Home Garden

How to Use a Handheld Lawn Edger

Use a handheld lawn edger to create a professionally manicured lawn appearance. Edge the lawn after mowing the grass; it is not necessary, however, to edge as often as you mow. When you use a lawn edger too often, the grass can become weak and brittle. Use a lawn edger along sidewalks, driveways and gardens. Avoid using a handheld lawn edger on wet grass. This could damage the edger while giving your lawn a less than perfect edge.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clear the area. Remove any rocks or branches from the area to avoid damage to the lawn edger.

    • 2

      Adjust the depth setting of the lawn edger blade. Set the blade depth to cut 1/2 inch below the concrete. Avoid cutting deeper than 1 inch. A deep cut could be a safety hazard.

    • 3

      Put on safety equipment. Wear safety gloves to prevent blisters. Use safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Wear socks and proper footwear.

    • 4

      Place the lawn edger in an upright position.

    • 5

      Turn the power on. Position the lawn edger at the corner edge of the lawn, between the grass and concrete. Place the lawn edger's guide wheel against the concrete surface.

    • 6

      Push the lawn edger forward. Apply pressure and push the lawn edger in a straight line, as you walk along the perimeter of the lawn. Keep the lawn edger's wheel guide against the concrete surface, as you walk. Use slow, smooth movements.

    • 7

      Follow the perimeter of the lawn. Stay close to the concrete to create a straight line. Avoid edging too far away from the concrete. This will cause gaps in the lawn.