Every yard has a different layout that may need an edger or a trimmer. Depending on which areas of your lawn may need the most assistance, you will decide which one will be best for you and your needs.
A trimmer is used to cut any grass or plants that a lawnmower is unable to access, like around a tree or fence. An edger is used along the edge where a lawn meets a path or hard surface.
These tools can seem similar, and often people wonder if they are interchangeable. There are many things you must consider before deciding which tool may be best for your circumstance. Along with this, you will need to consider which features would be best in an edger or trimmer.
Can an Edger Be Used as a Trimmer?
First, you must consider the setup of each tool. The biggest issue with using an edger as a trimmer is the vertical blade that they tend to have. While an edger is sometimes called an edge trimmer, this does not mean it can necessarily do the job of an actual trimmer.
It is more common for a trimmer to be used as an edger than the other way. This is due to trimmers being able to be turned, so they are no longer cutting horizontally, but vertically. Edgers do not have the capability to be used in the same way due to them not being able to turn and having a blade instead of a line.
Even though it is possible to use a trimmer in this way, it isn’t highly recommended due to the uneven cut that could occur. Edgers are specifically designed to keep the edges straight and cut deep. If you were to use a trimmer instead, you would need to manually follow the edge of the path to create a straight line.
What is the Difference Between an Edger and a Trimmer?
An edger and a trimmer can seem fairly similar due to their overall design and use, but they have very clear differences. This is large because of their purposes and how that affects what is necessary for each tool.
How Are They Similar?
Both of these tools are made to keep your lawn cleaned up and the grass at a reasonable level. This is the main similarity between the two as they aren’t actually made to do the same job. Trimmers do have the benefit of being able to somewhat do the work of an edger, but overall these tools are made with different goals in mind.
How Are They Different?
While it may be surprising for most considering their purposes, these tools are actually very different. This is mostly due to an edger needing to be more stable, while trimmers tend to be more maneuverable so they can both complete their jobs.
Edger
The biggest difference is that they are made to do different jobs. Edgers are made to trim the edge around a lawn, specifically, following hard surfaces like a sidewalk or driveway. These tools will usually have a vertical spinning blade that is powered by electricity, gas, or a battery. They also tend to have a wheel to help guide it along the length of the edge of your lawn.
The biggest thing to note about an edger is that you will most likely only need to use it once a month. Depending on your yard or garden, you may be interested in using it more often. In this case, you may need to consider a more powerful edger versus a standard one.
Trimmer
A trimmer is known best for the string that is a flexible monofilament line. The line is attached to a horizontally rotating head that is powered by either gasoline or electricity. Trimmers do have a lot of extra features depending on your needs, but this largely depends on the size of your yard and how long you will be using it.
Do I Need an Edger or a Trimmer?
Deciding if you need an edger or a trimmer is difficult since they are meant for different uses. If you need to create a clean edge along your driveway, sidewalk, or just the boundary of your lawn, then an edger would be best. However, a trimmer is best for maintaining areas that your lawnmower may not be able to reach, like around a tree or a garden.
What Features do They Offer?
After deciding which tool you may be interested in purchasing, you will need to do research on which features they each have. This will largely depend on your yard and how you are planning to use the tool.
Trimmer Features
As I mentioned previously, there are gas and electric powered trimmers. This is something you will need to consider, along with several other features a trimmer may have to offer. Including the rotating head that some have available.
Gas Vs. Electric
A gas or electric trimmer offers highly different experiences. Both are great for their individual purposes, but you must decide which one will fit what you will be using it for best. You will usually find this comes down to your yard size and the layout.
Electric String Trimmer
An electric trimmer can come with or without a cord. These tend to be easy to switch on and off, unlike their gas-powered counterparts. They tend to be more lightweight, but also will have less power than a gas-powered trimmer.
The cordless trimmer is much more maneuverable than the corded trimmer. This is a great option if you have more areas that are hard to reach, and need that extra mobility to get to them. This is a popular option for anyone who has a large garden that needs more detail work than a typical yard.
The electric trimmer is highly recommended to anyone who has a yard that is on the smaller size. This is due to the lower power, but also the fact that if the trimmer is not plugged in, then you will have a limited amount of time to use it. If you have a large space to cover than a cord may not reach or the cordless version may need to be recharged before you finish.
Gas String Trimmer
A gas-powered string trimmer is a great option if you have more heavy-duty work. This model is cordless and tends to have two-cycle engines. There are also four-cycle engines that offer easier use, but they tend to be heavier. This would affect the overall maneuverability of the tool, so it may not be best for all owners.
The biggest thing to note with a gas-powered trimmer is that you will need gas and oil to operate it. They will require regular maintenance, and it is a pull start instead of a simple switch.
These trimmers do have the benefit of having more attachments available since they are made to cut down heavier duty weeds. It can also accept a line with a larger diameter and can have a dual trimmer head, which means it will cut faster.
Shaft Style
There are two different options when it comes to the trimmer’s shaft shape. They can be either curved or the typical straight version. Each one has its benefits, but the straight shaft does tend to be the standard design.
Straight Shaft
This is usually the preferred shaft since it offers a better balance of the weight of the trimmer. It also tends to have a longer lifespan than a curved shaft may have. The straight shaft also gives the security of more distance between you and the head of the tool while using it.
Curved Shaft
This isn’t a common style for people to buy, which is mostly due to the safety and overall use of the straight shaft. However, the curved shaft offers a flexible-cable drive shaft that provides power to the head. This option also tends to have a lower investment initially, and are highly maneuverable.
These shafts are best for around flower beds or other areas that are separated from the lawn. They also tend to weigh less, and many find them more comfortable to use than a straight shaft trimmer.
Trimmer Lines
A trimmer uses a string-like line to cut through weeds by spinning it quickly using the powered head. The standard line is best for smaller yards that won’t require as much heavy-duty trimming.
There is also a commercial-grade line that is best when used with a gas trimmer in a large yard. This line is made specifically for areas that have more difficult weeds or larger patches of grass to trim.
Automatic Vs. Bump-Feed
After deciding on a line, you must decide on the best design for feeding the line into the trimmer head. The two options tend to be automatic or bump-feed.
The automatic trimmers have a sensor that will make sure the line is always kept at a certain length. Many find this option much simpler and straight forward to use. It requires less adjusting and is a standard length at all times.
A bump-feed usually involves the user bumping the trimmer head gently against the ground to have the string be fed through. This is best for people who need to be able to adjust the length of the line depending on what it is cutting. It best for areas that may need a lighter touch.
Rotating Head
The head of a trimmer is where the line attaches, and some are able to be rotated. These trimmers are usually advertised as being able to do the job of an edger as well, but they are typically not the best for this job.
A trimmer is able to cut along the edge, but it may be uneven. Some trimmers do offer other attachments, like a guiding wheel, that will help make edging easier. However, while these may work in smaller areas, it is still best to use an actual edger for these situations.
Edger Features
Edgers tend to have a lot of features to help make it easier for the user to create a straight edge along with your lawn. However, as I mentioned previously, your lawn size will determine exactly which features would work best for you.
Electric, Gas, or Manual?
Edgers have three different power options to choose from. These tend to be electric, gas, or manual powered edgers. These are all best for uses in certain lawn sizes and layouts, so it is best to consider this before buying a heavy-duty edger for a small yard.
Electric Edger
There are two different versions of the electric edger, which are the battery or cord options. As with the trimmer, a corded edger will limit your maneuverability. However, this option is usually more lightweight and perfect for smaller yards.
If you are not interested in an edger with a cord, but still have a smaller yard, then a battery-operated edger may be best. You will need to recharge them after every use, and they do tend to be heavier due to the added weight from the battery. However, they offer more maneuverability and are still lighter than a gas-powered edger.
Gas Edger
Gas edgers are more powerful than the electric edgers and are best for larger yards. They do tend to be much heavier because of the gas tank that is attached to the edger. Of gas edgers, there are a couple of different options to look into.
The biggest issue with any gas edger is there is more maintenance involved. This is usually due to the engine needing to be taken care of more than an electric or manual edger.
Stick Edgers
Stick edgers tend to be the size of a gas-powered trimmer. These are extremely similar to trimmers in size, but the overall design is still that of an edger. There is a vertical blade, and they tend to come with a guiding wheel.
This is a similar idea to adding a wheel to a gas-powered trimmer and turning the head to cut vertically. The main difference is that the edger has a blade and a better guiding system than the trimmer would have.
Walk-Behind Edger
These have more power than any other option and are best if you are planning to do a lot of edging regularly. They tend to dig deeper and have a more stable build. This is usually due to it resting on a wheelbase, unlike the one wheel, a stick edger tends to have. This provides a much more precise edge and is a lot easier for you to use.
Manual Edger
A manual edger is a very cheap and simple solution to edging your lawn. If you don’t have a large yawn and won’t need to edge it much, then this is most likely going to be the best option.
This is a simple tool with either a plain square spade or a rotary edger. The more popular manual edgers tend to only require you to step on it to force the blade down. You would then proceed to work it along the edge you need to cut. There are very minimal safety hazards while using this tool, and the main downside is that it requires more effort than other options.
Edger Blade
Edgers can be dangerous tools due to their blades, so many do have precautions. Along with these, the blades do need to be switched out or adjusted. This means an edger should have these functions easily available.
Blade Functions
A good edger should make it easy to switch the blade out for a new one once it is worn. Most edgers will have adjustable blade depths, which decides how deep the blade will be able to cut. There tend to be three different blade depth options on an edger for you to choose from to get the best cut.
Blade Safety
Edgers should have a capability that will disengage the blade to stop it from turning. If an edger does not have this feature, then you should not purchase it. Along with this, an edger should have a blade guard to help prevent anything from flying up during use. You should also make sure you are wearing protective glasses and other such precautions.
Guide Wheel
This is something almost all edgers should have, except perhaps the manual version. Most edgers will have one wheel to help stabilize it, but there are some that have more. These tend to be the heavier-duty machines that rest on an entire wheelbase instead of balancing on the one wheel.
It is recommended to have an edger with at least the standard one guide wheel. This will help keep the blade steady, and your line much straighter while cutting.
What Are the Best Trimmers?
Once you have decided which functions you would like your trimmer to have, you will need to decide which one will be best. There are many popular brands for trimmers that are highly recommended, but it will mostly depend on what kind you are needing.
Black+Decker
Black+Decker has been making power tools since 1910, and are known for their high-quality standards. The trimmers they produce have made it to the top almost every year, and are always highly recommended.
LST136W
The LST136W (link to Amazon) string trimmer is one of the most efficient tools in terms of performance and maneuverability due to it being cordless. Many enjoy this trimmer due to it being compatible with other MAX-series tools.
This trimmer is run on battery power, but it has an impressive run-time and wide variety of accessories available. The weight of this tool is 7.8 lbs and has a rotatable head that allows you to perform edging as well.
LSTE525
The LSTE525 (link to Amazon) is a cordless, battery-operated trimmer that weighs 6.3 lbs. The cutting width is smaller than some of the other options at 12 inches, but it is still great compared to many other trimmers.
You can choose between two different power settings to either extend the run-time or have more power. This allows it to cut through anything you may find in a smaller yard, while also being highly maneuverable.
Husqvarna 967055801
The Husqvarna 967055801 (link to Amazon) is one of the top trimmers today, made for those who need a powerful tool. This is a gas-powered trimmer that can be used as a commercial-grade tool. It has a 4-stroke engine and doesn’t require you to mix oil and fuel for use.
You can use any line with this trimmer, and it is easy to operate. It is 17 lbs, and it has a build that can last years even on larger properties. The Smart Start allows for it to easily without any extra hassle.
GreenWorks 21212
GreenWorks 21212 (link to Amazon) is an electric trimmer that has a cord. It is priced around $30 and is one of the most lightweight trimmers available today at a 5.2 lb body weight. The trimmer has a 4 amp motor that has an impressive amount of power and can cut through almost any condition.
This trimmer is highly recommended to small yard owners due to its affordability and how lightweight it is. There is a limited range due to it being corded, but many still say it’s one of the top deals.
Dewalt DCST920P1
The Dewalt DCST920P1 (link to Amazon) was built to be highly durable and efficient. It is battery operated but has a large run-time and impressive power. You are able to control the speed of the trimmer using the switch and requires no maintenance.
What Are the Best Edgers?
Now that you know what you are going to need in an edger, you will need to consider what each model has to offer. This usually comes down to price, features, and many other details. There are many amazing edgers out there; you just need to know which one you are looking for.
Craftsman E405
The E405 (link to Amazon) is a gas-powered edger with a 4-cycle engine. This edger is known for the powerful, yet quiet motor. You will also not need to mix oil and gas together for this edger since it has already been handled for you.
This edger is made for home use, not commercial, so it is one of the more lightweight gas edgers available at 30 lbs. There are also six different blade depths available with this model, and it is cheaper than many others.
WORX WG896
The WORX WG896 (link to Amazon) is an electric edger with a 12-amp motor, and three-blade depths available. This edger is only 14 lbs and is very maneuverable. The main downside is that it is also advertised as being able to trench, but it wouldn’t be able to produce a very wide trench. So it is not recommended to use it for this purpose.
Ryobi ONE
The Ryobi ONE (link to Amazon) is a battery-operated edger that is great for small yards. Many enjoy that the battery is interchangeable with any of the tools in their line. This is especially helpful if you have a larger yard, and the battery dies before you are finished. You would be able to have a secondary battery charging, and just switch it out so you can continue your work.
This edger has a front and rear wheel that gives the edger plenty of stability, and it has four different blade depth options. This is lightweight compared to the gas models, which makes it more maneuverable. However, the biggest con is that the battery will run out if your yard is too large.
Truper 32100
The Truper 32100 (link to Amazon) is great for edging along curved edges like a garden or curved sidewalk. This is a rotary lawn edger, which means it is a manual tool. There is two-wheel to support the blades, and it easily follows any curve you may have.
This is a very simple tool but highly recommended to anyone who doesn’t need something with more power. It is very compact and straightforward to use for even the most inexperienced user.
GreenWorks 27032
The GreenWorks 27032 (link to Amazon) is a corded edger that is highly inexpensive and easy to replace parts. The main downside to this edger is that the single-handled model makes it less easy to maneuver compared to other options. Despite this, the grip is still able to pivot, and many find it comfortable to use.
The biggest pro for this option is that it has a four-year warranty. This is the main reason that many people enjoy using this edger instead of the others that may be available. This may not be considered the best electric lawn edger, but it is one of the top picks.
Final Thoughts
Deciding if you need a lawn edger or trimmer can be somewhat confusing when you start. However, both tools have relatively simple ideas behind them that are great for the detail work needed on any lawn.
It is recommended to use each of them for their separate purpose, but it isn’t uncommon for people to use trimmers as an edger as well. This isn’t highly recommended, but it will help tidy up any areas until you can get an actual edger.