing over the edges and onto sidewalks or driveways. But how often should you use an edger on your lawn to keep it looking great?
As a general rule, most lawns will need to be edged at least once a month during the growing season (typically late spring through early fall). This may vary depending on factors such as the size of your lawn, the type of grass you have, and what the adjoining features are.
In this article, I’ll explore how often you should edge your lawn, why it’s important, and how to do it like a pro. Not sure when to actually do your edging? Keep reading to find out the best way to work it out.
How Often Should You Edge Your Lawn?
Most experts agree that you should typically plan on edging the perimeter of your lawn once a month in most cases during the growing season (typically late spring through early fall). But there are a few factors that mean you may need to adjust this one way or the other:
Lawn Size – If you have a small lawn, you may only need to edge it once a month. Larger lawns will have more edges to work with so you may want to schedule areas for different weeks so you’re not doing it all at once.
Type of Grass – Different types of grass grow at different rates. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia tend to grow faster than cool-season grasses like Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass. This means that lawns with warm-season grasses may need to be edged more frequently.
Foot Traffic – Lawns that get a lot of foot traffic, such as those in high-traffic areas or homes with children or pets, will need to be edged more often. This is because the constant trampling can cause the grass to grow over the edges and onto sidewalks or driveways more quickly.
Signs That Your Lawn Needs Edging
Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether your lawn needs edging or not. Here are some signs to look out for that indicate it’s time to bring out the edger:
Overgrown grass at the edges: If you notice that the grass at the edges of your lawn is growing over onto sidewalks or driveways, it’s time to do some edging.
Uneven edges: If your lawn edges look uneven or ragged, it’s a sign that they need to be trimmed with an edger to create a clean, straight line.
Damage to sidewalks or driveways: If you notice that the grass at the edges of your lawn is starting to damage your sidewalks or driveways, it’s a sign that it’s time to do some edging to prevent further problems.
Muddy edges: If your lawn edges are muddy or waterlogged, it’s a sign that the grass is growing over the edges and trapping water. This can lead to further damage and should be addressed with regular edging.
The Importance Of Regular Lawn Edging
Edging is one of the simplest but most effective ways to keep your lawn looking well-maintained and loved. Without using a proper edger, your lawn can appear unkempt and messy, no matter how much you mow and water it.
But by creating a neat, defined edge between your lawn and sidewalks or driveways, you’ll give your lawn a professional, finished look that will make it the envy of the neighborhood.
However, edging isn’t just about aesthetics. It also serves an important practical purpose. Grass that grows over the edges and onto sidewalks or driveways can become a tripping hazard, especially for children or elderly individuals.
It can also damage these surfaces, leading to costly repairs down the road. By edging regularly, you can prevent this from happening and keep your lawn looking great at the same time.
Overall, edging your lawn is well worth it. I have written about its advantages previously in more detail here.
Adjusting Your Edging Schedule For Seasonal Changes
While the usual advice is to edge your lawn once a month during the growing season, it’s important to recognize that the changing seasons can affect the growth rate of your grass, and consequently, how often you’ll need to edge. Here are some ideas on how to adapt your lawn care routine to accommodate these changes:
Spring: During the spring months, growth tends to be more rapid due to increased rainfall and warmer temperatures. As a result, you may need to edge your lawn more frequently, perhaps every two to three weeks, to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
Summer: Grass growth typically slows down in the summer, especially in regions where temperatures can soar and rainfall is scarce. During this time, you may find that edging once a month is sufficient to keep your lawn looking well-maintained.
Fall: As temperatures begin to cool in the fall, the growth rate will slow down even further. However, it’s essential to continue edging your lawn during this time to prepare it for the winter months. Edging once a month should be sufficient during this season.
Winter: In most areas, grass will become dormant during the winter months, and edging may not be necessary. However, if you live in a region with mild winters and your grass continues to grow, you may still need to edge occasionally. Keep an eye on your lawn and edge as needed to maintain a clean appearance.
Final Thoughts
Edging your grass is a simple but essential task that can have a big impact on the overall look and health of your lawn. By doing this regularly, you will be able to maintain a clean, polished look that you can be proud of.
When deciding how often to get the edger out, remember to consider the size of your lawn, the type of grass you have, and the amount of foot traffic it receives to help figure it out.
Usually, you will find that edges need doing around once per month during the growing season. If you’re not sure, just keep an eye on the perimeter of your lawn and follow my tips to see when they might need tidying up.