Best Lawn Edger – Reviews and Buying Guide

If you’re like most homeowners, keeping your yard looking neat and tidy is a high priority. There’s nothing like a well-manicured lawn, but getting there can be hard work. And edging your lawn is one of the quickest and easiest ways to achieve that goal.

A good edger will give your lawn a crisp, clean look, making it the envy of the neighborhood. But with so many different models on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best lawn edgers available and help you find the perfect tool for creating those crisp, well-defined borders around your property. We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide to help you make the most informed decision possible. So read on to learn more information that will help you choose the right tool for the job!

What is a Lawn Edger?

A lawn edger is a tool that is designed to cut clean lines around gardens, sidewalks, and driveways, making it easy to trim the edges of your lawn without having to use a mower. It may be used on a variety of surfaces and includes settings that may adjust to the height of the grass, including tall grass.

It trims the grass through the use of a rotating blade that’s attached to a handle, or sometimes with a replaceable spade-like metal tool on the end. This tip is designed for cutting through grass and soil quickly and easily.

They also prevent damage caused by grass spreading to these areas. And, best of all, they give your yard’s boundary a clean, streamlined appearance.

Types of Lawn Edgers

There are many different types of lawn edgers available on the market, including both manual edgers that you use by hand and motorized models that are handheld or wheeled. We’ll cover each type in more detail below.

Manual

Manual Lawn Edgers are those that are completely powered by you, the operator. These generally fall into three categories, including Spade-Based, Rotary, and Shear Edgers.

Spade-Based Edgers

Spade-Based edgers, sometimes also known as Blade edgers, are the simplest type of lawn edgers available, and are likely the first type to have been used to edge a lawn.

The blade of a manual spade-based lawn edger is a half-moon shape, semicircular, and broad with an elongated handle that is used in a downward and rocking manner. It also sometimes has a flat top in order for the use to step on it and use their foot to force it into the dirt.

The blade is pushed into the lawn immediately next to and parallel to the hard boundary feature that borders your lawn (e.g. a driveway, sidewalk, paving stones, play area, hedges, etc.), removing any grass that is projecting over the boundary. Another name for this type of lawn edger is an edging iron.

Rotary Edgers

A Rotary edger resembles a stick with a spiked wheel at the end. The shaft is composed of a long wooden pole that connects to a cutting wheel. They function by rolling the cutting blade over the edge of the grass, applying pressure to it, and moving it along the lawn to trim through the projecting grass.

There are two distinct types of manual rotary-based lawn edgers. One type uses a solid steel cutting disc to cut the grass edge; the other uses two star-spoked wheels to shear it by cutting against each other. Both are driven by pushing a roller wheel over a hard surface near the grass border.

Shear Edgers

Shear edgers, or hand shears, comes in many different forms. You can use them with one hand, at ground level or with a long handle so you can stand up while using it.

Some models have adjustable handle lengths, and are operated with two hands, with the shearing blades positioned at a right angle so that the user may cut horizontally from a standing position.

Gas Powered

A motorized lawn edger can either be powered by electricity through a battery or outlet to mains power, or a gas engine. A gas-powered edger is powered by an internal combustion engine, which are either two stroke or four stroke engines. While 2-cylinder engines are more popular, they must be refueled and lubricated on a regular basis. They are far less ecologically friendly than 4-cycle engines, which run clean but cost more and are heavier.

Gas Powered edgers are typically a little more durable than electric models, and they can really shred tangled roots that build up along the curb. They are probably your best option if you have a large yard that needs a lot of work done to it, or if you are going to need a heavy-duty edger to get through tough weeds and hedges.

Electric

The other type of motorized edger is the Electric edger. These can be either cordless, and battery operated, or corded and plug into an outlet that runs electricity from your mains.

Electric edgers are lighter than the gas-powered models, but they also lack power in some cases when trying to cut through tougher grasses and weeds. They are also considerably better for the environment, in addition to being budget friendly.

You do however need to consider that corded edgers are limited by the lengths of their cords, so getting an extension cable is necessary, and battery-powered electric edgers are limited in their runtime by the battery charge they have. This limits the amount of space they can both operate in, but they are typically more than capable of covering a normal-sized lawn.

Can You Edge Your Lawn With a String Trimmer?

One of the main questions we get asked a lot is whether or not people can edge their yard using a string trimmer. In this scenario, you wouldn’t need to buy two pieces of lawn equipment, and can get by with just a string trimmer to do the job of both.

The answer is yes, it is certainly possible to use a string trimmer to edge your lawn. However, if you are really concerned with getting the appearance of your lawn border just right, an edger is a better option. It is designed to do exactly that, and will be easier to work with and give you a cleaner, more flush finish.

Furthermore, due to the fact that you must use a string trimmer at a different height and angle than they are designed for, edgers tend to be less intense and straining on your back and arms.

Lawn Edger Components

The majority of lawn edgers are made with a combination of a blade to trim the grass, a handle for the user to operate it, and wheels for the edger to move smoothly along the ground. However, different machines come with different types and configurations of these components.

Blade Type

Edger blades come in a variety of forms, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. A straight, no-frills blade can handle basic yards just fine, but an edger with several positions and angle settings could be a good investment if the lawn has many flower beds and unique features. There are three main blade types:

Most lawn edgers have flat, rectangular blades with plain edges can do basic edging work where the grass is flush and level with the next hard surface (such as a driveway or a sidewalk).

The perimeter of more delicate landscaping elements such as flower beds may be damaged by debris while rough cutting, so flat, rectangular blades with scoop-cut edges are used to carefully manage these features. These blades are also great for tackling uneven lawns and hard surfaces.

A pair of star-shaped blades is ideal for cutting yards with hard boundaries, such as lawns that end at a wall or a solid fence.

Shaft

Depending on the model of lawn edger, the shaft might be shorter or larger. Some edgers feature two handles to ease the burden of heavy engines, while other lighter models may have a single shaft for easier movement control. Search for an edger that is appropriate for your height and strength to reduce the strain put on your body when working on the lawn.

Wheels

A lightweight manual edging tool can be easily moved and carried by hand. However, the weight of a gas or electric engine demands three or four wheels to cover a property without putting strain on the operator. The rear wheels push the whole device forward, while a guide wheel maintains the blade is cutting in a straight line.

A fourth wheel – also called a curb wheel – is sometimes included with gas-powered lawn edgers to assist stabilize the edger when performing operations at a slight slope, such as where the grass meets the street. Three wheels are often adequate if you choose an electric lawn edger or if there aren’t many curbs to negotiate.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Lawn Edger

There are many considerations you need to take into account when shopping around for an edger. Here are a select few that are important, and can affect which model lawn edger you buy.

Yard Size

First, go outside and check the size of your lawn. If you only have a small yard, then a cordless electric lawn edger with two batteries is ideal, or a small corded model as well.

If you have a bigger space, however, it might prove more practical to go with a gas powered lawn edger. These will be more than suited for even the largest yards.

For very small lawns, or ones with not much edging that needs to be done, manual edgers will suffice just fine.

Cutting Width and Depth

The cutting width of a lawn edger is defined as the combined trimmer and edger tool’s cutting width, however it may also mean the actual breadth of the equipment. This might limit how close to tight turns or any areas restricted by fences, decks, patios, foliage, or even the home a lawn edger can get.

However, the depth of the edger blade is more significant, as it indicates the maximum distance the edger blade may penetrate into the earth. Corded electric, gas-powered, and battery-operated lawn edgers have a blade depth of about 2 to 6 inches on average. Therefore the blade can plunge into the dirt to cut and remove deep roots. Manual lawn edgers are often limited to a maximum depth of 2 to 4 inches, although this is still enough to chop through most root development.

Ease of Use

As mentioned above, the different types of lawn edger have different needs to attend to. A cordless electric edger is the easiest to use, but you have to be careful about the battery life – maybe preempt this by buying an extra battery.

A corded edger will last as long as you need it to, but the cord can be a pain to work around. Finally, a gas powered edger is strong and powerful, but is noisier and also needs to be topped up with both gas and oil on a regular basis.

Additional Features

Manufacturers may provide features above and beyond the basic edger product in order to improve the usefulness of the lawn edger and make it more attractive to users.

A two-in-one string trimmer and edger allows the user to pick between trimming the grass or edging the yard. These combined edging and trimming tools are ideal for small to medium yards, but a separate edging tool is recommended for homes with bigger yards.

Additional, adjustable handles can provide a second location for the user to grab the edger for better balance and control. To find a height that is most suitable for you, slide the auxiliary handle up or down the shaft until it is in the most comfortable position.

Extra accessories can include extension cords, extra batteries, and chargers, all of which may be included with the edger.

Cost

Lastly, but certainly not least in your mind, consider the price of the tool you’re looking to buy. A manual edger is usually a cheaper alternative to a more powerful engine-powered tool. Gas and electric models typically cost between $70 and $170, while manual edgers can be found for under $50.

If you’re specifically looking for a motorized lawn edger, an electric one is typically cheaper than a gas powered one, and will cost less in repairs down the line as well.

Safety Considerations

As with all work in your lawn and garden, safety is paramount when using an edger, because it is a powerful tool with a sharp blade. Make sure that the edger has an appropriate safety mechanism for the equipment.

Look for an edger with a debris guard. These are placed at the rear of the edger and prevent grass, dirt, and rocks from being kicked back into the user’s feet and legs. Even with a guard, some debris may get through, so workers should always wear safety glasses, long pants, and closed-toe shoes while working.

Additionally, a trigger lock is a simple function that keeps the trigger locked unless the trigger lock switch is pressed and prevents the edger from being turned on by accident.

Finally, look for a padded handle and grip. Vibration reduction is aided by adding cushioned grips on the edger’s shaft and handle. Vibrations can cause tiredness and strained muscles, but the padding protects the user’s hands and makes it easier to grip and control the edger.

Reviews For The Top 8 Lawn Edgers

#1. Greenworks Pro ED80L00 Brushless Edger

The Greenworks Pro ED80L00 Brushless Edger is the highest rated lawn edger on our list. This lightweight 12.1-pound battery-powered lawn edger is easy to transport, control, and use, as it comes with an adjustable auxiliary handle that may be adjusted up or down the tool’s shaft to fit the user comfortably.

It features a trigger lock to ensure that the edger does not start up inadvertently. The flat, rectangular cutting blade is 8 inches and is ideal for most edging projects, with a maximum cutting depth of 4 inches.

The Greenworks cordless lawn edger has a run time of up to 60 minutes on the included 80-volt lithium-ion battery before it needs to be recharged. It doesn’t come with a spare battery, but there is a charger and an onboard battery life indicator so users can monitor the remaining charge in use.

The 80-volt battery adds quite a bit of additional cost, but it performs as well if not better than comparable gas powered lawn edgers. The handles also have a cushioned over-mold grip that provides greater stability and comfort.

#2. WORX WG163.8 PowerShare Cordless String Trimmer & Edger

The WORX WG163.8 PowerShare Cordless String Trimmer & Edger is another great cordless lawn edger that works as a 2-in-1 tool to both string trim and edge your lawn. The trimmer and edger are easy to switch between, and requires no extra equipment, so you can do it in seconds and be ready for whatever garden work needs to be done.

The WORX PowerShare has a quick release lever for rapid telescopic height adjustments and a 90-degree turning shaft, making it extremely easy to use and able to reach around and under hedges, shrubbery, and other landscaping obstacles. It comes with a 20V battery and charger, but all outdoor WORX products use the same battery so you can swap one from your old equipment, giving you two or more working batteries to use.

#3. Ryobi P2300A ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Edger

The Ryobi P2300A ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Edger is another great option for those looking for a battery-operated lawn edger to use in their garden and backyard. Like the WORX product above, Ryobi offers the same batteries across their whole line of outdoor tools, meaning if you already have any in your garage you can use the battery for this edger. This could be helpful if you have a larger lawn, since the 18-volt lithium-ion battery is powerful but doesn’t last for a whole lawn’s use.

With its 9-inch edging blade that can be adjusted to four different depths, you’ll get a nice, clean cut every time. The front and rear wheels ensure you have excellent balance as you do your trimming. It’s lightweight and simple to control, thus it may be a better alternative for those who don’t want to use heavier equipment. And it comes with a 3-year limited warranty, so if you are not fully satisfied with your edging work you can simply trade it back in.

#4. Greenworks 27032 12-Amp Electric Edger

Next on our list of the 8 best lawn edgers, and our highest rated corded electric edger, is the Greenworks 27032 12-Amp Electric Edger. With this corded edger you won’t ever have to worry about running out of gas or battery power, and it comes with an integrated cord-lock system, so you don’t have to worry about the cord getting in your way as you work on your yard or any accidental disconnections.

The 12-amp electric motor provides enough power to handle any of the obstacles and rough patches in your lawn, and the 7.5 inch double edged blade is more robust than comparable models and doesn’t wear out as fast. Additional user comfort and control is provided by the adjustable auxiliary handle, and the spring assisted front wheel also means you can adjust the blade depth to suit your lawn needs.

#5. Craftsman E405 Grass Lawn Edger

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The Craftsman E405 Grass Lawn Edger is our top gas powered model on this list, if that is what you are looking to use around the edge of your lawn. For a gasoline model, it boasts a 4-cycle engine that is both powerful and quiet, as well as less vibration than other gas powered machines. And there’s no need to fiddle with combining your gas and oil since it’ll handle it for you.

This model is designed primarily for residential and home use, so it shouldn’t be used in a commercial capacity, although it is likely the most powerful tool we have on our list. It’s also small and light, weighing in at under 30 pounds, and it comes with a 2-year limited guarantee.

It includes a comfortable ergonomic handle with throttle and idle controls mounted on it. Its 9-inch steel blade makes quick work of your edging, and it can be set to six different edging depths, although the maximum depth is 1 3/4 inches so it’s not as deep as other products listed.

#6. BLACK+DECKER LE760FFAM 2-in-1 Edger, String Trimmer, and Trencher

The BLACK+DECKER LE760FFAM 2-in-1 Edger, String Trimmer, and Trencher is capable of changing between its edger form and its trencher form in a matter of seconds, so you can create trenches in your back garden with ease.

The lawn edger from BLACK+DECKER has a 12-amp electric engine that produces no emissions and is useful for installing outdoor lighting, fencing, or when planting bushes and trees. You can set it to one of three different cutting depths, with a maximum depth of 3.75 inches available.

It also includes a built-in cord retention system that keeps the extension cord in place to prevent people from tripping over it, as well as an edging guide for making clean cuts around hard surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, paving stones, and patios.

This Black & Decker edger follows paved edges around irregular landscape beds and straightaways. It also cuts through thick plant roots and hard surface roots for a smooth lawn edge every time. All this, and it only weighs 12.4 pounds, so you can maneuver it with ease.

#7. WORX WG896 12 Amp 7.5″ Electric Lawn Edger & Trencher

Another highly rated edger/trencher is the WORX WG896 12 Amp 7.5″ Electric Lawn Edger & Trencher. It is an electric model, but powered like a gas edger. The 7.5″ blade spins at a rapid 4700 revolutions per minute due to the 12 Amp motor, generating professional-looking strokes and edges. It has 3 cutting depth adjustments, between 1 inch and 1.5 inches.

One cool feature about the WORX WG896 is the cutting line indicator. You won’t ever again trim anything you don’t mean to, as this line shows you exactly where you want to go and keeps you as close to the border of your grass as possible. It also boasts an adjustable shaft and D-grip handle, so gardeners of any height can adjust it to a comfortable position and length that works best for them.

#8. AMES 2917200 Saw-Tooth Border Edger

The AMES 2917200 Saw-Tooth Border Edger is the best, and only, manual edger listed here. It is an incredibly effective tool though – the saw teeth on the serrated blade edge means you can cut through denser and more compacted sod and break through hard-to-cut roots as well.

It is a well-crafted piece of equipment. The t-bar grip and the handle are both made from steel, and the blade is serrated 15-gauge steel as well. It works well both in curves as well as straight lines, and the foothold on both sides means a more consistent cutting depth.

Final Thoughts

Having a well-trimmed lawn is one of the best ways to make your home look beautiful. However, most people don’t know how to trim their own lawn and prefer hiring professionals for this task.

This can be costly and time consuming as you have to locate a professional landscaping company that is available at the given day or time. If you’re tired of paying high prices for yard maintenance services, it’s worth investing in a good quality lawn edger so you can maintain your property yourself.

We hope you’ve found our blog post helpful and that we have provided some valuable insights into the best lawn edgers, including some of the top manual and motorized models on the market. Our top recommendation is the Greenworks Pro ED80L00 Brushless Edger; for the majority of homeowners this would be the ideal lawn edger.

Remember to take your yard size, power source, blade type, and cutting width/depth all into consideration before making a purchase. Contact us if you want help picking out one based on our reviews below. Happy gardening!