Whether your yard is large or small, minimally landscaped or filled with flower beds, one of the easiest ways to tame unruly edges and to keep it looking manicured is to invest in a reliable lawn edger.
Similar to how a picture frame enhances artwork, an evenly trimmed yard perimeter elevates the overall appearance of a lawn. Crisp edges signify a well-tended property, especially along driveways, sidewalks, garden beds, and walkways.
Simplify your search by identifying your property’s needs with the shopping guide and our field-tested reviews of several popular lawn edgers on our own curbs, landscape beds, and driveway edges. Preview our roundup of some of the best lawn edger tools available below and keep reading for performance details later on.
- BEST OVERALL: Black+Decker 2-in-1 String Trimmer / Edger
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bully Tools 92251 Round Lawn Edger
- BEST GAS-POWERED: McLane 101-5.5GT-7 Gas Powered Lawn Edger
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Greenworks Pro 80V 8-Inch Brushless Edger
- BEST FOR SMALL YARDS: Greenworks 12-Amp Electric Corded Edger
- BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Worx WG896 12-Amp 7.5-Inch Electric Lawn Edger
- BEST COMBO KIT: Echo PAS Trimmer and Edger Kit
- ALSO CONSIDER: Earthquake 23275 Walk-Behind Lawn Edger
How We Tested the Best Lawn Edgers
We wanted to run these tools through real-world scenarios such as basic grass edge maintenance, trenching along hard edges, and digging into new ground as would be needed for bed line definition. The test yard offered a good mix with a driveway edge that only needed maintenance, a curbline with an overgrown edge, and several landscape beds with edges that varied from moderately well defined to poorly defined.
To make our list, the edgers had to function well in every location based on the ways they are marketed. For instance, plug-in electric edgers are designed for maintaining existing edges in small landscapes and are not expected to be used for digging into unbroken soil for extended periods. On the other hand, gas-powered walk-behind models are intended for both detailed trim work and clean, powerful groundbreaking during long hours of work.
Our Top Picks
The top choices below were selected based on the overall quality and product efficacy with significant attention paid to the important product factors mentioned above to help find some of the best lawn edgers to keep gardens neatly maintained. In order to make the cut, each tool successfully navigated our hands-on edger testing criteria that included curb, driveway, and natural landscape bed edges. Check out the product descriptions for performance details.
Photo: amazon.com
The plug-and-go Black & Decker serves not only as an edger but also as a trench digger. With a 12-amp electric engine that produces no emissions, this tool is useful for installing outdoor lighting, fencing, or when planting bushes and trees. The edger can be set to one of three possible cutting depths, with a maximum depth of 3.75 inches.
As an added safety feature, this trimmer-edger includes a built-in cord retention system that keeps the extension cord in place to prevent users from tripping over it. The edger weighs 12.4 pounds, and it has an edging guide that helps to make clean cuts around hard surfaces like patios, walkways, and driveways.
We liked the way the Black & Decker edger tracked around tight landscape bed curves and straightaways along paved edges. It easily sliced through foliage and tough surface roots for a clean edge, but was a bit undersized for digging into clay for bed edge renovation.
Product Specs
- Type: Walk-behind
- Power source: Corded 12-amp electric motor
- Weight: 12.4 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight construction is easy to maneuver and lift
- Powerful electric motor can take on thin and thick grass and plant varieties
- Adjustable handle height accommodates multiple user heights
Cons
- Limited range due to corded motor; may not be ideal for large-scale tasks
- Not as good at creating edges; best for maintenance
- No guard over the blade assembly; may not be as safe as comparable options
Get the Black+Decker trimmer-edger on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Instead of investing in a heavy-duty lawn edger, those with small yards may be better off with this inexpensive manual lawn edger. While it will take a little more physical effort to drive the thick 12-gauge steel blade into the turf, users won’t need to worry about gas, batteries, or extension cords, making it easier to quickly and efficiently edge a small yard.
The spade lawn edger weighs just under 4 pounds, and it extends out to a length of about 38 inches. It features a T-style handle for better control and to help distribute the force evenly across the bottom of the blade. The entire edger is made of thick steel, and the handles are covered with padded grips to help prevent the tool from slipping while in use.
We like the simplicity of this classic half-moon style manual edger. The tool excels at trenching and defining natural landscape bed edges. It is not the fastest or best tool for maintaining crisp grass edges along pavement, but it would pair nicely with one of the fast electric edgers for a complete package.
Product Specs
- Type: Manual, T-grip half-moon style
- Power source: Manual
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
Pros
- Compact size is easy to store in a garage or shed
- Useful for both creating and maintaining crisp edges
- Does not require a power or fuel source; operates manually
- Built to last indefinitely; no additional tools need to be purchased
Cons
- Slower than a power edger; manual operation only
- Blunt edge should be sharpened for a cleaner edge
- Some users may prefer a longer handle
Get the Bully Tools edger at The Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
The McLane Lawn Edger draws considerable power from the 127-cc gas engine with a maximum power output of 3.5 hp. However, the powerful gas engine does increase the weight of the tool to about 66 pounds, which may quickly wear out some users. To help manage the weight of the machine, the manufacturer includes four 7-inch wheels to balance and support the gas-powered lawn edger.
This edger has handlebars extending up from the frame to two padded handles, allowing the user to push and maneuver the edger like they would a lawn mower. The flat rectangular cutting blade can reach a depth of 4.5 inches as an edging tool, but it can also be set up to cut horizontally as a trimmer, taking care of more than one yard maintenance task with a single tool.
The McLane lawn edger was by far the most powerful and adjustable edger we tested. It tracked well along pavement, articulated around curved bed lines, and cut through heavy clay soil to renovate old bed edges. For those with lots of edging to maintain, this tool can do it all.
Product Specs
- Type: Walk behind
- Power source: 127-cc 4-cycle gas engine
- Weight: 66.2 pounds
Pros
- Fast blade speed with high torque; suitable for thin and thick grass and plant varieties
- Compact frame for easy storage in a shed or garage space
- Easy to start the engine
- Adjustable working height and blade angle
Cons
- Heavyweight construction may be harder to maneuver compared to similar models
- Bulkier and louder than electric edgers
- Some assembly required; may require more than one set of hands
Get the McLane edger on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Weighing just 12.1 pounds, this lightweight battery-powered lawn edger is easy to carry, maneuver, and control with an adjustable auxiliary handle that can be moved up or down the shaft of the tool to better suit the specific user. It also has a trigger lock to help prevent the edger from accidentally starting up. The 8-inch flat rectangular cutting blade is suitable for most edging tasks, with a maximum cutting depth of 4 inches.
This cordless Greenworks lawn edger operates on the included 80-volt lithium-ion battery and can last for up to 60 minutes before it needs to be recharged. It doesn’t come with a spare battery, but it does include a charger and an onboard battery life indicator, so users can keep an eye on the remaining battery life.
We were impressed with the gas-like power that the 80-volt Greenworks battery provides. The lithium-ion battery inflates the overall price, but for those who wish to cut the cord and remain emission-free, this tool can be paired with others in the Greenworks 80-volt lineup for an excellent solution.
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Power Source: Rechargeable 80-volt lithium-ion battery
- Weight: 12.1 pounds
Pros
- Powerful operation can take on heavy-duty cutting tasks
- Provides excellent mobility without gasoline
- Clean operation and quiet compared to gas-powered models
Cons
- Handle lacks adjustability for users of different heights
- Battery may not be enough for large yards
- Expect costly battery replacement in 4 to 7 years
Get the Greenworks brushless edger on Amazon or at Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
This corded electric lawn edger is a great choice for small yards and it features a 12-amp engine and an extension cord with a cord-lock feature that prevents accidental unplugging. It weighs about 18 pounds, but a portion of this weight is supported by a pair of back wheels and a single guide wheel that can be adjusted in height to change the depth of the cut.
The 7.5-inch star-shaped steel blade of the Greenworks lawn edger is capable of cutting grass cleanly and smoothly to a maximum depth of 3.75 inches. Users can also adjust the length of the shaft so that it better suits their height. When the lawn edger is properly adjusted and the user is ready to go, just push in the trigger lock switch to unlock the trigger and get to work.
We found this corded electric edger to be a rock-solid performer at a bargain price. Like the other corded electric models we tested, this Greenworks unit performed best in a maintenance setting but lacked power and size for trenching unbroken soil. It is lightweight and articulate, and an excellent choice for smaller yards.
Product Specs
- Type: Walk behind
- Power source: Corded 12-amp electric motor
- Weight: 17.8 pounds
Pros
- Adjustable edging/trenching depths depending on the task at hand
- Adjustable handle height can accommodate the heights of most users
- Aggressive star-shaped blade can cut thick and thin plant and grass types
Cons
- No edge guide makes it somewhat difficult to get started
- Height adjustment is somewhat awkward
- Best for edging pavement, not as effective for landscape beds
Get the Greenworks corded edger on Amazon or Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
Connect the 12-amp corded electric lawn edger using an extension cord to edge the entire yard without having to worry about running out of battery or needing to refuel. The only limit to the range of the edger is the length of the extension cord, and this product even offers two bundled options that each come with a 100-foot extension cord.
This edger has star-shaped cutting blades that can slice through sod, dirt, and roots at three different cutting depths to a maximum of 3.75 inches. It weighs only 14 pounds, and it has two wheels at the back of the tool for better balance, as well as a single wheel at the front of the tool for better control. The electric edger also has an adjustable auxiliary handle that is optimized to suit the specific needs of the user.
This Worx corded electric lawn edger weighs less than just about any of the other corded electric models we tested. Unlike those others, it trenched beds fairly well for landscape bed renovation, but it probably should not be used extensively for new bed construction. The handle and controls felt comfortable for extended use.
Product Specs
- Type: Walk behind
- Power source: Corded 12-amp electric motor
- Weight: 14 pounds
Pros
- Maximum depth setting works well for maintaining landscape bed edges
- Adjustable shaft height can accommodate multiple user heights; prevents strain
- Lightweight but powerful construction can be maneuvered easily
Cons
- Best for maintenance; not great for creating a new edge
- The molded edge guard may interfere with uneven grass above the curbline
- May need to order replacement blades from the manufacturer
Get the Worx lawn edger on Amazon or at Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
The 21.2-cc Echo PAS225 power head drives more than a dozen different lawn care tool attachments to keep a yard looking great without filling the garage with extra gas engines. This kit includes the power head, a curved shaft edger with a 9-inch square tipped blade, and a straight shaft string trimmer with a Speed Feed head that holds up to 17 feet of .095 string line. Along with a lawn mower and leaf blower, this may be all that’s needed to maintain a great-looking lawn. Available add-on attachments include hedge shear, pole saw, brush cutter, cultivator, bed redefiner, sweeper, and rock sweeper.
The tool attachments swap out quickly and easily, with just a spring pin and tension screw handle. The edger features a clog-resistant open-faced metal safety shield that works easily around uneven soil and taller grass. It penetrates deeply for trenching and bed edge renovation and trims crisp, clean edges along the pavement. The adjustable curb wheel allows users to customize the fit for maximum comfort. When not in use, the included S-hook hanger helps keep attachments organized.
We appreciated the versatility of the Echo PAS system. Both the edger and the string trimmer worked smoothly and efficiently, and the powerhead delivered nearly professional-level performance. The 9-inch edger blade had no difficulty penetrating clay soil while trenching for bed renovation. The combination of power, versatility, and moderate weight make this a broadly useful pick for maintaining small or large landscapes.
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Power Source: 21.2-cc 2-cycle gas engine
- Weight: 16.2 pounds
Pros
- Multi-attachment power head saves on storage space and engine maintenance
- Quick and easy attachment changes depending upon the task at hand
- Powerful edger trenches cuts clean and deep
- Starts easily; requires 30 percent less effort to start than comparable options
Cons
- Heavy for extended use, shoulder harness not included
- Requires mixed 2-cycle oil and gas
- Somewhat loud; may not be ideal for use at night
Get the Echo trimmer and edger kit on Acme Tools.
Photo: amazon.com
Whether building new landscape beds or maintaining curb edges, the Earthquake Walk-Behind Lawn Edger gets it done with less effort. This walk-behind edger is powered by a 79-cc 4-cycle gasoline engine that does not require mixed fuel. It rolls along easily on four wheels while the adjustable edging tool head cuts deeply into the soil to create or renew bed lines, or it skims along curb edges for a neat and tidy appearance.
Blade adjustments are accomplished with two controllers. Set the blade angle while the machine is turned off by means of a spring lever located at the side of the machine. A second spring lever conveniently located at the handlebars is used to raise and lower the head as necessary while the engine is running. The engine uses a pull start with a throttle control lever on the handlebars.
At just slightly more than half the price of the McLane walk-behind edger, this tool offers a good value, in our opinion. The 79-cc engine on the Earthquake model delivers less torque, but that difference is mostly felt when breaking new ground where roots and rocks sometimes bog it down. For maintaining a varied landscape and occasional new bed preparation, this could be an excellent choice.
Product Specs
- Type: Walk behind
- Power source: 79-cc 4-cycle gas engine
- Weight: 57 pounds
Pros
- Adjustable blade height and angle prevents any strain on the user
- Great for landscape beds or pavement edges
- Uses plain gasoline; no mixing required
Cons
- Less blade torque than the McLane edger
- Arrives unassembled; may be tricky for some users to put together
- Lever style throttle does not lock in place for extended use
Get the Earthquake lawn edger on Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Lawn Edger
Don’t make a hasty decision about the best edger to landscape the garden and yard. There are several important considerations to keep in mind that can help you find the right lawn edger, including the power of the device, the blade type, the cutting width and depth, and included safety features to keep the user protected while working.
Types of Lawn Edgers
There are many options to choose from when deciding on the best lawn edgers to keep the yard well maintained and weed-free. Edgers typically fall into three categories based on power source, including manual, electric, and gas lawn edgers.
Manual
Instead of relying on an electric or gas-powered motor to get the job done, these manual lawn edgers are completely powered by the user.
- Rotary edgers have a long wooden shaft that attaches to a cutting wheel. The tool looks like a pole with a spiked wheel on the end. They work by applying pressure to the cutting wheel and rolling it along the edge of the lawn to cut through the overextended turf.
- Spade edgers resemble a shallow spade with a sharpened edge. To use, line up the bottom of the spade edger with the overextended turf and step down on the flat surface at the top of the blade to increase the force to cut through the sod, if necessary.
- Shear edgers are handheld tools that are rarely used. These tools are intended for cleaning up small pieces of sod or making cuts in narrow corners where other edging tools cannot reach. However, they aren’t suitable for edging the entire yard.
Motorized
If manually edging the lawn seems like a daunting task or if the goal is to not limit the war on weeds by physical endurance, then the best lawn edger may be motorized. There are two main kinds of motorized lawn edgers: ones with an electric motor and those powered by a gas engine.
- Electric lawn edgers are usually more budget-friendly and the more suitable tool for small yards. They’re either battery powered or plug into an electrical outlet via a lengthy cord. Though they only provide 18 or so volts of power, battery-operated models allow the user to trim anywhere in the yard. Corded varieties offer more power (usually 10 to 12 amps), though slightly less mobility unless paired with an extension cord.
- Gas-powered lawn edgers, available with a 2- or 4-cycle engine, boast considerable power and are better suited for larger yards. While 2-cycle engines are more common, they require having to replenish fuel and oil. They are far less environmentally conscious than 4-cycle engines, which run clean but cost and weigh more.
Power
When trying to decide on the best lawn edger for the yard, it’s important to understand the power potential of these tools. Both gas and electric options offer comparable power output, but manual lawn edgers depend on the power exerted by the user.
- Gas lawn edgers measure the power output in horsepower (hp) and the engine size in cubic centimeters (cc). Typically, the higher the hp and cc, the more powerful the engine, creating significant differences in efficiency and cost, depending on the product.
- Electric and battery-powered lawn edgers rely on electric engines that are powered by a direct connection to the home electrical system or with an attached battery. These devices measure power output in amps and voltage. As with the hp and the cc of gas engines, higher voltage and amp ratings indicate a more powerful electrical engine.
Blade Type
A straight, no-frills blade can handle simple yards just fine, but an edger that offers multiple positions and angle settings may be a worthwhile investment if a property has a lot of flower beds and specialty features. The following are the three main types of edger blades:
- Flat rectangular blades with plain edges are the most common among lawn edgers and are suitable for basic edging jobs where the lawn is flush and level with the nearest hard surface (like a driveway or a sidewalk).
- Flat rectangular blades with scoop-cut edges carefully handle the perimeter of more delicate landscaping features like flower beds, which might otherwise be disturbed by the debris while rough cutting. These blades are also ideal to employ when the lawn and hard surfaces are uneven.
- Star-shaped blades are useful for cutting yards with firm boundaries, like lawns that end at a wall or a sturdy fence.
If there are only a few needs to address, it is possible to get by with purchasing the desired replacement blade(s) for the edger and swapping them in as necessary. While this may be easy to do, this transition does add some time to yard work.
Cutting Width and Depth
The cutting width of a lawn edger can refer to the cutting width of a combined trimmer and edger tool, but it may also simply indicate the physical width of the edger. This can impact the ability of the edger to access tight corners or any areas restricted by fences, decks, patios, foliage, or even the home.
However, a more important consideration is the depth of the edger, which refers to the maximum depth the edger blade can penetrate into the ground. Typically, corded-electric, gas-powered, and battery-powered lawn edgers have a blade depth of about 2 to 6 inches. This allows the blade to plunge into the turf to cut and remove deep root systems. Manual lawn edgers often have a limit of about 2 to 4 inches to the cutting depth, though this is still deep enough to cut through most root growth.
Wheel Configuration
While a lightweight manual edging tool moves on nothing more than the user’s guidance, the weight of an engine typically requires three or four wheels to cover a property without causing strain to the operator. The rear wheels are responsible for moving the entire unit along, while a guide wheel keeps the blade aligned with the task at hand.
Some gas-powered lawn edgers offer the addition of a fourth wheel (a “curb wheel”) to help stabilize the edger when using it at a slight drop-off, such as the line where the lawn meets the street. If opting for an electric lawn edger or if there isn’t a need to maneuver around many curbs, three wheels are likely sufficient.
Ease of Use
Using a lawn edger can be tiring, especially for those who are toiling away with a manual edger, but there are several factors that can help make the work easier. These include the size of the shaft, the weight of the edger, and the runtime of both battery-powered and gas-powered edgers.
- The shaft of a lawn edger can vary in length and size depending on the specific tool. Some edgers have two handles to help maneuver heavy engines, while others have a single shaft to control the movement of lightweight edgers. Look for an edger that suits the user’s height and strength to prevent overexertion while edging.
- The weight of a lawn edger can wear on the user, especially when working in a very large yard or dealing with many precision cuts in tight spaces. The additional time spent edging can cause lasting aches and pains, but switching to a lighter lawn edger can reduce muscle strain and fatigue.
- The runtime of both gas- and battery-powered lawn edgers can limit the amount of work that can be completed. Gas edgers need to be refilled with gas, and batteries need to be recharged. Keep these limitations in mind, especially when working on very large yards. Consider purchasing a spare battery so that one can always be on the charger.
Safety
Safety needs to be a priority at all times, but especially for those who are operating a tool designed to cut through solid earth and tough root systems; otherwise, serious injuries can occur. Look for products with built-in features to help keep the user safer while they work, such as debris guards, trigger locks, and padded grips.
- Debris guards are typically positioned at the back of the edger to prevent grass, dirt, and rocks from being kicked back into the feet and legs of the user. However, even with a guard, some debris can escape, so users should always wear safety glasses, long pants, and closed-toe shoes while working.
- Trigger locks prevent the edger from being turned on accidentally. A trigger lock is a simple feature that locks the trigger unless the trigger lock switch is being held. With the switch held down, the edger can be used normally.
- Padded grips on the shaft and handle of the edger help to reduce vibrations. Strong and continuous vibrations can cause muscle fatigue and strain, but this padding keeps the user’s hands protected and makes it easier to grip and control the edger.
Additional Features
Many manufacturers offer product features beyond the basic design to help improve the functionality of the lawn edger and to make the tool more appealing to users. These additional features can include two-in-one trimming and edging tools, adjustable auxiliary handles, and accessories.
- A two-in-one trimming and edging tool gives the user the option to choose between trimming the grass or edging the lawn. These combined edging and trimming tools are useful for small to medium yards, but it may be better to invest in a separate edging tool for homes with larger yards.
- Adjustable auxiliary handles provide an additional place for the user to grip the edger for better balance and control. The auxiliary handle can also be slid up or down the shaft to a position that is better suited for the height of the user. The more suited the position of the handle is to the natural movement of the user’s body, the easier it is to use the tool.
- Accessories can include a wide range of products that can be packaged together with the edger, including extension cords, extra batteries, and chargers.
FAQs
After reading the various shopping tips and factors involved in selecting a lawn edger, you may still have a few questions about the best depth for edging or how frequently a lawn should be edged. For answers to these questions and more, continue reading.
Q. What is the best way to edge a lawn?
Choose a suitable lawn edger that meets your preferences and needs for yard work. This can include a battery-powered edger, a gas lawn edger, a corded-electric lawn edger, and a manual lawn edger.
When you have the tool of choice ready for the job, mark out the exact area you want to edge. This step becomes less important with more experienced individuals who can eyeball the exact cut, but for DIYers new to edging, this is an important step to ensure the edging line is even along the entire border of the yard or garden. Consider marking the area with stakes and string, especially when working with rounded corners and curving garden beds.
Mow the lawn first to help create a clean edge at a consistent depth, and proceed to cut thin strips of sod from the edge of the lawn, ensuring that the edger tool remains within the boundaries laid out. If the lawn edger has a variable speed trigger, it can be easier to get precise lines while edging. When the job is done, clean up the driveway, path, or sidewalk with a leaf blower or a broom.
Q. How deep should I edge my lawn?
Typically about 2 to 4 inches deep is sufficient for controlling the growth and spread of grass roots, keeping the grass from growing into the gaps in the patio or walkway.
Q. Do you edge every time you mow?
It depends on the grass. Some grass grows and spreads very quickly, so you need to at least check the edge lines every time you mow. While most yards won’t require edging every time the grass is mowed, it’s likely to need edging every two or three times it’s been cut with a mower.
Q. Should I edge before or after I mow?
Whether you edge or mow first is almost entirely a matter of preference. If you choose to edge first, the mower will help clean up excess grass clippings, but if you mow first then it’s easier to create a straight edge at a consistent depth.
Q. What is the easiest edger to use?
Ease of use varies among people and products, but one of the easiest edgers to use is the Bully Tools 92251 Round Lawn Edger. Just line up the manual spade edger and push down with your foot to cut into the turf. Continue this process along the entire edge to complete the job.
Q. What is the best gas-powered edger?
A gas-powered edger is a heavy-duty tool equipped with a powerful motor and durable shaft to help cut through thick turf. The McLane 101-5.5GT-7Gas Powered Lawn Edger is among the best gas-powered options available.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
