As the growing season begins, crisp, well-defined garden edges can make all the difference in giving your landscape a polished, professional look. Whether you’re tidying up lawn borders, reshaping garden beds, or maintaining pathways, the right edging tool can save you time and effort while delivering precise results. From manual options for fine detail work to powerful tools for larger projects, we’ve rounded up the six best edging tools to help you achieve sharp, clean lines in your garden this spring.
Whip out this battery string trimmer for quick, clean lines
Tested by Robin Parsons
While I use hand trimmers for areas that require more finesse, my EGO Power+ ST1511T 56-volt battery string trimmer lets me zip easily through larger-scale lawn cutting. Rotating the edger at 90º provides neat, crisp lines that clearly delineate my beds from lawn edges. It also works great against hardscape, such as driveways and paths, providing clean cuts and precise edges. This trimmer is easily rechargeable, with the charger included in the purchase. Although the version with the 2.5 Ah battery requires more frequent charging, the model with the 4.0 Ah battery lasts almost twice as long. Ergonomically designed with a comfortable handle, this lightweight tool is easy to manage. It’s also much quieter than gas string trimmers.
Price: $200–$270
Source: amazon.com
Try this half-moon edger made for sharp and precise manual cutting
Tested by Erin L. Schanen
The half-moon edger concept is not unique, but Dutch toolmaker Sneeboer has refined the design with its Edging Knife with Steps to create a tool that is a joy to use, not to mention remarkably effective. The hand-forged stainless steel blade slices through turf like a knife through butter, and generous steps on the top of the blade provide a sturdy platform for that necessary foot stomp. Its broad ashwood T-handle offers good leverage and a comfortable grip. The width of the blade makes it easy to push loose soil back into the bed after each cut, resulting in a satisfying, perfectly straight, and polished edge.
Price: $160
Source: gardenheir.com
This walk-behind option is a homeowner’s must-have for sculpting new borders
Tested by Erin L. Schanen
I’m not one to pull out a noisy power tool for small tasks, but when a big job lurks, a gas-powered edger can be a lifesaver. Using my walk-behind Troy-Bilt edger is the only way I ever want to create a large new garden bed. While I use the discontinued TB554 model of this tool, the updated and improved TBE550 version is widely available. The blade can be set to straight or angled in either direction, so you can create V-shaped edges if you desire. I’ve also used it to cut sod into sections for easier removal. It’s the most efficient way to edge along sidewalks and driveways, and has a wheel designed to ride on the curb for a tight edge. When making a new cut, I take a few passes starting with the blade a little more shallow, then make another pass at full depth. While using this tool I’ve noticed an interesting phenomenon: several neighbors decide they need to neaten up some edges, and get in line to borrow it.
Price: $490
Source: troybilt.com
For delicate areas and final touches, these shears make the perfect tool
Tested by Erin L. Schanen
When only the crispest edge will do, I reach for the P75 grass shears from Bahco. Like a giant pair of scissors, these shears neaten up any blade of grass that dares to spoil the look of a clean border. Unlike a string trimmer, it’s easy to slide the shears under foliage that overhangs a bed. I use this tool as a chef’s kiss on a just-cut edge, but where it really shines is in quick touch-ups of edges that are other-wise in good shape. If I’m preparing for a garden event, one of the last things I’ll do is run around the space with these shears to put a polish on the beds.
Price: $82
Source: beyondtools.com
A garden workhorse, this multi-use spade can take you from planting to edging
Tested by Donald Pell
It’s important to me to have well-made tools with a variety of applications, and the KSS13 King of Spades is just that. This tool is rust resistant and made of an aircraft-quality metal alloy. It’s tough enough to dig out large clumps of herbaceous plants, trees, and shrubs but also lightweight enough to be a fast and effective edger. While some gardeners like to use a specialty tool, I always prefer versatility, and that’s exactly what you can expect from this spade. Its 42-inch length and large shovel makes it tall enough to keep my 6-foot-2-inch frame upright without slouching while edging, but it’s small enough to fit in the trunk of my sedan. I never leave home without it.
Price: $141
Source: amazon.com
Break out the big gun for larger garden projects
Tested by Donald Pell
For garden construction and maintenance, there’s no better machine than the Brown BedEdger 9. The Honda engine has never failed me, which is extremely impressive given what I’ve put it through over almost twenty years of service. Its steerable handle can be locked in place for a tight, straight edge or unlocked to cut beautifully sinuous lines with ease. While lighter gas-powered or electric walk-behind edgers designed for homeowners might slice a shallow edge through sod that must be manually cut out with a spade, this machine cuts a 4-inch trough and pulverizes the soil and sod in its path, making the follow-up work virtually nonexistent. This rugged tool comes with a commercial price tag. For those who have large properties to manage or for horticultural professionals with many beds to maintain, it’s a must-own. But if you have a large, work-intensive garden project coming up, this tool is worth its weight in gold and is often available for rent from landscaping companies and nurseries. I can easily complete what would take hours of work with a spade in just a few minutes with this beautiful beast.
Typical daily rent rate: $80–$120
Typical weekly rent rate: $240–$400
Purchase price: $4,230
Source: acmetools.com
 |
 |
 |
| Robin Parsons is a member of the APLD and the owner and operator of Spring Greenworks, LLC, a landscape design company based in Seattle. | Erin L. Schanen is a lifelong gardener and award-winning writer based in southeastern Wisconsin. You can follow her gardening journey at theimpatientgardener.com. | Donald Pell is an award-winning landscape designer who gardens in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. |
All photos courtesy of the contributors.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
3 Pack 4.1Inch Bonsai Pruning Scissors
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Greenworks 40V (185 MPH / 340 CFM / 75+ Compatible Tools) Cordless Brushless Leaf Blower / Vacuum, 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Comments
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in