I can do both but prefer the straight edger over the string trimmer. Edger is much sharper and more consistent. The properties I just use string trimmer I notice over time the gap becomes wider and wider vs always clean and tight with edger.
I use an edger but I'm having trouble with it clogging with mud.I have a newer yard so it's very soggy so any tips you might have would be greatly appreciated
I've been in the lawn business since i was 8 years old. I ran a string trimmer for edging for 20 years. When I bought my edger it took me less time and got a more consistent edge. So edger all the way.
The edger you only really need to use it when the grass on the edge has gotten way too thick to the point where the weed eater won't cut. You use the edger to cut through all the thickness, after that the weed eater is what you should be using. That's if you really know what you're doing, if you have experience the weed eater is fast.
The best manicured lawn I have ever seen in my life is my grandmother’s lawn. Always cut and edged perfectly. My grandmother prefers using a string trimmer, and even at 86 yrs old she still gets after it! You can catch her any given Sunday using her Bolens curved shaft trimmer lining her edge straighter than Steve Harvey’s hairline. I asked her what’s her secret and she asked me to leave her home.
Yep that’s my formula as well, once you have that defined edge the string trimmer wants to stay in that groove and I just maintain it through the season switching back and forth when necessary.
I've got the EGO multi-head for this purpose. Hit it with the edger attachment in the spring, middle of summer, and fall to make the sidewalk clean for the shovel / snowblower. Keep it maintained with the trimmer attachment
As a homeowner with 1000’ of curb and walk, I edged two seasons with a straight-shaft Stilhl trimmer. Yes, it can be done but there is a learning curve. Switched to a curved shaft edger and would not go back. Good content, guys. 👍
Brian, I'm 68, and I've been doing lawn work for my dad and myself since I was about 10 years old. I know, I'm a geez. I had a break during my time in Vietnam, but my experience with edging continues. I used to used an old time edger with the engine/belt to the blade machine. Yep, old school. Fast forward and still thinking that the edger is more abrasive to the soul due the grinding of the metal to the cement noise. Not just for me, but for the public as well. I used to get tired of the noise and having to replace that metal blade. Currently, I just use a string trimmer, and just twist it for edging and tapering my work. I applaud you and your team for using ergonomics in your work and using what works for you. My mower is a Husqvarna Z242 for my 1/2 acre of grass. You have a great channel! Keep up the good work!!!
I've been doing this for a very long time. A real edger is the way to go, especially on lawns that are really premium. String trimming is ok on yards with rough edges, broken sidewalks etc. Don't fool yourself and think clients don't notice. Especially lawns that have straight concrete etc. If you're new, get an edger. Even if you have to do a split unit. You can get a Good head and cheap attachment. Depending how busy you get, it will get you through a full season maybe two. You can always buy another edger attachment for $60. But if you're burning it up, you should be able to afford a good stick edger.
I used to use the string trimmer, now I use the bent shaft edger, I’ll always use a dedicated edger or the pas attachment. I love those nice crisp lines! And for me it’s much quicker and easier with the edger.
Edger gives the polished look and separates me from my string trimming competitors. I used a curved shafted edger for 4 years, and have switched to a straight shafted edger. I find the straight shafted edger more comfortable. It does spray debris on my right foot but my back thanks me. I felt like a pretzel trying to run the curved edger.
From my own perspective you can't go wrong with both. I say both because when you have customers that have an edge from routine maintenance the string trimmer gets the job done. When and if you get a new client, who's property has never been edged or it's been a long time since being edged, the edger makes the task more efficient. Cutting away overgrown grass from sidewalks with a string trimmer takes too long and you tend to eat up a lot of string. So it doesn't hurt to have both or at least a square nosed shovel to cut away overgrown grass. You may not use the edger as much but like insurance it's better to be caught with it than without it.
Yes, customers do look at the blade edge verses the string edge. String edge eventually will make a wider cut and leave a little grand Canyon . The Debry does not fly up as bad using a blade. If the edge is real bad the blade is defiantly the way to go . I've sometimes hit with blade and then come back with the string . Possibly Ocd! The old school Walk behind edger is really great when hitting a new edge. Weekly customers get string cut. always enjoy your insight!
I use a string trimmer attachment and an edger attachment on my Husqvarna unit. Edge first, then clean up the debris and dirt with the trimmer. Then I blow the trimmings and debris onto the grass and then mow the lawn with a bagger mower. Works for this old man 👍👍👴
I tell my new staff...if I catch you edging with weed eater you dont work here anymore, use the edger for edging... all guards stay on machines as well... my opinion is your always looking at your least skilled employees ability to protect them and your customers...then build them into superstars...explain reasons why and basic theory to them...crawl then walk then run. yes there are extremely skilled weed eating masters that make grass look like glass...it takes time. it is an art...yes Conner is a beast at it keep up the great content pls...and stay hydrated
way back when I was just a little boy, there was a neighbor that had an unbelievable lawn. Always nice and short edged to perfection and the edge was about 3 inches wide and 2 to 3 inches deep almost as if it was a gutter system. It was impressive I was only 10 or 11 and will never forget how beautiful the lawn looked. Just wondering if anyone else has ever seen such artistry and perfection...
I don’t like the deep edge and deep canals it’s lazy and in my opinion doesn’t look good we want grass not take it back. Think of your hair line would u want you barber to push back your hair line hell no right ! Just my opinion we work in Beverly Hills and if u want to see perfection and beautiful lawns come on by. These guys work were grass is over grown and rains a lot anything would look good but in Beverly Hills there picky and spoiled. There’s so much you can do with a trimmer over an edger it’s artistry.
@@user-wk8gg2uj8b I don’t think you understand how beautiful this neighbour kept his grass. The earth in the canals did not sag. It looked like he must have been their every morning removing any earth that may have fallen in the canal. A perfect vertical plane. Anyway I don’t have to convince you, because I have my opinion and you have yours. I guess you had to see it to understand and admire the amount of time and work this man put into his manicured lawn.
@@pasqualeparente9776 3 inches wide on an edge not good I would of fired that person. I totally understand what your saying your just not a gardener so maybe you don’t understand!, and what to look for in professional cutting. may look good to you but someone that does it for a living would laugh. I would not want a gutter in my edge 3 inches wide haha any pro would tell you that
I’ve seen this kind of work on Pinterest and I agree, it’s beautiful! I’ve also seen people with such perfect lawns it looks like carpet! Then I saw them out there on hand and knee with SCISSORS trimming individual blades of grass to perfection. Nope! Not that into my lawn. 😂
On my edged properties, I'll edge with an edger to start the season. I'll upkeep with a trimmer, unless the edger is needed, as it is on some properties. As long as it looks good when I'm done.
I have both (Ego Power) and use the edger for edging. As a DIY landscaper it makes little fiscal sense to burn through string line which is arguably more expensive over time compared to fitting a new blade or even just giving them a quick resharpen every year or 2 (assuming you take care of your blades and dry them off after working damp soil worst case scenario) and provide a more consistent, cleaner result, not to mention the time you save (especially if you're new/nervous) using an edger to easily do your work. Once you have an established edge even electric tools work just fine as long as you're on top of your lawn maintenance and don't let the grass settle in too thick. Just my experience across different sized yards/helping friends/family.
As always I enjoy your content. I know I’m in a different environment I decide on my edging tool By the thickness of the grass but more importantly by how wet it is if it’s wet out the blade edger slings mud on the sidewalk which is harder to blow away if it’s wet out and I shorten the string trimmer lines to about 4 inches I can get a clean cut on a muddy day without making a mess. And if you go through a lot of edger blades When you buy the next case get the harden blades I swear the last twice as long and there may be 20% more well worth the money
Brian, good video! Here in the Pittsburgh area, none of the landscaping companies edge the lawns that they cut . Drives me absolutely crazy! (OCD). I'm thinking this will give me an opportunity to get a healthy jump into business. I've been doing a couple of side jobs, plus working my other two jobs. This is definitely proving wise.
I have both an echo string trimmer and echo edger - I prefer string trimmer turned sideways for my lawns. I will use the edger to create new new beds and also if any beds need a nice crisp cleanup after the winter. It really comes down to personal preference and skill. My string trimmer edges are absolutely perfect. I do my entire street and get tons of compliments. Other landscapers on surrounding streets started doing the same (likely at the request of neighbors who drive down my street)! Haha!
Thanks for the demo! Obviously you guys do a better job than I do. I've always used a string trimmer but honestly it doesn't do as nice a job as I'd like to see. So, I've decided to save up for an actual edger.
I have an EGO battery powered string trimmer that automatically feeds string as you go. Its great and just as powerful as my gas string trimmer. Its great for edging as it blows right through the grass and down to the dirt. I do sometimes borrow my neighbor's Dewalt battery powered edger. Its a bit quicker and its easier on the arms than holding a string trimmer at an odd position to edge..
I’ve been mowing lawns for more years than I can count lol. A lot of people don’t want to pay extra for edging so I don’t do it nearly as often as you’d think. I can NOT get it down with my echo trimmers. Also they like to stall out when I turn them on their side 🤷🏻♂️
@@stay1kalways927 depends on weather and where you live up here in Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 it starts being of May and goes til mid November then we get snow right after
So I've used a stick edger for the last couple years but when the edger died I decided Ill try my hand at flip edging. Took a little of a learning curve but I've now got it down. I think I will be going back to a stick edger though just for the speed and consistency.
1. For me, stihl 2. I prefer to use the edger for fresh lines but a line trimmer for maintaining lines. At work, I find myself using the line trimmer for edging only bc u can trim the signs and posts as ur edging instead of having to come back through.
I choose the Echo 2620 curve shaft. I'm left handed so this edger is ergonomicly made for a left handed user. I was trying to show a new right handed employee how to use it and it's very awkward holding it right handed. Definitely faster edging concrete.
I will always use an edger to get an edge established, but thenafter I like to use the string trimmer. Less time walking to and from the truck to get a new tool. If it looks like an edge is starting to fill back in with soil I will whip the bladed edger out again.
Curved shaft. The line on the edger to show you to keep it straight I always turn the back of the line into the lawn it really makes the edge pop! I had a customer who asked if I edged with a blade and at the time I did not but for her I did and I never went back to the string edging.
I use an edger too .. I love the straight clean cut at the same time a little 45° trim at the edges with the trimmer slows down the grass from climbing over the curb…so I like both but for edging it’s edger all the way. 7:51
I prefer weed edger, did landscaping in the 70s through the 80s before they had weed eaters and used an old gas edger. I use an edger once a year to establish a clean line and string trimmer through the year. Flip edge is my go to with the spring trimmer
I use a multi-wheel walk behind edger. Less of a workout to operate. In practice, an edger will always produce a cleaner edge than a string trimmer and in several situations it's the only thing that will work on severely overgrown edges.
Cheaper alternative is getting the stick edger attachment for a kombi system so you can use it for multiple different things instead of a designated edger. I only hard edge once maybe twice a season then maintain with the trimmer. The best attachment I got for my trimmer is definitely the edge it pro. Makes life a lot easier when flip edging. Thanks for the tips Brian!
@@BriansLawnMaintenance thanks I learn mostly from your channel my man. It's pretty much why I am in business today and this is my first year full time with the business after 2 years of being a weekend warrior. Couldn't thank you enough for the wealth of knowledge you have given me at no cost and even some low cost items I've used from your website that are incredible tools! Hope the family and baby are safe and hope you guys are having a great season!
Home owner and use a trimmer, only because I can’t justify the cash for the edger. However, I am always so envious of the perfect deep edges created with a tool designed for the job.
I use a trimmer just because it's how all the lawn maintenance guys around here do it. I've never seen anyone around here pull out an edger. BUT, I'm actually thinking of getting one because I got some new properties with some seriously overgrown edges and when you're creating an edge for the first time, I don't care who you are, it's not easy with a trimmer!
Homeowner that periodically does some family and friends lawns… Echo PAS-225 with the trimmer and straight shaft edger attachments. Very happy, it hasn’t struggled for power in my use and the results are excellent. Takes more time to walk to the shed than to change which head I’m using.
Great Video Brian . Roger from Sontropics landscaping Fl. We use the straight shaft on the curbs and the bent shaft edger around the bed lines. We never use the trimmer for edging because of safety reasons it kicks up too many small rocks and hits the face and may take out a window in a parked car in the homeowners driveway. we also feel it not efficient because you have walk backwards or twist your body back around and it feels awkward .For us we use the equipment for job it meant to do.The edger gets it done quicker. Keep in mind that the curved shaft may round the corners too much on the sidewalks where the straight shaft would give the sidewalks and curbs a more straight crisp look.
I alternate between string and a curved edger on my personal lawn. When using the edger I angle the bottom slightly inwards to save wear and tear on the blade from the concrete.
I've used 3 Stihl trimmers over 20 years, recently had enough with the 3rd and final Stihl and moved to the Echo 225. I love it so far...except it rotates the other way and I feel just backwards now but working on getting used to it. In the same respect I don't use an edger because that's just another tool to purchase and I know how to edge pretty well with just a trimmer anyhow.
I use Ryobi 40v straight shaft trimmer and edger. Edger for details since kills battery to quickly, trimmer to get the meat out first. 6’2” and prefer straight shaft, feels better
Holy Smokes!!!! A lawncare guy actually spreading knowledge & NOT just mowing abandoned houses on here!!! Still investing in educating lawncare pros. instead of chasing views!!! Half joking.... Now, I don't want to come off judgmental. I respect anyone making a buck. But, I'm thinking that it's not great for our industry overall & actually takes views away from you guys putting out legit mowing videos. Enjoy seeing guys doing legit, profitable work is all. Felt like venting. Hoping all is well guys, Dirty Jersey out!!!
I'm like you, I saved up for an edger or at least broke down and bought one. So now I use an Echo straight shaft to edge. It provides the same results all the way around, not like when I used to use my trimmer when at times I would get a little "over zealous" in areas. Great Video brother.
Not in rhe business but love maintaining my lawn. Just can't get the trimmer to edge to save my life 😂😂😂 i have a smaller front yard so i have been using the manual system or hand edger...works great 😁
For a homeowner who doesn't want to buy a $400 edger... get an attachment system. I have the Echo PAS 225 with attachments for: trimming, edging, and blowing. And I can add other attachements much cheaper than a stand alone unit. Plus... now I only have to keep one engine running. Trimmer edging vs. edger edging... you may be able to make a nice edge with a trimmer given that you have probably 1000's of hours with a trimmer. Most people don't. My edger edging looks way better than my trimmer edging.
I've used wheeled edger, string trimmer, and Stihl combi motor/edger. Go with the Stihl edger. BTW, I have EGO trimmer, blower and chain saw as well as Stihl saws, pole saw, backpack blower, and brush saw. I use the EGO stuff now unless it's pole saw or big saw. All straight shaft, I have no use for curved shaft.
![HOW TO GET A PERFECT SIDEWALK EDGE EVERY TIME [TRIMMER VS EDGER!]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
