Edging Before Or After Mowing: What's the Best Order?

Oleh Sheryl Leffler May 26, 2023 Post a Comment

If you are a homeowner who wants to keep their lawn looking healthy and beautiful, you probably know that mowing is not enough. Edging is an essential step in lawn maintenance because it gives your lawn a neat and tidy look. But when should you edge your lawn - before or after mowing? It's a common question, and the answer isn't straightforward. In this post, we'll explore the pros and cons of edging before or after mowing and help you decide which one is best for your lawn.

1. Edging Before Mowing

Edging before mowing is a popular choice for many homeowners. The idea behind this method is to cut the edges of the lawn first and then mow the rest. Here are some advantages of edging before mowing:

It saves time: By cutting the edges first, you can save time because you won't have to go back and trim them later.
It makes mowing easier: Cutting the edges first makes it easier to maneuver the mower around the lawn without damaging the edges.
It defines the borders: Edging first helps define the borders of the lawn, making it easier to see where you need to mow.

However, there are also some disadvantages of edging before mowing:

It can be messy: Edging can create a mess, with grass clippings and debris flying all over the place. If you edge first, you may end up having to clean up twice.
It can leave gaps: Edging can sometimes leave small gaps between the lawn and the edging material. If you mow after edging, these gaps will be more noticeable.

2. Edging After Mowing

Edging after mowing is another popular method. With this approach, you mow the lawn first and then cut the edges. Here are some advantages of edging after mowing:

It's less messy: When you edge after mowing, the grass clippings and debris are already on the lawn, so there's less mess.
It ensures a uniform height: Mowing before edging ensures that the entire lawn is cut to the same height, which can make edging easier.
It prevents damage: If you accidentally hit the lawn with the edger, it's less likely to cause damage since the grass has already been cut.

However, there are also some disadvantages of edging after mowing:

It can be difficult: Edging after mowing can be more challenging because the grass is shorter, making it harder to see where the edges are.
It may require more cleanup: Since you're cutting the edges after mowing, you may end up having to clean up twice - once for the mowing and again for the edging.

3. The Best Approach: It Depends

So, which method is best? The answer is not straightforward because it depends on your lawn and personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

Lawn size: If you have a large lawn, edging first can save time and energy.
Edging material: Some edging materials, such as bricks or stones, may be better suited for edging after mowing.
Personal preference: Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Try both methods and see which one works best for you.

4. Tips for Edging Your Lawn

No matter when you decide to edge your lawn, here are some tips to help you get the best results:

Use the right tools: Make sure you have the right tools for the job. A good edger will make the process easier and give you better results.
Take it slow: Don't rush the process. Take your time and go slowly to ensure that you get clean, straight lines.
Be consistent: Try to maintain a consistent distance between the edger and the lawn for even, professional-looking edges.
Trim regularly: Keep your edges looking sharp by trimming them regularly.

Edging is an important part of lawn maintenance, but whether you do it before or after mowing is up to you. Consider the size of your lawn, the type of edging material, and your personal preferences to decide which approach is best for you. And remember, no matter when you edge your lawn, use the right tools and take your time for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. ¿Debo cortar los bordes antes o después de cortar el césped?

Depende. Cortar los bordes antes puede ahorrar tiempo y hacer que el corte del césped sea más fácil, pero también puede ser desordenado. Cortar los bordes después puede ser más limpio y asegurarse de una altura uniforme, pero también puede ser más difícil.

2. ¿Qué es mejor para los bordes: cortar con tijeras o utilizar una bordeadora?

Usar una bordeadora es generalmente más fácil y más eficiente que cortar manualmente con tijeras. Sin embargo, si tiene áreas pequeñas o irregulares, las tijeras pueden ser una mejor opción.

3. ¿Cuánto debo cortar del borde?

Corte solo lo suficiente para darle al borde un aspecto limpio y definido. No corte demasiado profundamente en la tierra o el césped podría verse dañado.

4. ¿Debo cortar los bordes a menudo?

Sí, para mantener un aspecto limpio y definido de los bordes, es importante cortarlos con regularidad. Cada dos semanas o una vez al mes debería ser suficiente.

5. ¿Qué herramientas necesito para cortar los bordes de mi césped?

Necesitará una bordeadora o tijeras de jardín, guantes, gafas protectoras y botas de trabajo resistentes.

6. ¿Puedo usar la misma bordeadora para cortar el césped y los bordes?

Sí, muchas bordeadoras tienen una cabeza ajustable que les permite cortar tanto el césped como los bordes. Asegúrese de ajustar la altura de la cuchilla según sea necesario.

7. ¿Cómo evito dañar las plantas al cortar los bordes?

Mantenga una distancia segura entre la bordeadora y las plantas circundantes. Si tiene plantas sensibles, puede protegerlas con una barrera temporal mientras corta los bordes.

8. ¿Debería cortar los bordes antes o después de fertilizar mi césped?

Es mejor cortar los bordes antes de fertilizar su césped. Si corta después de fertilizar, corre el riesgo de desplazar el fertilizante y reducir su efectividad.

9. ¿Qué debo hacer si los bordes de mi césped se ven desiguales después de cortarlos?

Es posible que deba volver a recortar los bordes para asegurarse de que estén uniformes. También puede ajustar la altura de la bordeadora o tijeras y trabajar más lentamente para obtener mejores resultados.

10. ¿Puedo cortar los bordes de mi césped en cualquier momento del año?

Sí, puede cortar los bordes de su césped en cualquier momento del año. Sin embargo, es mejor evitar hacerlo durante períodos de sequía o cuando las temperaturas son extremadamente altas.