Edging with a string trimmer is an efficient and professional way to give your lawn an even edge. Not only does it save money on lawn care costs, but string trimmers require proper use in order to be successful.

Before beginning to trim, make sure all your equipment is ready and the trimmer is running smoothly. Make sure it’s fueled (if it’s gas-powered), the line is attached, and there aren’t any obstacles in the way such as overhanging trees or tangled weeds. Furthermore, position the weed guard correctly so debris flies away from you and away from your hands.

Before you begin edging, be sure to create a path with either a garden hose or rope. This will serve as an accurate guideline for where your cuts should be made.

Additionally, you should wear safety goggles or glasses to shield your eyes from flying grass clippings and other debris, as well as hand protection in case you accidentally hit yourself in the face with the trimmer’s handle.

Once you’ve marked your path, use a string trimmer to follow it while keeping its head level. Some models of trimmers even feature an angle-changeable feature that helps create long or straight lines.

Use a technique known as “scything” when edging to avoid cutting too close to an obstacle. This is especially helpful when trimming over tall grass or an uneven area that makes it difficult for you to achieve a straight cut.

Scything is a technique that helps you maintain control of the string trimmer as you work along the edge, increasing its chances of cutting evenly. It’s especially helpful when edging to get an even edge on grass as it prevents the blades from scalping.

Another technique is to “screede.” This involves using a string trimmer to push weeds or grass up onto the pavement so they’re flush with the surface. This method works especially well when edging around grass that sprouts out of cracks in sidewalks or driveways.

Scroeding can be an effective technique when trimming around trees, shrubs and other tall objects that you cannot see or reach with your trimmer. Although this method may be difficult to execute when there’s thick foliage or an irregular shape present, it’s a worthwhile practice nonetheless.

It’s essential to take your time when screeding, as if you don’t take precautions it could pull up dirt and rocks that cause jagged edges on your lawn. For best results, work slowly and steadily with gloves on and a hat for extra safety.