The Best Way to Cut Around a Pop-up Sprinkler

Line Trimmer Basics

• The best tool to use to cut around a pop-up sprinkler is a line trimmer. A typical pop-up sprinkler head extends 4 inches above grass so it can spray the area effectively with water. Consistent trimming around the sprinkler prevents its water spray from being blocked by dense grass. When grass is not trimmed around the pop-up sprinkler, the lawn suffers from being waterlogged in one area while remaining dry in other regions because the sprinkler's water cannot reach past the tall grass that surrounds it. A line trimmer consists of a handle, an attached shaft and a spinning, horizontal line extending from a motor. When activated, a line trimmer's line rotates rapidly, cutting through grass blades as directed by the tool's user. Wear protective gloves, shoes and eye protection to avoid injury from flying debris or machine malfunction while using a line trimmer.

Style and Line Type

• If you use a line trimmer mainly for grass maintenance around a pop-up sprinkler, then choose a model with a lightweight, curved shank. Compared to a professional-grade trimmer, such a model is a less inexpensive option, and a curved-shank line trimmer is simple to handle for small garden projects. The trimming line does not need to be extremely tough, such as those used on thick, woody plants. The line's tip should perform most of the grass cutting as you slowly move the trimmer around the pop-up sprinkler. Standard trimmer line comes in a spool, and a worn line can be replaced to provide the best cutting action.

Power Source

• Although a corded line trimmer plugs into an electrical outlet to provide a powerful cutting action, a simple trimming around a sprinkler does not require extensive power. Select a line trimmer with rechargeable batteries. After each session, you can recharge the batteries to be ready for the next trimming project.

Two Alternatives

• If you want to avoid grass growth around a pop-up sprinkler, then remove the grass around the sprinkler, and cover the bare soil with wood chips or another organic mulch. Then you can simply mow around the sprinkler's mulch. Using hand shears also is a viable alternative. Without harming the pop-up sprinkler's nozzle, carefully use the hand shears to cut grass around the pop-up sprinkler and produce a neat appearance.