By Lauren HollandUpdated November 2026
Choosing a lawn edger and trencher comes down to a few practical questions: how deep you need to cut, whether you want a corded or cordless tool, how much edging you do each season, and how much effort you want to spend moving the tool along a border. This guide compares three dual-use models that cut a clean vertical edge along walks and beds and can also cut a shallow trench for landscape edging or irrigation lines. Each pick was assessed against the same criteria: cutting depth range, blade size, power source, ease of depth adjustment, and the consistency of owner feedback about edge quality and durability.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallWORX WG896 Corded Lawn Edger and TrencherView on Amazon - 2
Best for cordless yards2-in-1 Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher 20VView on Amazon - 3
Best for battery-platform ownersWORX WG898.9 Brushless Cordless Lawn Edger and TrencherView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| WORX WG896 Corded Lawn Edger and Trencher | Corded yards with a power outlet nearby | Three-position adjustable cutting depth |
| 2-in-1 Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher 20V | Cordless edging with a 9-inch blade | 3500 RPM motor and adjustable cutting height |
| WORX WG898.9 Brushless Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher | Owners already on a 20V PowerShare platform | Brushless power with three depth settings |
WORX WG896 Corded Lawn Edger and Trencher
3-Position Adjustable Cutting Depth, Lawn Edging & Trenching Dual Use, Corded WORX Electric Lawn Edger, 12 Amp 7.5" Trencher for Lawn Landscaping, WG896
Best for: Corded yards with a power outlet nearby
This is a good fit for homeowners with a standard outdoor outlet within reach of their edging area. Because it runs on mains power, there is no battery to charge or replace, and the motor output stays consistent through a long session of edging.
Key specs
- 12 amp corded motor
- 7.5-inch blade for edging and trenching
- Three-position adjustable cutting depth
Pros
- No battery to manage, so runtime is never a concern
- Three depth settings cover both edge cutting and shallow trenching
- Dual-use design suits both lawn borders and landscape trench work
Cons
- The cord limits your range and requires careful routing around the yard
- Less convenient for quick touch-ups in areas far from an outlet
Bottom line: Pick this if you have reliable outdoor power and want a dependable, low-maintenance edger that handles both edging and light trenching.
2-in-1 Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher 20V
2-in-1 Lawn Edger & Trencher with 9" Metal Blade, 3500 RPM Motor, Adjustable Cutting Height & Guide, Lightweight Power Edger Cordless Lawn Edger 20V with 4.0Ah Battery & Charger for Lawn Edge
Best for: Cordless edging with a 9-inch blade
This model suits owners who want to edge across a large lawn without dragging a cord, or who have few outlets near garden beds. The wider 9-inch blade covers more ground per pass along a walkway.
Key specs
- 20V cordless operation with a 4.0Ah battery included in the listing
- 9-inch metal blade
- Adjustable cutting height and guide
Pros
- Cordless design allows free movement around the whole yard
- Wider blade reduces the number of passes along long edges
- Adjustable guide helps keep a straight line along hardscape
Cons
- Runtime depends on battery charge, so large jobs may need a second battery
- Battery performance can drop in very cold weather
Bottom line: A strong choice for cordless users who want a wide blade and a simple guide system for straight, consistent edges.
WORX WG898.9 Brushless Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher
Battery & Charger Not Included, Brushless Power, 3 Adjustable Depth Settings, Lawn Edging & Trenching, PowerShare WORX Cordless Lawn Edger, 20V 7" Trencher for Lawn Border Tending, WG898.9
Best for: Owners already on a 20V PowerShare platform
This is the pick for anyone who already owns WORX PowerShare batteries and wants to add an edger and trencher without buying another battery. The listing states that the battery and charger are not included, so factor that into your decision.
Key specs
- Brushless motor
- 7-inch blade for edging and trenching
- Three adjustable depth settings
- Battery and charger not included
Pros
- Brushless design is generally associated with longer motor life and efficient battery use
- Works with the PowerShare battery family, so existing batteries can be reused
- Three depth settings support both edge cutting and trench work
Cons
- Battery and charger must be purchased separately if you do not already own them
- Smaller 7-inch blade means more passes on wide edges compared with a 9-inch blade
Bottom line: Best for owners already invested in the 20V PowerShare system who want a brushless, multi-depth edger without an extra battery purchase.
Buying Guide
Corded vs. Cordless Power
Corded models offer unlimited runtime and steady power, which is useful for large edging jobs. Cordless models give you freedom of movement and no cord to trip over, but you need to plan around battery capacity. For a typical suburban lawn with a few hundred feet of edging, one 4.0Ah battery is often enough for a single session, though a spare battery helps on bigger jobs.
Good picks for this: WORX WG896 Corded Lawn Edger and Trencher, 2-in-1 Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher 20V
Cutting Depth Range
Look for at least three depth settings. Shallow settings suit clean vertical edges along sidewalks, while deeper settings are needed for trenching a border or running a line for landscape edging. Manufacturers typically specify the depth range in the product manual, so check it against the depth you need before buying.
Good picks for this: WORX WG896 Corded Lawn Edger and Trencher, WORX WG898.9 Brushless Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher
Blade Size
A wider blade covers more ground per pass. A 9-inch blade reduces the number of passes along a long walkway, while a 7-inch blade gives more control in tight curves around flower beds. If your yard has many curves, a smaller blade may be easier to steer; for long straight runs, a wider blade saves time.
Good picks for this: 2-in-1 Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher 20V, WORX WG898.9 Brushless Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher
Battery Platform and Compatibility
If you already own cordless tools from a given brand, check whether the edger uses the same battery platform. Buying a tool that shares batteries with your existing equipment reduces the number of chargers and batteries you need to keep track of. Always confirm whether the battery and charger are included in the listing before purchase.
Good picks for this: WORX WG898.9 Brushless Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher, 2-in-1 Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher 20V
Guide Wheel and Edge Control
A guide wheel or adjustable guide keeps the blade running at a consistent distance from the hard edge. This is the single biggest factor in getting a straight, clean line rather than a wavy one. Look for a guide that adjusts easily and stays locked during use. For more on technique, see how a Lawn Edger vs Weed Wacker: Which Should You Choose? compares with a dedicated edger.
Good picks for this: 2-in-1 Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher 20V, WORX WG896 Corded Lawn Edger and Trencher
Motor Type and Durability
Brushless motors are generally associated with lower maintenance and longer service life than brushed motors, because they have fewer parts that wear. Corded motors are simple and robust, and owners often report that they hold up well to seasonal use when the cord and housing are kept in good condition.
Good picks for this: WORX WG898.9 Brushless Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher, WORX WG896 Corded Lawn Edger and Trencher
Care, Storage and Safe Use
Clean soil and grass from the blade and guide after each use, and check the blade for nicks or bends. Keep the battery stored at moderate temperatures and avoid leaving it in a hot car or freezing shed. Always disconnect power or remove the battery before changing the blade or clearing a jam. For broader safety guidance, see Power Lawn Edgers: Setup, Safe Use and Care.
Good picks for this: WORX WG896 Corded Lawn Edger and Trencher, 2-in-1 Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher 20V
FAQ
What is the difference between a lawn edger and a trencher?
A lawn edger cuts a shallow vertical line along the border between grass and a hard surface such as a walkway or driveway. A trencher cuts a deeper, narrow channel, typically used for installing landscape edging or running a line. Dual-use tools like the models above cover both tasks by offering several depth settings.
How deep should a lawn edge be cut?
For a clean edge, most people cut to a depth that removes the grass roots and creates a small vertical face, usually about an inch or so. Check your tool’s manual for the depth each setting produces, and test on a small section first.
Is a corded or cordless edger better?
Neither is better across the board. Corded models suit yards near outlets and long sessions. Cordless models suit large yards and quick touch-ups, provided you have a charged battery on hand.
How often should I edge my lawn?
Many homeowners edge every few weeks during the growing season and again before major events. Frequency depends on grass growth rate and how quickly the border fills back in.
Can a lawn edger and trencher be used for landscape edging?
Yes, the trenching function can cut a channel for installing plastic, metal or stone landscape edging. Check the depth setting against the height of the edging you plan to install.
Do I need to remove the battery before adjusting the blade?
Yes. Always remove the battery or disconnect power before changing the blade, clearing debris, or adjusting depth. This is a standard safety practice for all power edgers.
Conclusion
For most yards with reliable outdoor power, the WORX WG896 Corded Lawn Edger and Trencher is a dependable, low-maintenance choice with three depth settings for both edging and trenching. Cordless owners who want a wide blade should look at the 2-in-1 Cordless Lawn Edger and Trencher 20V, which pairs a 9-inch blade with an adjustable guide. If you already run WORX PowerShare batteries, the WORX WG898.9 Brushless model lets you add a brushless edger and trencher to your existing setup, provided you have or buy a compatible battery and charger.
Sources
- Consumer product safety guidance on power tools and safe operation (cpsc.gov)
- Workplace and general guidance on safe use of power equipment (osha.gov)
- Turfgrass and lawn edging guidance from a university extension service (extension.umn.edu)
Related reading
- Worx WG896 Lawn Edger: Setup, Use and Edge-Cutting Tips
- Worx WG896 Electric Lawn Edger: Setup, Use and Edge-Cutting Tips
- Worx Electric Lawn Edger: 5 Best Models for Clean Edges (2026)
About Lauren Holland
Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our lawn edging & trimming guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
