Use An Edger Or Grass Trimmer For Edging?

[iCutGrass]

Hello, I'm thinking of getting an actual edger machine, but know several people who just use a weed whacker for the edging. Is it proper or ok to use a grass trimmer for edging? I've seen some skilled people with a whacker/trimmer do real well, but they have experience. I'm thinking for a rookie, like a newbie worker, it would be easier to just use an edger machine. ?? Then I'm also thinking an actual edger would be more consistent too. Is it just better to use an edger? If so, why? Why do you prefer an edger? What are the disadvantages of using a grass trimmer turned at an angle to edge? Thanks, iCutGrass

[Hedgemaster]

Lawn care business tips

I have a thread here titled "Edger-cate me" that I started a few weeks ago. Hopefully you get more answers than I did.

[Fisher]

Originally Posted by Hedgemaster

I have a thread here titled "Edger-cate me" that I started a few weeks ago.

Hopefully you get more answers than I did.

Looks like that just turned into a discussion about what equipment works better Hedgemaster.

My answer to the question for myself an the work I've seen of others that seem to do real well just using the trimmer is. It's not hard to edge and edge neatly with a string trimmer, as long as you have established a nice edge either manually with a stick edger or with a good edge machine.

I usually charge more fir establishing an edge, and even get some calls from those that maintain their own lawns and have an edger of their own to establish an edge for them. Without an established edge though the trimmer will get sloppy somewhere.

[jymie]

The first cut of the year should be done with a walk behind edger. You can rent one, then as the year goes by you can use either a stick edger, or a trimmer, but the trimmer is not as accurate as a stick edger.

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

I use a string trimmer with a twist head. I fabricated a wheel that locks to the shaft. I just push and go. I knew craftsman had a use.

[iCutGrass]

The replies are about what I expected thus far... except the ones about the first cut of the year. Makes sense. I figured I may open a small can o' worms because this may be one of those deals where it's a personal preference. None the less, I will get an edger. I may get away with a trimmer and if that's what other fellas use, that's cool. I figure my equipment are an investment and for the price of these edgers I've seen thus far, I think the small investment to be well worth it. Better that than try and teach a newbie to use a trimmer. LOL!

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SECTLANDSCAPING, You know, I was thinking about doing something similar... fashioning a deal that attaches to the shaft making it more consistent instead of letting the weight and pattern rest on my arms. Slick idea!

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Thanks y'all for the feedback. I thought if there was a solid only-one-way-it-should-be-done, I'd like to hear it, but looks like there's room for personal options.

Take care and nice to get a decent reply to this newby's first question!

iCutGrass

[bdlawncare]

I personally use a stick edger for all my hard edge areas curbs driveways ext and bed edgeing i use the weedeater. I found this makes more of a crisp edge on the curbs i have seen so many curbs and driveways where the edge is pulled away from the curb due to someone useing string trimmer to edge it. Now as of beds string trimmers are the way to go stick edger makes it look weird bc of the edger blade cutting into the dirt.

[afpettijohns]

If you have a hard to string edge lawn, say it's thick? use the hard edger. Mine has a 15 degree tilt to it so I will cut a beautiful edge and customers have noted my edging because it's not square. On the first cut to square it up, I use the edger but after that the string trimmer will keep it in place. Every once in a while, every 10th cut or so, I edge it again to give it that crisp look.

If you get good with your string trimmer you can go much faster and make a decent cut but that takes practice. I am learning quickly to train, train and train again a new person on lawns that don't matter much. The mow and blow lawns. Most customers are more than happy just to have it edged every time, it doesn't have to be perfect but the next door neighbor may notice there edge isn't as pretty as yours and call you.

[iCutGrass]

I usually take things to an extreme and also thought about getting good with a string trimmer. Glad to know it's a viable option. After looking around, I did find several edgers, so I'm doing my background studies!

Thank you for the replies. Every tidbit of knowledge helps this guy!

iCutGrass

[afpettijohns]

If your looking into edgers, please talk to me. I just seen a (I think) a tru-cut edger that has an extendable wheel-leg for curbing edges. That would be so sweet. The edger I have has to be held up or ran on the uneaven grass. Keep me informed.

Originally Posted by iCutGrass

I usually take things to an extreme and also thought about getting good with a string trimmer. Glad to know it's a viable option. After looking around, I did find several edgers, so I'm doing my background studies!

Thank you for the replies. Every tidbit of knowledge helps this guy!

iCutGrass