If you have a yard or outside garden, maintaining them can become a chore. Thankfully, there are tools out there to give your outdoor space a professionally manicured look, and one of them is a lawn edger. A lawn edger meticulously trims the grass along the borders of your yard or flowerbed and typically in places a lawnmower cannot access. Our team has researched and identified the best lawn edgers you can buy, including the top choice -- the BLACK+DECKER Lawn Edger. This edger is easy to assemble, has an adjustable blade, and is ideal for left and right hands.
Our Top Picks For Lawn Edgers
The Best Lawn Edgers
Best Overall
Black & Decker is known for making quality products, and this edger is no exception. The trencher can handle tough roots and dirt without any problems. The Black & Decker LE750 2-in-1 Landscaper and Trencher comes with a powerful 12-amp, 2-1/4 horsepower motor that’s great for creating trenches and clearing overgrowth. It easily converts from edger to trencher, which is good for areas around flowerbeds, trees, and fencing. The adjustable blade depth allows you to control the cut and offers three positions. The left or right-handed assist handle allows for maximum flexibility and leverage.
This machine’s blade can be adjusted to three different depths, which is great if you need to make a shallow cut. As far as the edger goes, it produces straight lines, though you may have a little more trouble around curves. However, this is pretty common for any blade edger. This model is easy to operate and maneuver by both left- and right-handed users. This lawn edger requires no tools for assembly, and starting and stopping are straightforward. There’s built-in cord retention that keeps the extension cord secure during use. The main complaint is that the handle is at a low angle, making it a little awkward, especially for taller people. That being said, this is a very reliable, high-quality edger for the price, which is why it earns the top spot on our list.
Pros
- Can be assembled easily without tools
- Adjustable blade offers three different depths
- Has a left- or right-handed assist handle
Cons
- Handle can be low for tall users
Affordable Option
The LSTE523 Li-On Strong Trimmer is the second edger from Black & Decker on our list. This machine converts from a standard trimmer to a wheeled edger. It includes Power Drive Transmission for additional torque. The 2-speed control makes for added power and increases the runtime. The maximum initial battery voltage is 20 volts, whereas the nominal voltage is 18. The EASY FEED feature lets you advance the line by pushing a button instead of bumping. The micro-texture grip on the handle helps provide better control and comfort. It also has an adjustable handle to make operation easy for all users.
Ease of use is what this edger is all about. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. The 2-speed control means you can save power by taking it easy on light grass and kicking it up a notch when you need to tackle weeds and roots. The push-button line feeder makes for uninterrupted operation. You can easily adjust the handle to fit your height. Because it’s battery-powered, you don’t have to worry about dragging an extension cord behind you. However, you’ll need to keep an eye on your runtime. Some of the materials, such as the guard, are made of cheaper plastic and have a tendency to break. Some users have had trouble starting the edger after several months of use. Other than that, this machine runs well and provides a clean cut. If you want something efficient and easy to use after mowing your lawn, this is a good buy.
Pros
- Adjustable handle for all heights
- Dual-speed feature offers more control
- Soft micro-texture grip provides traction
- Cordless feature gives more freedom
Cons
- Harder to work on a bigger lawn
Easiest to Use
The AMES Saw-Tooth Border Edger with T-Grip is an essential tool for any landscaping job. This versatile edger is designed to cut straight or curved edges, making it ideal for achieving a finished look along driveways, lawns, and sidewalks. The serrated steel blade makes it easy to slice through grass and turf in one step, allowing you to create clean, defined lines. The edger also features a convenient footplate for added control and comfort during usage. It features a lightweight yet durable construction that can stand up to tough use and long-lasting wear. The blade dimensions provide ample size and power to get the job done right.
Whether you’re a professional landscaper or homeowner looking to spruce up their outdoor space, the AMES 2917200 Saw-Tooth Border Edger with T-Grip is perfect for creating neat, manicured lines around flower beds and other areas. Its ergonomic design is comfortable to use and its convenient T-grip handle provides superior control when cutting straight or curved edges. The robust blade will make sure your lines are crisp and sharp every time.
Pros
- Good weight and stands up to edging around concrete without damage
- Perfect depth for cutting through sod
- Teeth cup the grass roots cleanly and evenly
Cons
- May not cut through particularly thick grasses or roots effectively
Most Powerful
The WORX WG896 12 Amp 7.5″ Electric Lawn Edger & Trencher may be the perfect tool for homeowners looking to upgrade their landscaping. With a powerful 12 Amp motor and 7.5” blade spinning at 4700 revolutions per minute, this edger and trencher is capable of producing professional-grade results with ease. Users can choose from three various depths (1”, 1-1/4”, 1-1/2”) depending on their task and a cutting line indicator helps them stay on track for maximum accuracy. The adjustable shaft and D-grip handle allow users of any height to find a comfortable position, making this tool especially user-friendly.
The WORX WG896 is exceptionally reliable, with quality engineering that meets modern efficiency standards. This ensures not only results that are as good as the pros but also longevity, allowing you to build an effective and cost-efficient tool collection that will last. This is one of the most versatile and powerful edgers and trenchers on the market and is a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their landscaping needs.
Pros
- Powerful 12 amp engine
- Shoots debris away to keep area clean
- Can be used to trim close to Belgian block curbs
Cons
- Blade loosens easily if cutting through tough ground
The Perfect Lawn Edger for Your Yard: A Buying Guide
What To Look For When Evaluating the Best Lawn Edgers
When it comes to lawn edgers, what works for one person may be wrong for someone else. That’s why you need to consider your needs before shopping around. Afterward, you can look for edgers that only include the features you require. With so many lawn edgers on the market, your choices may start to seem overwhelming, but answering a few questions will help you weed out the lawn edgers that aren’t right for you.
One of the most important factors when considering a lawn edger is the size of your lawn. You’ll be using your edger around the perimeter of your home, up and down walkways, and cutting down overgrowth. If you live on a large piece of property, you’ll either need a gas lawn edger or one that runs on batteries. Dealing with an extension cord on a large lawn can become a huge headache. If you have a large yard, you’ll also want to go with a lightweight lawn edger to make the job easier on yourself. However, if you’re not dealing with a large area, an electric lawn edger should be fine and will save you money on gas.
You also need to think about the type of functionality you require from your lawn edger. Do you simply want to clean up the edges of your lawn, or do you need to clear overgrowth regularly? If that’s the case, you’ll need a lawn edger with a motor that can handle the workload. You’ll also be better off with a blade instead of an edging line. If you need to cut trenches, you’ll need to buy a stronger lawn edger that can accommodate that task. If all you need is some occasional, light edging, however, going with a lighter, affordable model makes more sense.
Shopping Guide for Lawn Edgers
You’ve decided what kind of edger you need and are ready to start shopping around. There are a lot of features available and a lot of price options when it comes to lawn edgers. Your best approach is to establish your budget first. This will make the process much easier. For the most part, electric models are more affordable. You can find some for under $100, although you’ll be compromising a bit on power and durability. Some gas lawn edgers can run as high as $1,000, luckily, you don’t always need something that expensive. Your goal is to strike a balance between affordability and functionality, so keep that in mind when looking for lawn edgers.
The type of engine a lawn edger uses has a lot to do with its performance. If you’re opting for an electric lawn edger, the engine type isn’t as important. However, battery or gas-powered lawn edgers will either have a 2 or 4-cycle engine, with 2 being more common. These engines are more powerful but are also heavier and tend to cost more. You’ll also need to mix gas and oil to use them. You should consider that gas-powered lawn edgers aren’t as environmentally friendly as battery-operated or electric lawn edgers.
Perhaps you’re interested in a manual edger. If so, check out this video by ACE Hardware on how to use a manual edger.
When deciding between blades and string, consider what you’ll be using your edger for. If you need to cut down overgrowth regularly, you’ll need to buy an edger with a blade. There are a few types of blades available. Flat blades are better for edging on level ground. Angled blades are better for edging around the perimeter of retaining walls or patios. If you’d prefer an edger that uses blades, you can change out the type you’re using depending on the job.
What Are the Benefits of a Lawn Edger?
Although you may dread the idea of having to edge your lawn every week during the summer months, it does great things for your yard. Using a high-quality edger will make your lawn look perfectly manicured. This boosts your home’s curb appeal. It’s also a much better environment for you and your family. Having a well-manicured yard is something you should be proud of, and doing the job yourself makes it that much more rewarding. Remember, an edger isn’t only effective around the perimeter of your lawn. It’s great for adding detail around flowerbeds, trees, retaining walls, and swimming pools.
Another huge benefit of investing in a good lawn edger is they’re very easy to use. They tend to require minimal assembly, and operating them is a breeze. When shopping around, some may look intimidating, but you’ll probably find they require no advanced skills to operate. This means anybody in your family can do the edging. In addition, most edgers are relatively safe to use. All you need is to wear safety glasses and use common sense, and you’ll be fine.
Modern lawn edgers are fast and efficient. This means you can perform professional-looking lawn maintenance in less than an hour. Years ago, edgers were temperamental and awkward to use. Today, however, manufacturers have figured out how to design them with speed and ease of use in mind. This means you can easily get your yard work done in one day. They also come with countless options, such as trenching and multiple depth settings. Many models on the market provide an all-in-one service.
People Also Asked
What should I use on my lawn after edging?
After edging your lawn, it's beneficial to apply a grass-safe herbicide or pre-emergent weed control to prevent weed growth in the newly exposed areas and maintain a clean and manicured appearance. Additionally, consider adding a layer of mulch or compost to nourish the soil and promote healthy grass growth.
Are lawn edgers noisy?
A battery-operated or electric lawn edger is generally quieter than a gas-powered lawn edger, but less noise isn't always better. Gas-powered lawn edgers are generally more powerful and can cut through heavy grass.
When is the best time to edge my lawn?
The best time to edge your lawn is during the growing season, typically in the spring or early summer, when grass is actively growing and recovering from winter dormancy. This allows for a cleaner cut and promotes healthy regrowth of grass along the edges.
