There’s a serious point of pride in having the best yard in the neighborhood. It’s not just making sure the grass is a nice, thick mat of green. It’s also ensuring the borders and breaks between the yard, garden beds, walkways, and driveway look crisp and smooth. The best tool for this job is a lawn edger.
Lawn edgers are somewhat similar to string trimmers and lawn mowers in that they use spinning blades to cut grass. However, edgers’ blades are mounted vertically, and they’re designed to cut down into the soil, creating a cleaner edge between the grass and the area it abuts. This guide on choosing the best lawn edger will explain more and highlight some of our favorite options.
Our Top Picks
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How We Picked the Best Lawn Edgers
Lawn edgers are somewhat niche tools, as most homeowners simply use their string trimmer for the same task. Edgers work much better, but many homeowners don’t know much about them. So, we wanted to make sure that we suggested only the best edgers for lawns, that they were good quality and could get the job done.
First, we used our outdoor power equipment and lawn care experience to come up with the most important features that we thought an edger should have. Then, we compiled a list of the top-rated edgers that we thought could meet our criteria. Then, we compared them based on type, fuel source, capability, price, and more to determine if they provided enough value. Those that did make it onto our list of the best lawn edging tools.
The Overall Best Lawn Edger
Echo PE-225
Features
- Type: Gas-powered
- Cutting Depth: NA
- Cutting Width: 7.75 inches
Pros
- Features the brand’s i30 starter, making it easier to fire up
- Lightweight design for a gas-powered lawn edger makes for easy use
- Pro-grade 2-stroke engine has plenty of power for cleaning up lawn edges
Cons
- It might be too loud for some neighborhoods
Homeowners looking for the best overall lawn edger should take a look at the Echo PE225. This gas-powered model features a 2-stroke, 21.2 cc pro-grade engine. This engine gives it the power to cut through most overgrown grass, though it might be too loud for some neighborhood noise pacts (check your local regulations), but that might come with the territory for being the best power lawn edger.
The PE225 comes with a standard rectangular blade that measures 7.75 inches across. It also has a wheel that adjusts to control the edger’s depth, though Echo doesn’t clearly state what this model’s max cutting depth is. The PE225 also features the brand’s i30 starter, known for easy starts, and a throttle lock control to keep the engine running down long walkways without the user holding the trigger.
Price: $299
Best Gas Lawn Edger
Husqvarna 525ECS
Features
- Type: Gas-powered
- Cutting Depth: 2.5 inches
- Cutting Width: 7.5 inches
Pros
- Features Husqvarna’s X-Torq engine for energy efficiency and improved emissions
- Equipped with heavy-duty lawn edger head plus adjustable wheel for depth of cut adjustment
- Intuitive design like stand-alone starter and simple controls
Cons
- Blade height adjustment can be finicky and difficult to adjust in the field
Husqvarna’s 525ECS is our choice for the best gas edger. This stick-style model features a powerful 25.4 cc engine with Husqvarna’s X-Torq technology, which essentially improves fuel consumption and reduces emissions. And, it’s a 4-stroke engine so it should be quiet enough for most neighborhoods. It also has a sturdy rectangular blade meant for durability.
This model features an intuitive design that makes using and maintaining it simple. It features a stand-alone starter that users can easily access for servicing. It also has simple throttle and choke controls, as well as an easily accessible air filter that makes cleaning and changing it straightforward. There is one adjustment that isn’t quite as intuitive, and it’s the depth of cut adjustment—it can be finicky and hard to adjust in the field.
Price: $399.99
Best Battery Lawn Edger
DeWalt 60V Max Edger
Features
- Type: Battery-powered
- Cutting Depth: 2.5 inches
- Cutting Width: 7.5 inches
Pros
- Uses the brand’s 60V or 20V/60V Flexvolt batteries
- Lightweight design with powerful brushless motor
- Variable speed control allows users to extend their run time
Cons
- The 60V batteries aren’t nearly as popular as DeWalt’s 20V
When it comes to edging with a cordless electric edger, this model from DeWalt takes the cake. This lawn edger uses the brand’s 60V battery system or the 20V/670V FlexVolt batteries for power. Unfortunately, the 60V battery systems aren’t as popular as DeWalt’s other battery systems yet, but the FlexVolt batteries are gaining steam. It does utilize a 7.5-inch battery and its depth of cut maxes out at 2.5 inches.
This model features a lightweight design (it weighs just over 10 pounds before the battery). It also has a variable speed control setting that allows users to dial up to just the needed amount of power and extend their battery life if needed. And, since it’s electric, it’s relatively quiet and doesn’t produce emissions.
Price: $319
Best Inexpensive Lawn Edgers
Black and Decker Corded Edger/Trencher LE750
Features
- Type: Corded electric
- Cutting Depth: 1.5 inches
- Cutting Width: 2 inches
Pros
- It converts from an edger for cleaning up lawn edges to a trencher for irrigation or dog fence installation
- Three-position blade depth with toolless adjustments
- Drop-down edge guide for easily cutting against concrete or pavement
Cons
- It’s fairly heavy for a corded edger at more than 13 pounds
As one of the most affordable options on the list, the Black and Decker Corded Edger/Trencher is a good deal. This model features dual-purpose functionality, allowing users to switch from edging to trenching quickly and easily. It also features three cut depth adjustments with toolless adjustments.
This model features a 12-amp motor for plenty of power for smaller properties. It also has a drop-down guide that makes cutting alongside sidewalks and driveways easier and provides cleaner results. It is a little heavier than expected, weighing over 13 pounds, but the affordable price point and functionality might make up for that with most homeowners.
Price: $119
Best Corded Lawn Edger
Greenworks 12-Amp Corded Edger 27032
Features
- Type: Corded electric
- Cutting Depth: NA
- Cutting width: 7.5 inches
Pros
- 12-amp motor offers plenty of power for most small edging jobs
- Handle comes with a cord lock to prevent the cord from coming unplugged during use
- Simple depth of cut adjustment with a spring-loaded front wheel
Cons
- Serrated blade might not last as long as a rectangular blade
Greenworks knows how to build eco-friendly power equipment and the 12-amp corded edger doesn’t disappoint. This edger features a 7.5-inch serrated blade to cut through grass and sod. It also has a spring-loaded front wheel that also serves as the height adjustment for the depth of cut.
This model has some other interesting features. It has an adjustable handle that allows users to adjust the height for more comfortable use. It also has a cord lock built into the handle to secure the extension cord to the edger, preventing it from pulling loose. Our only complaint is the serrated blade—it’s likely not as durable as a rectangular blade.
Price: $79.99
Easiest Lawn Edger To Use
Worx Electric Lawn Edger WG896
Features
- Type: Corded electric
- Cutting Depth: 1.5 inches
- Cutting width: 7.5 inches
Pros
- Three easy height adjustment settings (1, 1.25, and 1.5 inches)
- Sidewalk guide to help it easily follow sidewalks and driveways
- It has an additional setting for trenching as well
Cons
- It’s one of the heavier corded models on the list
When it comes to ease of use, the Worx Edger and Trencher is a fan favorite. This model has some handy features that make it really easy to use, such as the sidewalk guide that flips down and allows users to guide it along concrete and asphalt surfaces. It also features 3-position height settings (1, 1.25, and 1.5 inches) to guide the 7.5-inch blade to the correct depth.
This model features a 12-amp motor, which gives it enough power for most small properties. The handle has an integrated cord lock that prevents the extension cord from falling out. It also has a setting to switch to trenching, allowing users to install dog fencing or irrigation systems quickly. Unfortunately, it is one of the heavier corded models on the list, weighing in around 14 pounds.
Price: $129
Best Walk Behind Lawn Edger
Earthquake Edger 41273
Features
- Type: Gas-powered walk-behind
- Cutting Depth: 3.5 inches
- Cutting Width: NA
Pros
- 79 cc gas engine provides plenty of cutting power for most applications
- Cutting head angles from 70 to 110 degrees for beveled cuts
- Easy to walk behind and maneuver thanks to the 4-wheel design
Cons
- Might be more machine than most homeowners need—better for pros and large properties
Anyone looking for a walk-behind edger that’s easy to maneuver should consider the walk-behind Earthquake Viper Edger. This model features a 79 cc gas-powered engine that provides plenty of power for the tri-tip steel blade to cut through most terrain. It also features cockpit-adjusted height settings between .5 and 3.5 inches so users can find their perfect setting. The throttle adjustment is also made from the cockpit, with bike-style handlebars and a simple squeeze trigger.
This model’s cutting head has adjustable angles that range between 70 and 110 degrees, allowing users to bevel their grass for a cleaner look or for cutting trenches. It might be more machine than most homeowners need, however, unless they’re a pro or have a large property. That said, it is easy to maneuver around thanks to the 4-wheel design.
Price: $399.99
Best Stick Lawn Edger
EGO Power+ 8-inch Edger ME0800
Features
- Type: Battery-powered
- Cutting Depth: 3 inches max
- Blade Type: 8 inches
Pros
- Deeper depth of cut than most other stick-style edgers
- Compatible with EGO Power+ Multi-Head system
- Edge guard makes riding along sidewalks and driveways safer and easier
Cons
- The 56V batteries are heavy and might make this edger an armful
The EGO Power+ 8-inch edger is a unique stick edger that homeowners might want to consider. First, it’s a cordless trimmer that uses the EGO 56V batteries. Second, the edger swaps out and can be replaced with a string trimmer or pole saw attachment, providing a lot of flexibility for those who invest in the other attachments.
This model has some major advantages over other edgers. It has an 8-inch blade that allows it to cut as deep as 3 inches. Its edge guard makes riding along sidewalks and driveways easier as well. It has a tool-less height adjustment wheel, and it comes with a standard rectangular blade for durability.
Price: $319
Best Commercial Lawn Edger
McLane 4G-7S Edger
Features
- Type: Gas-powered
- Cutting Width: 9 inches
Pros
- 4-horsepower Honda engine for power and reliability
- Wheels can be removed and the cutter can turn sideways to act as a trimmer
- All-steel chassis is powder coated for durability
Cons
- Likely too much for homeowners
Commercial property maintenance crews and landscapers will appreciate the McLane 4G-7S Edger. This model serves as a powerful lawn edger for cutting or trenching, but the cutting head can be rotated to a flat position and the front wheels can be removed to turn it into a trimmer, as well. Height adjustments are made from the cockpit and the throttle is handlebar mounted as well.
This model has a 4-horsepower Honda engine that’s not only powerful but also durable. The all-steel chassis is also built for durability, with powder coating to protect it against corrosion and chipping during heavy-duty use. The only drawback is that the McLane might be a little too much edger for most homeowners.
Price: $1,412.65
Most Lightweight Lawn Edger
Toro 51480 Trimmer/Edger
Features
- Type: Corded electric
- Cutting Depth: NA
- Cutting Width: 14 inches
Pros
- Switches from a string trimmer to an edger in no time
- Automatic string feed without bumping or manually installing string
- Lightweight design makes it very easy to handle
Cons
- Uses string to cut rather than an actual blade
The Toro 51480 Trimmer/Edger combo is a great choice for folks looking for an inexpensive edging option. Not only is this lightweight edger affordable, but it also pulls double duty as a string trimmer. It’s a corded electric model, which does require an extension cord but also makes it very light (just over 7.5 pounds).
This model switches from a string trimmer to an edge in seconds. As an edger, it has a wheel that helps guide it along hard surfaces, making it one of the best edgers for sidewalks. It does use string trimmer string instead of an edging blade, which makes it much less heavy-duty, but the string automatically feeds when the user presses the trigger to keep it at the ideal length.
Price: $64.99
Best Edger For Garden Beds
Ames Sawtooth Border Edger 2917200
Features
- Type: Manual
- Cutting Depth: 4.5 inches
- Cutting Width: 8.875
Pros
- Convenient handles and blade shoulders make using and controlling the edger easy
- Double-serrated blades will cut through grass and earth better than a smoother blade
- 15-gauge steel blade should be durable enough for most work
Cons
- Despite the design, manual edging can be a lot of work
Whether it’s to save money or space in the shed, or simply to encourage some physical labor, the Ames Sawtooth Border Edger manual edger is a solid choice. This model features a durable 15-gauge steel blade head. It also has a serrated profile to make cutting through grass and turf easier than with smooth models.
The Ames Sawtooth Border Edger features a footplate on each shoulder of the blade for easier power application. It also has rubber-coated handles for improved grip and comfort. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how great the design is, manual edging is still a lot of physical work.
Price: $31.99
Best Lawn Edger Buying Guide
There are a lot of things to know about choosing the best edging tool. The following are some of the most important points to consider.
Types of Lawn Edgers
Manual Lawn Edgers
Manual lawn edgers come in a few forms, but each requires the users to do most of the labor. Common types include rotary edgers, which are essentially spiky wheels on the end of wooden poles, and step or spade edgers, which operate similarly to shovels.
Gas-Powered Lawn Edgers
Gas-powered lawn edges have metal blades attached to a gas-powered engine. As the engine spins, it turns the blade at high speeds, which then cuts through the sod to leave a clean edge. These tools are powerful and work quickly, but they can be quite loud.
Electric Lawn Edgers
Electric lawn edgers work similarly to gas edgers, but their motors use electricity supplied by an extension cord or battery. In most cases, these models use plastic blades or strings. They’re lighter and quieter than gas edgers, but they’re typically less powerful.
Power Source Options
Corded Electric
Corded electric edgers plug into a standard extension cord, allowing the user to edge the grass as far as the cord can reach. These inexpensive lawn edgers require very little maintenance and are usually lightweight, but they can be inconvenient for large properties.
Cordless Battery-Powered
Cordless battery-powered edgers are lighter and easier to maneuver than gas-powered edgers, but don’t need an extension cord to operate. They have rechargeable batteries that users can charge between use and swap out when needed. They’re typically less powerful than the other options, but advancements in battery and motor tech are certainly blurring the lines, making these possibly the best electric lawn edgers of the future.
Gas-Powered
Gas-powered edgers use gasoline to power their engines. This makes them portable and powerful, though they’re often heavy and loud.
Cutting Depth and Width
Adjustable Cutting Depth
Many edgers have adjustable cutting depths. They typically range between 2 and 6 inches, but electric models may not reach that deep as they might not have the power to cut through the sod and roots that deep below the surface.
Blade Width Options
Blade cutting width really refers to the size of the cutting blade. So, if a blade is 8 inches wide, the tool has an 8-inch cutting width. Ultimately, the measurement is somewhat useful in determining how much the edger can cut at once, but this isn’t a metric that most manufacturers use to promote their product. Blade depth, which can also be a function of the blade size, matters more.
Price Range and Budget
Entry-Level Edgers
Entry-level edgers are meant to be accessible to homeowners who need to clean up small edges around their property. Generally speaking, one could purchase an entry-level edger for around $50 to $100. They’re almost all corded electric at this price point.
Mid-Range Options
Mid-range options are for larger residential properties or smaller commercial properties. They’re generally between $200 and $1,000, and you’ll find both gas-powered and battery-powered options in this price range.
Premium Lawn Edgers
Premium lawn edgers cost more than $1,000, and they’re usually for pros, stadiums, and commercial properties. They’re typically gas-powered, but more high-end manufacturers are building battery-powered lawn equipment, so more cordless electric options will likely be available.
Uses of Lawn Edgers
Lawn edgers are designed to clean up the edge between the yard or grass and other areas. Here are some common uses.
Proper Flower Bed Edging Technique
Lawn edgers can easily create a clean, crisp edge between grass and flower beds. Carefully running the blade between the yard and the mulch or hardscape materials will cut the lawn back and allow the garden to look its best.
Recommended Flower Bed Edging Tools
Other tools that users might consider for cleaning up along their flowerbeds are gardening forks and cultivators. Since the edger can’t do anything about the weeds growing in the bed, these tools can help remove them.
Defining Walkways and Driveways
Ensuring a Professional Finish
A lawn edge can create the perfect, professional finish between a driveway or sidewalk. They create clean, crisp lines that follow the contours of the pavement or concrete, presenting straight lines or smooth curves.
Safety Considerations for Walkway Edging
It’s important to be careful when edging concrete and stone walkways. Edges can strike these hard surfaces and their blades can break, sending shards flying. They can also damage the walkway and other materials. Be sure to go slow and use the edger’s guide for the best results.
Safety Considerations When Using a Lawn Edger
Essential Safety Gear
Three items are essential for protecting yourself while using a lawn edger. These items are safety glasses, hearing protection, and a sturdy pair of shoes or boots. These items will protect the user’s eyes from flying debris, hearing from the loud noise that edgers can create, and from slipping while using the edger.
It’s also a good idea to consider long pants and long sleeves to add protection against flying debris. Also, for those using a manual edger, a pair of work gloves will help prevent injuries.
Clearing the Work Area
Be sure to remove any obstacles before edging to prevent any accidents. Lawn ornaments, furniture, and children’s toys should be picked up and moved away from the edge of the lawn for easier cutting.
Avoiding Overreaching or Overexertion
Maintaining Proper Posture
Edging, particularly when done with a manual edger, can be hard on the back. Users should be careful to maintain proper posture and keep the tool close to their center of gravity to avoid injuries.
Avoiding Overexertion Injuries
It’s also a good idea to be careful about overexerting yourself when using lawn edging equipment. If it’s too hot, too cold, the edger is too heavy, or you simply feel it’s too much work, it’s a good idea to take frequent breaks or hire the project out to someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Edgers
Even with all of that information, there might still be some additional questions that need to be answered. The following questions are the most frequently asked about lawn edgers.
What Is the Best Type of Lawn Edger for My Needs?
For smaller properties (½-acre or under), electric and cordless lawn edgers are usually sufficient. But for larger properties, a higher-end battery-operated or gas-powered edger would be the best lawn edging tool for landscaping.
How Deep Should I Edge My Lawn?
Most experts recommend edging a lawn around 2 inches deep. This should cut the grass back and clean up the yard. However, for stubborn root systems, it may be necessary to cut deeper.
Can I Use a Lawn Edger on Sloped Terrain?
Yes, you can use a lawn edger on sloped terrain. Just be sure to keep firm footing and don’t overreach with the edger.
How Do I Maintain and Sharpen Lawn Edger Blades?
Lawn edger blades should typically be replaced rather than sharpened. Even if the blades are dull, they can still cut well. It’s when they become damaged that they need to be replaced.
Are There Any Eco-Friendly Lawn Edger Options?
There are corded electric and battery-powered lawn edger options available. These edgers have electric motors, making them the best grass edger for the environmentally-conscious homeowner.
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