Lawn and flower beds are kept at a distance with a lawn edger. The practical gardening tool helps you to maintain the boundary between these two areas over the long term. In our guide you can find out what you should look out for when buying a lawn edger and which models are specifically recommended.
If you want to draw a straight line in the lawn, a lawn edger is just the thing for you
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Fiskars Lawn Edger, Length: 109 cm, Width: 24 cm, Boron Steel, Black, Solid, 1011617
EUR 32.90 To the product| spade blade material | boron steel |
|---|---|
| spade blade width | 24 cm |
| stem material | wood |
| overall length | 110 cm |
| handle shape | T handle |
The lawn edger from Fiskars is one of the most popular garden tools of its kind. It impresses with the first-class spade blade and handle materials and the extra wide T-handle, which enables optimal power transmission. Added to this is the length of 110 centimetres, which exceeds the size of most other lawn edgers. Amazon reviewers are mostly very impressed with this design. They praise the high processing quality and convenient use. The spade blade should also be able to cope effortlessly with hard soil. Without a doubt a worthy test winner.
our recommendation
Burgon & Ball Crescent Serrated Head Lawn Edging Stainless Steel | RHS Recommended | garden tool
EUR 49.90 To the product| spade blade material | stainless steel |
|---|---|
| spade blade width | 20 cm |
| stem material | hardwood |
| overall length | 94 cm |
| handle shape | T handle |
The lawn edger from Burgon & Ball deserves second place in our comparison. As with our first-place winner, the materials and the handle type and length are convincing. The reviews on Amazon are mostly positive. Recurring comments are something like this: "Edger does what it's supposed to do", "Spade blade leaves a straight edge", "Treading surface for the foot is completely sufficient". The device could be a bit too short for very tall people.
| spade blade material | stainless steel |
|---|---|
| spade blade width | 21.5 cm |
| stem material | aluminum |
| overall length | 93 cm |
| handle shape | T handle |
The Spear & Jackson lawn edger has similar features to the Burgon & Ball model, except that the handle is made of lightweight aluminum and the handle is narrower. However, it also costs significantly less to run. She has many reviews on Amazon - mostly positive ones. The lawn edger should be light and yet robust. However, several reviewers explicitly recommend it for softer soils.
Purchase Criteria
drive
Lawn edging cutters are operated manually - i.e. by the gardener's own physical strength. This is exhausting and usually takes time.
Hobby gardeners are often looking for an electric lawn edger. That's not surprising, after all, an electric drive would make the work of edging easier. However, there is (still) no electric lawn edger in the true sense of the word. There are only electric lawn edgers, but they are only intended for above-ground borders. The lawn edger, on the other hand, also works underground. It cuts through the root system and prevents the lawn from unabashedly spreading for a long time.
Material of the spade blade
The spade blade of a lawn edger is always made of metal (aluminium) or steel. Steel is definitely the better choice because it is more resistant and durable.
Lawn edgers with an aluminum spade blade are cheaper - but only at first. The light metal is too soft to endure the hard work over a long period of time. As a result, you will often need a new device soon.
In short, we advise you to build on a lawn edger with a steel blade right away - it pays off in the long run.
shape of the spade blade
Lawn edgers feature a crescent or semi-trapezoidal spade blade. The good news: there are no discernible differences in quality. Simply choose the variant that you like better or that you can get along with better (after a practical test).
Spade blade width
The wider the spade blade, the faster you will finish your work. But: This only applies to long, straight stretches. When corners are to be mastered, a narrower blade literally performs better. Most lawn edgers have a spade blade that is 18 to 25 centimeters wide.
stem material
In the case of lawn edgers with a permanently installed handle, the latter is usually made of robust wood. The material impresses with its stability and natural look. Alternatively, handles made of metal or fiberglass are also available. These are just as safe as wooden handles and are usually easy to care for, but not as pleasant to touch.
Detachable and/or adjustable handles are typically made of metal, fiberglass, or plastic. Your advantages? The flexible use and adaptability as well as the possibility of storing the lawn edger in a particularly space-saving manner. your disadvantages? The partially reduced stability - the handle can suddenly detach if the connection is damaged.
Speaking of connections: Make absolutely sure that the connection point between spade blade and handle is well made and not too narrow.
stem length
The length of the handle should harmonize with your height, so that intensive lawn edging does not cause you acute or even chronic back pain. If you don't use a telescopic handle, you should check or test whether the handle is long enough for you before you buy it.
handle shape
A T-handle is preferred because it allows you to apply the force most effectively. You can push the handle down parallel with both hands. The same applies to the D handle, which is also often used.
step edge
Not absolutely necessary, but very practical: if the lawn edger has a stable step edge, you can also use your leg strength to press the spade blade as deep as desired into the ground.
By the way: Such a step edge is not rocket science, but merely an additional metal edge along the top edge of the spade blade, on which your foot can find a good grip.
frequently asked Questions
What is a lawn edger?
A lawn edger is a useful gardening tool that helps you to neatly separate lawn and flower beds, which is useful for both functional and visual reasons. Because without the intervention of the gardener, the lawn would spread unhindered - right into the beds. Where the lawn edging shears are no longer sufficient, the lawn edging cutter takes over. It consists of a very sharp blade in the shape of a crescent or half a trapezium and a handle.
How does a lawn edger work?
The use of the lawn edger is simple. To cut a larger piece of lawn and get a straight edge, we recommend the following procedure:
1. Use garden twine or a board to mark a straight line on the track that needs patching.
2. Place the edge cutter at one end of your prepared marking.
3. Step on the edge of the device with your foot and drive the spade blade as straight as possible into the turf from top to bottom.
4. Pull the spade blade out again quickly and forcefully.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you have completed the entire route. You should keep the distances between the individual lawn edge stitches small.
6. It is best to use a spade and a wheelbarrow to remove and transport the cut lawn.
Due to the rocking movement, the spade blade of the lawn edger enables a very filigree piercing. In addition, the edges are extremely sharp, so that they cut through the root system.
The gardening tool works as it should: With every cut of the spade you create a ditch between the lawn and the neighboring bed or piece of ground. And the clean edges resulting from the piercing ensure a well-groomed garden appearance.
This short video clearly shows how it works:
youtubeWhich brands offer good lawn edgers?
Popular brands for high-quality lawn edgers include Gardena, Fiskars and WOLF-Garten.
Where is the best place to buy a lawn edger?
Lawn edgers are among the classic garden tools and can therefore be found in all hardware stores and garden centers - whether toom, OBI, Bauhaus, Hornbach, Globus, Hellweg or hagebaumarkt. Amazon offers you the largest selection with designs from well-known brands. Depending on the season, you will occasionally come across inexpensive but solid lawn edgers even in large supermarkets and discounters (Aldi, Lidl).
How much does a lawn edger cost?
You pay an average of 30 to 50 euros for a high-quality lawn edger including handle.
Can I sharpen the blade of the lawn edger myself?
Yes, you can or even have to. The blade often has to be sharpened before it is used for the first time.