A manicured lawn is the epitome of garden elegance, and achieving perfect edges is akin to framing a canvas, enhancing the overall beauty of your outdoor living space. Wynand Lombaard
Product & Pricing Specialist at Husqvarna South Africa says the trick to obtaining perfectly trimmed borders is to employ the correct trimming techniques. “These play a pivotal role in defining the boundaries of your lawn and creating clean lines that elevate its overall aesthetic appeal. From a practical standpoint, employing these techniques helps prevent the encroachment of weeds along the borders and curbs overgrowth,” he adds.
Lombaard shares his top techniques and tips to help you attain the desired effect of a well-groomed lawn:
1. Choosing the Right Tool
Selecting the right trimming tool to create a well-edged lawn is the first key to success. Trimmers are the unsung heroes that offer you the precision and control needed to create smooth edges. While various options are available, the trick is choosing the right one based on how much grooming your green space needs. Whether you choose a battery-powered or petrol trimmer, each one brings something special to the table, helping to keep those edges in check and even enabling the integration of stylish feature “barriers” like contemporary lawn edging stones.
2. Establishing a Guideline
Before diving into the trimming process, it’s crucial to establish a guideline for the edge. This can be done using a garden hose or a string to create a clear boundary that guides the trimming tool. A well-defined guideline ensures consistency and a straight edge.
3. Trimming Precision
Mastering the art of trimming involves adopting the right technique. Hold the trimmer at a slight angle, allowing the cutting blade to make clean contact with the grass. Move along the guideline with a steady and even pace, ensuring that the trimmer’s blade reaches just below the soil level for a crisp edge. Avoid sticking your trimmer too deeply into the soil; otherwise, the grass around the edges could die.
4. Edging Curved Borders
For lawns with curved borders, finesse is key. Use the trimmer to carefully follow the natural curve, maintaining a consistent distance from the guideline. Taking it slow and steady ensures a smoothly contoured edge that enhances the overall flow of the lawn.
Tips for Achieving a Perfect Lawn Edge
1. Regular Maintenance
Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a perfect lawn edge. Regular trimming, preferably every few weeks, prevents grass from encroaching onto pathways or flower beds, preserving the defined lines.
2. Mulching for Clean Edges
Applying a layer of mulch along the edge of the lawn not only adds a decorative touch but also helps prevent grass and weeds from invading the trimmed area. This creates a clean and well-defined edge that lasts longer.
3. Trimming at the Right Height
Adjust the trimming tool to the appropriate height based on the type of grass. Trimming too low can damage the grass while trimming too high may leave an uneven and untidy edge.
4. Seasonal Adjustments
Lawn edges may require different levels of attention depending on the season. Adjust the frequency of trimming during peak growth periods to ensure a consistently sharp edge.
“It is also extremely important to ensure that you wear safety glasses when operating a power tool to trim your edges as it can kick up stones and debris,” advises Lombaard, who concludes, “With the right knowledge, tools, techniques and a regular schedule, you can transform your lawn into a well-groomed outdoor space with perfect edges to offset its beauty.”
On the market for a trimmer? Visit https://www.husqvarna.com/za/ to view Husqvarna’s range of trimmers like the 525L and find the right tool for the job.
