Best Lawn Edger to Keep Crisp Landscapes

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Every homeowner wants their gardens and lawns to look their best all year long. Unfortunately, edging isn't particularly the most popular lawn care job, which is why you need the right tool to take the headache out of the task. The best lawn edger helps you give your garden a perfectly manicured finish while also making the task a breeze.

What makes a power lawn edger well-suited to the job? Power lawn edgers come with vertical spinning metal blades that cut and trim grass and foliage. This feature allows the tool to access what would be hard-to-reach spots, particularly along the edges. Therefore, you end up with impeccably landscaped lines on your lawn, sidewalks, walkway, driveway or even garden beds.

Types of Lawn Edgers

There are plenty of options to choose from when you're looking for the best lawn edger. As such, it's important to look into the different types of lawn edgers to narrow down to the best fit for your individual garden needs. Lawn edgers come in two main categories, mainly based on the power source:

1. Manual Edgers

A manual lawn edger is entirely powered by the user.

a). Rotary Edgers

These come with a long wooden shaft that's attached to a cutting wheel, resembling a pole with a spiked wheel on one end. Rotary edgers run by applying manual pressure to the cutting wheel while rolling it along the edges to cut and trim the overextended turf.

b). Spade Edgers

These look like a shallow spade that has a sharpened edge. Spade edgers work by lining up the bottom of the spade edger with the overgrown turf, then stepping down on the flat surface at the top of the blade to cut through the turf.

c). Shear Edgers

These handheld edgers are built to clean up small pieces of turf or make cuts in narrow corners inaccessible with other edging tools.

2. Motorized Edgers

Manual lawn edgers are evidently quite intensive on manual effort and physical endurance. As such, the best lawn edgers are typically motorized to make the work significantly easier and more efficient. Just as important, a wheeled edger also offers plenty of efficiency and convenience.

a). Electric Edgers

These are either battery-powered (cordless) or connected to an electrical outlet (corded). Electric lawn edgers tend to be more budget-friendly and more suited to small lawns.

b). Gas-Powered Edgers

Gas-powered lawn edgers have more power, which makes them perfect for big lawns that need more work. These edgers can do most of the work, but they are expensive and heavy; with the help of different technologies, you can do various tasks, but they are not good for the environment.

Best Lawn Edgers

1. BLACK+DECKER 12 Amp 2-in-1 Landscape Edger and Trencher

BLACK+DECKER 12 Amp 2-in-1 Landscape Edger and...
  • HEAVY DUTY EDGER AND TRENCHER - High- torque, 12 Amp electric...
  • TWO-IN-ONE TOOL - Easily converts from edger to trencher in...
  • MAXIMUM CONTROL - Three-position blade depth adjustments and...
  • EASY OPERATION - Right or left-handed assist for added...
  • BUILT FOR VERSATILITY - 7-1⁄2 in. blade with 3/16 in. thickness...

BLACK+DECKER has a robust reputation when it comes to power tools, hence it's no surprise they also produce some of the best lawn edgers. The BLACK+DECKER 12 Amp is a great choice if you have a small-sized garden that needs a quick trim. Plus, this versatile gardening tool can also double as a trencher when you need to dig clean-looking trenches.

It comes with a powerful 12 amp 2 1/4 HP motor that delivers an incredible 150 in-lbs of torque, strong enough for cutting through tough grass. Its 7 1/2-inch blade is 3/16 inches thick, meaning this solid lawn edger delivers clean and tidy cutting action, even when you're edging along hard surfaces such as driveways. Furthermore, the 3-position adjustable blade depth offers greater control over how deep you want to cut in and around the garden bed and trees.

The BLACK+DECKER edger & trencher is also incredibly lightweight and pretty easy to use. One thing that also stands out is the Left or Right Handed Assist Handle, designed to offer more flexibility for maneuvering in tight spots. In fact, this is arguably one of the easiest to use lawn edgers you could ever get your hands on.

Pros:

  • Suitable for small yards
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Multifunctional
  • Great cutting action
  • Quite powerful

Cons:

  • Not suited to heavy-duty edging
  • Hard to use on shape curves and thick grass

2. Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer / Edger

Sale
Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer / Edger...
  • 40V Lithium-Ion - One battery powers over 75+ Greenworks 40V...
  • 13” TRIMMER / EDGER (2-IN-1) – Converts from trimmer to edger...
  • 90° PIVOTING HEAD - Trimmer head rotates 90° so you can trim...
  • TELESCOPING SHAFT – Durable aluminum telescoping shaft adjusts...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT – Ultra lightweight design, along with superior...

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly lawn tool, the Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer/Edger is an amazing that offers both power and convenience for maintaining your yard.

We have used the Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger, and its user-friendly features make it a standout choice for small to medium-sized lawns.

What impressed us the most was its versatility. Switching between trimming and edging, this edger is seamless. Amazingly, the 40V battery provides enough power for typical lawn maintenance, and its compatibility with other Greenworks tools is a bonus for those invested in the brand.

The only downside is that the 13-inch cutting path makes it less efficient for covering larger areas, and while it’s capable of handling moderate vegetation, it’s not built for heavy-duty tasks. Having a backup battery can help if you’re tackling more extensive jobs.

Overall, the Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer/Edger is an excellent eco-friendly choice for homeowners seeking an easy-to-use, dual-function tool for keeping their yards tidy and well-maintained.

Pros:

  • Ideal for small yards
  • Great value for money
  • Solid build
  • Easy to control and maneuver

Cons:

  • Not suited to cutting overgrown grass

3. Mayoki Cordless Lawn Edger

Sale
Mayoki Cordless Lawn Edger Compatible with Dewalt 20V...
  • HEAVY-DUTY EDGER & TRENCHER: Equipped with a robust motor...
  • EFFORTLESS TO USE: The handheld grass edger with a body weight of...
  • ADJUSTABLE EDGING DEPTH: Featured with 3-position blade depth...
  • MAINTENANCE FREE: The edger works with no gas, no oil, and no...
  • RELIABLE SERVICE: The edger lawn tool comes with 5-year warranty...

Mayoki Cordless Lawn Edger is an upgraded lawn maintenance tool that has more features than the normal lawn edgers that are used for many different tasks. This lawn edger can do most of the work with a Dewalt 20V Max Battery that gives high-quality performance for your lawn maintenance needs.

This lawn edger really caught the limelight during testing when people started using it for different lawn tasks. Many of those tasks contain many features and different patterns, which are produced from 3-in-1 functionality, which helps in edging, trenching, and trimming work. Today, such tools are created for homeowners, and initially, they were used for routine maintenance, but now they are used for professional work, too.

These tools convey many things, such as cordless convenience and also natural elements like adjustable cutting depth, which symbolize good maintenance. This tool has some limitations, which are separate battery purchases and extra battery needs. All of these types have different ways of working. Different features are used, and with the help of these features, they make very beautiful lawn edges that are very useful for landscaping work.

Today, you find Mayoki Cordless Lawn Edger working on things like routine upkeep and moderate tasks and, as such, can come in handy in the current world.

Pros:

  • Ideal for medium-to-large-sized yards
  • Easy to start
  • Solid machine
  • Very powerful
  • CARB compliant

Cons:

  • Quite heavy
  • The throttle cable comes off sometimes.

4. CRAFTSMAN 20V Edger Lawn Tool

Sale
CRAFTSMAN 20V Edger Lawn Tool, Cordless Trencher, Bare...
  • Powerful, cordless convenience: 2. 0ah battery designed to...
  • Seamless mobility: lightweight 8 lbs. Design allows you to easily...
  • Cut with confidence: integrated edge guide allows for a smooth...
  • VERSATRACK compatibility: use the integrated hook to hang this...
  • V20* platform compatibility: battery works with all CRAFTSMAN...

CRAFTSMAN 20V Edger Lawn Tool is an upgraded lawn maintenance tool that has more features than the normal tools that are used for many different tasks. This edger can do most of the work. For example, a good edger can give high-quality edges; with the help of different features, you can do various tasks like making clean edges on pathways and driveways and also make beautiful garden beds of your favourite design.

Some of the common features they include are cordless design, ergonomic handles from different parts, and various adjustments known as blade depth settings. This tool really caught the attention during testing when people started using it for lawn maintenance when there was a need for precise edges.

Many limitations include battery life issues and different patterns that are produced by a single-purpose nature. Today, such tools are created for specific tasks, and initially, they were used for edge maintenance, but now, additional tools are needed for trimming, too.

This edger, according to our testing, is extremely crucial for homeowners, and this proves just how important proper edge maintenance is and how they sustain lawn care traditions.

Pros:

  • Ideal for small-to-medium-sized yards
  • Powerful
  • Quick, precise cuts, plus crisp, clean lines
  • Adjustable blade depth settings allow for precise edging based on your lawn’s needs.
  • Durable construction ensures it can handle regular lawn maintenance tasks effectively.

Cons:

  • Battery runtime may be limited for larger yards

5. Worx String Trimmer Cordless GT3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Edger & Weed Trimmer

Sale
WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Cordless String...
  • [TRIMMER & EDGER 2-in-1] Easily converts from a string trimmer to...
  • [INSTANT LINE FEED] Innovative push button Command Feed spool...
  • [DO IT ALL WITH THE SAME BATTERY] Worx Power Share is compatible...
  • [BATTERIES INCLUDED] 2 powerful and lightweight 20V Power Share...
  • [HEAD TILTS 90°] So you can trim and edge on sloped terrain, and...

Worx String Trimmer Cordless GT3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Edger & Weed Trimmer is a good tool that has more features than the normal trimmers that are used for many different tasks. This trimmer can do most of the work. For example, a good trimmer can provide high-quality maintenance; with the help of different features, you can do various tasks like trimming edges and pathways and also make beautiful designs for your favourite garden areas.

Testing of Worx String Trimmer GT3.0 shows many positive results for lawn work. These features make your work very easy by giving you different possibilities that help you complete your task. Some of the common features they include are an adjustable shaft and pivoting head from different angles, which are parts known as the PowerShare battery system.

This trimmer has some limitations, like battery runtime, which requires an extra battery for long work. Today, such trimmers are created for general maintenance, and initially, they work well for normal grass. Now, testing shows problems with thick grass, too.

In conclusion, Worx String Trimmer Cordless GT3.0, according to testing, is extremely crucial to lawn maintenance, and this proves just how innovative the design is and how it sustains gardening traditions.

Pros:

  • Ideal for small-to-medium-sized lawns
  • Adjustable space guard
  • Great battery life

Cons:

  • Not ideal for heavy-duty trimming tasks

Factors to Consider in the Best Lawn Edger

1. Power

Understanding the power potential of these tools is important to find a good lawn edger for your yard. Since manual lawn edgers are wholly powered by the user, let's look at the motorized options.

a). Electric (Corded) Edgers

Corded edgers are designed for small-sized gardens that require little maintenance. They are built to be lightweight and easy to operate even in tight spots. Plus, they are normally cheaper and rather friendly to the environment with no toxic emissions.

On top of that, most electric-powered edgers are usually plug-and-use. They are also particularly suited to suburban homes since they're fairly quiet in operation. The only significant downside is the limited portability since they have to stay plug into the power outlet.

b). Battery-Powered Edgers

If portability is important to you, then battery-powered edgers are the ideal option for you. They are better suited to medium-sized gardens since movement is not exactly restricted. More so, you don't have to worry about tripping over the cord or harming the environment with both noise and pollutants.

The only downside to a battery-powered edger is possibly limited runtime, which ultimately depends on the size of your lawn. However, you can get around this by having a second battery that you can use when the first one needs recharging.

c). Gas Edgers

A gas-powered lawn edger is normally the ideal option for medium-to-large-sized lawns. Generally, they are more powerful than their counterparts, run more smoothly and get things done quicker, more so with cleaner and more precise cuts. There are two types of gas edgers:

  • 4-cycle engines - are ideal for heavy-duty edging and are more friendly to the environment since you don't need to mix fuel. However, they are also heavier.
  • 2-cycle engines - require a mixture of fuel, hence more harmful to the environment, but are also lighter than 4-cycle engines.

On the flip side, gas-lawn edger will usually be more expensive, emits pollutants to the environment and is generally noisier than electric models.

2. Cutting Width & Depth

Proper lawn maintenance is all about the final cut. This means looking out for a lawn edger with a height adjustment capability and an adjustable blade, which allows you to tweak around the tool to suit your ideal height and cutting depths. Generally, a 2.5-inch cutting depth and a 7-9-inch blade are more than sufficient for most cutting tasks. These specs should be enough to allow the adjustable blade to plunge into the yard deep enough to remove even deep root systems.

3. Comfort & Ease of Use

Operating a lawn edger can be pretty tiring, especially if you're using a manual edger. That said, there are multiple factors in the best lawn edgers that can help make the work a whole lot easier, from the size of the shaft and weight of the machine to the expected runtime.

  • If you have a small yard, you would be better off with a lightweight edger, especially for tight corners.
  • If you have a large yard that probably needs a walk-behind lawn muti-wheel edger, then look out for a model with a wide handle or 2 levers for easier control and maneuvering.
  • You can also consider an edger with left or right-handed assist handles or adjustable shafts for easier access to the hard-to-reach spots in your garden.

4. Safety

Safety is always a key priority when it comes to power tools. Therefore, it would be prudent to go for a lawn edger with built-in features for safety while working. These would include trigger locks, debris guards and padded grips.

5. Extra Attachments

Some lawn edgers are multi-functional, coming as 2 or 3 tools in 1. Therefore, on top of operating as a basic lawn edger, they can also be used as a line trimmer or trencher with a quick change of attachments. Additional accessories would also include extension cords, chargers and extra batteries, particularly for an electric lawn edger.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Lawn Edgers

1. What should I use on the lawn after edging?

Cleaning a manicured lawn has more importance than normal cleaning that are used for many different works. Cleaning can do most of the work. For example, a good cleaning with a stiff brush can remove grass residue, and with the help of damp grass, you can do various tasks like removing debris easily.

2. When is the ideal time to edge my lawn?

Preferably when the soil is damp so that it's easier to maneuver the shovel.

3. Are lawn edgers noisy?

Electric edgers are typically less noisy than gas-powered models. However, it's worth considering that quieter doesn't always imply better. Say, if you needed more power to cut through heavy grass, a gas-powered edger would certainly be a better fit for the task than an electric edger. 

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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