As homeowners, maintaining a well-manicured garden and lawn is a top priority year-round. To achieve this, it’s essential to have the right tool at your disposal, specifically a power lawn edger. This innovative device employs a vertical spinning metal blade that efficiently cuts and trims grass and foliage, yielding beautifully landscaped lines reminiscent of those showcased in horticultural and gardening design magazines.
With numerous power edgers on the market, selecting the ideal model to suit your unique garden requirements can be daunting. To simplify this process, here are some valuable tips to help you procure the best power lawn edger for your outdoor space.
The 6 Best Lawn Edgers
When it comes to choosing the right edger for your lawn, there are several options to consider. For those looking for a more manual approach, BLACK+DECKER’s LE750 Landscape Edger and Trencher provides an efficient way to create clean lines on your yard. Alternatively, those who prefer the convenience of electric power may opt for GreenWorks’ Electric Corded Edger. On the other hand, those with larger lawns or seeking a more powerful solution might consider McLane’s 101-5.
5GT-7 Gas Powered Lawn Edger. For a walk-behind experience, Earthquake’s 23275 Walk-Behind Landscape and Lawn Edger is a solid choice. And finally, for those who want it all in one tool, WORX’ WG170 GT Revolution Grass Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower stands out as our top pick. Meanwhile, BLACK+DECKER’s LSTE523 String Trimmer offers another option for those looking to trim and edge their lawn with ease.
Our Top Pick for the Best Lawn Edger
When it comes to lawn edging, our top recommendation is the WORX WG170 GT Revolution Grass Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower. This versatile power tool offers exceptional value for small to medium-sized yards. As a 3-in-1 device, it excels in its ability to seamlessly transition between trimming, edging, and mowing tasks. The lightweight yet potent design, fueled by a robust lithium-ion battery, enables efficient cutting performance without sacrificing maneuverability or precision.
With its reputation for reliability and sturdiness, the WORX WG170 GT is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a top-tier solution for their lawn care needs.
3 Benefits of Using a Lawn Edger
With a freshly mowed lawn, a lawn edger is the perfect tool to maintain tidy pathways and driveways. Its versatility allows you to keep the sidewalk outside your home meticulously manicured, ensuring that your front lawn becomes the envy of your neighbors. Additionally, an edger can be used to neatly trim around flower beds, highlighting their beauty and making them stand out as a proud feature in your garden.
2 Main Lawn Edger Types
When it comes to choosing a power lawn edger, you’re faced with two primary options: single-wheel, pole-mounted edgers and walk-behind, multi-wheel models. Both types have their unique advantages, which we’ll explore further down the line.
Pole Single-Wheel Edgers
While resembling a weed trimmer in appearance, pole single-wheel edgers actually sport two to three wheels – one at the forefront and two at the rear. This design permits them to be impressively light and agile, allowing for effortless navigation through even the most confined spaces.
Walk-Behind Multi-Wheel Edgers
Equipped with between two and four wheels, walk-behind multi-wheel edgers boast a more substantial and robust engine compared to their single-wheeled counterparts. The additional power enables users to effortlessly maneuver the device, thanks to either a broad handle or dual lever-type handles that facilitate precise control over its movement.
Choosing the Right Power Lawn Edger for Your Garden
When it’s time to upgrade your lawn care game, don’t rush into buying a new lawn edger without considering these crucial specifications. Here are the top 5 factors to take into account:
Size of Your Garden
When it comes to gardening, one size does not fit all. The right power tool can make all the difference in maintaining your outdoor space. Before making a purchase, consider the unique characteristics of your garden. Is your yard compact and easy to manage? Or perhaps it has an irregular shape that requires more flexibility from your equipment? Do you have a larger garden with complex pathways, multiple flower beds, and veggie patches?
For small lawns, a single-wheel electric edger is a great choice for quick and efficient work. For medium to large-sized gardens with varied areas to cover, meandering pathways, and raised curbs, a gas or battery-powered walk-behind multi-wheel edger is the way to go.
Power Source
When it comes to choosing the right garden edger for your needs, there are several options to consider. Electric (corded) edgers are a great choice for smaller gardens that require minimal maintenance. They are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for tight spaces. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly and don’t require the use of oil or the handling of fumes. Simply plug it in and you’re ready to start edging your garden.
Electric edgers are also quieter than gas-powered models, making them ideal for suburban living. However, electric edgers do have some limitations. They are not portable and have a limited edging range, so you’ll need to stay close to a power outlet or use an extension cord. If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to edge and trim your garden and lawn, then an electric edger is a good option.
For those who want a more portable and environmentally friendly option, battery-powered edgers are a great choice. They are ideal for medium-sized gardens and don’t require any fuel. With most models featuring strong lithium-ion batteries, you’ll get good battery life and quick charging times. The downside of battery-powered edgers is that the battery life will depend on the size of your yard, so it’s a good idea to have a spare battery on hand.
Another benefit of battery-powered edgers is their reduced noise level and minimal operational costs compared to electric (corded) or gas-powered models. For larger gardens or properties that require heavy-duty maintenance, gas-powered edgers are the way to go. They offer a clean and precise cut with just one pass and are generally more powerful than electric edgers. They’re easier to start, run smoothly, and get the job done quickly.
Four-cycle engines are particularly well-suited for heavy-duty edging and are better for the environment. You won’t need to worry about adding engine oil, but they can be heavier. The downside of gas-powered models is that they’re more expensive, emit fumes, and can be noisy. However, some models are CARB-compliant, making them suitable for use in California.
Blade Adjustment and Depth of Cut
When it comes to lawn maintenance, the final cut is crucial. Look for an edger with adjustable features, such as a height adjustment mechanism and interchangeable blades, to accommodate varying heights and cutting depths. A standard combination of 2.5-inch depth and 7-9-inch blade length should suffice for most lawns, but it’s essential to have options for different areas. For instance, flower beds require a deeper cut to remove overgrown turf or garden debris, resulting in a clean finish.
In contrast, pathways only need a light trim to maintain a sharp edge and create an immaculate appearance. If your lawn borders gardens, hard surfaces like paving, or concrete pathways, consider an edger with a pivoting head that can turn 90°, along with a flower guard to protect delicate foliage.
Comfortable and Easy to Use
When selecting a lawn edger, comfort and ease of use are just as important as the power source and cutting action. For smaller gardens, look for lightweight models that are designed to be easy to start and operate, particularly in tight spaces. For larger yards, a walk-behind multi-wheel edger is often necessary. In this case, consider models with wide handles or 2-lever designs that provide better control and maneuverability.
Some models also feature Right or Left Handed Assist Handles, allowing for more versatility, while others offer adjustable shafts that enable you to customize the height of the edger for tackling those hard-to-reach areas in your garden.
Extra Attachments
For those who require greater versatility in their edging tasks, some models offer multi-functionality, allowing them to serve as 2 or even 3 tools in one. By simply swapping out attachments, you can transform these edgers into trenchers or line strimmers, providing a more comprehensive solution for tackling long grass and reshaping your garden or flower beds with ease.
6 Best Lawn Edgers – Reviews
BLACK+DECKER LE750 Landscape Edger and Trencher
When your small garden is in dire need of a quick tidy, the BLACK+DECKER LE750 Landscape Edger and Trencher is an excellent solution. This versatile gardening tool can maintain immaculate lawn edges while also transforming into a trencher for reshaping flower beds or installing underground features like lighting or dog fencing. Its lightweight design and ease of use make it perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.
The 12 amp, 2¼ HP motor delivers impressive power, generating 150 in-lbs of torque to effortlessly cut through thick grass. The 7½-inch blade with a 3/16-inch thickness ensures precise cutting along hard surfaces like driveways. For added control, the 3-position adjustable blade depth allows you to customize your cutting action when navigating around garden beds and trees.
A notable feature is the Right or Left Handed Assist Handle, which provides unparalleled flexibility for maneuvering in tight spaces. While it excels at small-scale gardening tasks, this edger may struggle with heavy-duty edging, thick grass, and sharp curves. Overall, its pros include being ideal for small yards, lightweight, easy to use, multifunctional, and delivering good cutting action and power.
The cons are that it’s not suitable for heavy-duty edging, can be difficult to maneuver in thick grass, and challenging to use on sharp curves. If you’re interested in purchasing this product, check the current price on Amazon.
GreenWorks Electric Corded Edger
The GreenWorks Electric Corded Edger is a powerhouse when it comes to manicuring a small yard, thanks to its clever design and impressive features. Built with a sturdy yet lightweight frame, this edger is easy to handle and maneuver around tight spaces. Unlike other power tools that require a ripcord to start, the GreenWorks Edger can be activated with just a simple button press, making it perfect for users of all skill levels.
The edger’s 12-amp motor and 7.
5-inch double-edged blade work together seamlessly to cut through thick grass up to 1.5 inches deep. The adjustable blade also allows you to customize your cut depending on the thickness and size of the grass, ensuring a precise and smooth finish.
A well-balanced design featuring three wheels – two larger ones at the back and a spring-assisted front wheel – helps guide the edger and maintain the correct depth of cut.
Additionally, an extendable shaft and secondary handle provide extra maneuverability when working around small flower beds or tackling thick grass.
Other notable features include a cord lock that keeps the extension cord securely in place, ensuring uninterrupted performance. While this edger excels at its intended purpose, it may not be ideal for handling overgrown grass.
All things considered, the GreenWorks Electric Corded Edger is an excellent choice for small yard owners seeking a reliable and easy-to-use power tool.
McLane 101-5.5GT-7 Gas Powered Lawn Edger
When it comes to finding a reliable and powerful lawn edger for your medium to large-sized property, the McLane 101-5.5GT-7 Gas Powered Lawn Edger is an excellent choice. This heavy-duty edger is equipped with a robust Briggs and Stratton 3.5 HP engine that delivers 4.74 gross torque, making it perfect for tackling tough gardening tasks.
The 9-inch edging blade and single-level blade clutch provide exceptional cutting control, allowing you to adjust the depth of cut to suit your needs – whether you’re edging around flower beds or trimming along a sidewalk. The sturdy steel frame and four large, 8-inch rubber wheels with ball bearings ensure smooth maneuverability over uneven terrain. Additionally, this edger meets California’s CARB compliance standards, making it a great option for property owners in the Golden State.
Some of its key advantages include being ideal for medium to large-sized properties, offering good value for money, easy starting, excellent edging performance, and solid construction. While some users may find it heavy or struggle with the instructions, the benefits far outweigh these drawbacks.
Earthquake 23275 Walk-Behind Landscape and Lawn Edger
The Earthquake 23275 Walk-Behind Landscape and Lawn Edger is a robust gardening solution that simplifies the process of trimming edges around your garden or property. At its core is a reliable and easy-to-start 79cc Viper 4-cycle engine, which provides the power necessary to tackle a variety of tasks. This machine features a 9-inch spring steel blade that makes precise cuts and produces crisp, clean lines.
With its adjustable beveling head allowing angles from 70-110 degrees and five different depth settings ranging from 0.5-3.5 inches, you’ll be able to achieve perfect lawn trims, create customized landscape beds, and even cut small trenches. The four sturdy and well-balanced wheels enable consistent straight edges along driveways or sidewalks, while the durable chain debris guard protects users from flying debris.
Additionally, the attached tool holder on the ergonomic handlebars provides a convenient place to store smaller hand tools. While it may not be ideal for small yards or tight spaces due to its size and weight, this edger excels in medium to large-sized yards. Its pros include powerful engine performance, quick precision cuts, and adjustable settings for customized results. However, its cons are the higher price point, difficulty maneuvering in confined areas, and heavy construction.
WORX WG170 GT Revolution Grass Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower
The WORX WG170 GT Revolution Grass Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower is an innovative 3-in-1 tool that can be used as an edger, line trimmer, and mini-mower for small to medium-sized yards. Its versatility is further enhanced by the ability to convert from a line trimmer into an edger without requiring any tools. Simply detach the trimming head, attach the edger tool, turn it to lock, and you’re ready to edge with ease.
The trimmer/edger features a 12-inch cutting swath with a single-line feed system, eliminating the need for frequent line extensions. The in-line wheels and adjustable spacer guard enable precise landscaping along borders and around delicate foliage. Additionally, the tool’s design protects plants from accidental damage while edging. Two strong 20-volt max lithium batteries provide reliable performance with no loss of power, quick recharge times, and extended runtimes.
The lightweight telescopic shaft is adjustable, allowing for comfortable use and easy trimming in tight spaces. A front auxiliary handle with seven locking adjustments provides additional maneuverability and operator comfort. The WORX WG170 GT Revolution Grass Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower offers several benefits, including its ideal usage for small to medium-sized lawns, powerful performance, lightweight design, three-in-one functionality, adjustable space guard, and good battery life.
While it excels as an edger, it’s not well-suited for heavy-duty edging tasks. Additionally, the battery may take a while to recharge. Overall, this versatile tool is perfect for homeowners seeking to trim, edge, and beautify their lawns with ease.
BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 String Trimmer
The BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 String Trimmer is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable, emission-free, and lightweight lawn edger that packs plenty of power. This versatile tool can handle small-sized yards with ease, effortlessly navigating flower beds and tackling tough weeds. Its ability to convert from a trimmer to a wheeled edger makes it two tools in one. The telescopic shaft is adjustable for optimal height, while the adjustable handle provides extra control.
The Easy Feed system allows for seamless line advancement without bumping, eliminating frustration. Powered by a 20-volt lithium battery and featuring the POWERDRIVE™ Transmission, this edger/trimmer offers long-lasting torque controlled through a dual-mode switch. This feature enables users to conserve battery life for more demanding tasks or opt for lighter edging duties.
With its pros including ideal performance on small-sized yards, affordability, lightweight design, powerful performance, and dual-mode power saving, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 String Trimmer is an excellent addition to any gardener’s toolkit.
Our Top Pick for the Best Lawn Edger
When it comes to finding the best lawn edger, our top recommendation is the WORX WG170 GT Revolution Grass Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower. This versatile power tool excels as a 3-in-1 trimmer, edger, and mini-mower, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized yards. Its portability, lightweight design, and powerful lithium-ion battery ensure effortless operation, despite its robust performance capabilities.
Boasting exceptional reliability and sturdiness, this tool delivers optimal cutting results, yielding a beautifully manicured garden with ease.
