Should I Edge Before I Mow? Let’s Settle This Once and For All!

Ah, the age-old question of lawn care: Do you edge a yard before you mow the grass, or after? It's the kind of debate that could get neighbors talking, maybe even spark a heated conversation over the fence. But fear not! We're here to clear the air. So, should you edge before you mow? The answer might surprise you!

The Case for Edging First

Imagine you're getting ready to host a big backyard cookout. You want everything to be perfect, right? That’s where edging comes in—it’s like giving your yard a crisp haircut before the big event. When you edge first, you create clean, defined lines around your walkways, flower beds, and driveway. This way, when you mow afterward, the mower can handle any stray clippings or overhanging grass blades that may have fallen during the edging process.

Pro Tip: Edging before mowing ensures that any clippings or debris from the edger are scooped up by the mower, leaving a neat and tidy finish.

The Case for Mowing First

On the flip side, some lawn care pros swear by mowing before edging. The idea here is that when you mow first, you’re tackling the majority of the grass, so when it comes time to edge, you’re dealing with a lot less cleanup. Plus, mowing first gives you a clearer sense of how your lawn looks overall, making it easier to go back and edge with precision.

Fun Fact: If you edge after you mow, the clean, sharp edges are like the cherry on top of a perfectly manicured lawn sundae.

Is There a "Right" Way?

The truth is, either method works! It’s all about personal preference and how you like to maintain your lawn. Some people edge first to get it out of the way, while others prefer to leave it for last so they can savor the satisfaction of those crisp lines.

That said, if you’re someone who edges regularly, doing it before mowing might save you time and effort since your mower will pick up the loose ends. If you’re more of a sporadic edger, mowing first might make sense, as it gives you a better view of your yard’s layout.

Final Verdict: Do What Works for You

At the end of the day, your yard is your canvas. Whether you edge before you mow or after, the goal is to create a lawn that’s tidy, fresh, and ready for admiration. Lawn care is a personal journey (yep, we're getting poetic here), and as long as you enjoy the process, keep your grass height optimal, and water accordingly, you’re doing it right!

So next time you're gearing up for a lawn care day, take a deep breath, grab your tools, and remember: It’s not about when you edge—it’s about how good it feels to have a yard that makes your neighbors jealous.

Happy mowing and edging!