A crisp, straight lawn edge gives a garden a formal, tidy look and stops grass from creeping into flower beds. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) notes that a well-defined edge with a decent drop also helps keep mulch in place. Whether you are reshaping a lawn or creating new beds, cutting a straight edge is a straightforward job that you can do with basic tools.
Planning a straight lawn edge
Straight edges create a formal look and give clear definition between lawn and border, according to the RHS. Before you start, decide where the edge will run. The RHS suggests starting at a fixed feature, such as where the lawn meets a patio or fence, and extending the line from there. View the marked-out edge from different angles, including from an upstairs window if possible, to check the whole shape before you cut.
You can create a new lawn edge at any time of year, the RHS advises, but avoid working on the grass if the ground is frozen or very wet. For more on planning shapes and styles, see our straight lawn edges category and the broader installation guides section.
How to cut a straight lawn edge step by step
The RHS outlines a simple ten-step method for cutting a new edge. Gather a string line, two canes or pegs, a half-moon edging tool or flat-backed spade, and a spade for lifting turf.
1. Mark the line
Tie a string between two canes or pegs for a straight edge. Position the string at ground level and pull it taut. For long edges, the RHS recommends pushing the tines of a hand or border fork either side of the string to hold it firmly in place.
2. Cut along the line
Start at one end of the line. Insert the blade of a half-moon edging tool into the ground, standing on the flattened top of the blade to push it fully in. If you are using a flat-backed spade, the RHS says to mark a depth of 3 inches (7.5 cm) on the blade with tape and insert it to that depth. Work your way along the line, taking small steps and overlapping each cut slightly to create a continuous edge.
3. Remove the turf
Go back along the line and pull up narrow strips of grass by hand. To lift larger pieces, slide the blade of a spade underneath. The RHS advises composting the unwanted grass or stacking it in a separate pile to rot down into soil.
4. Check and refine
Walk down the line and look at it from both ends. If the edge is not neat and even, cut out further pieces with your edging tool. A clean cut now makes later maintenance much easier.
For a deeper look at the tools involved, visit our manual edgers page. If you plan to install permanent edging material, the full how to install lawn edging guide covers straight and curved installations.
Keeping the edge straight with regular maintenance
Once you have cut a straight edge, regular trimming keeps it crisp. The RHS says that redefining the edge annually with a half-moon edging tool makes trimming easier. Insert the blade downwards to cut away slivers of grass and restore the original line.
Creating the right drop
A drop of about 3 inches (7.5 cm) from the lawn surface down to the border helps keep plants off the grass and grass out of the border, according to the RHS. Remove excess soil with a spade or draw soil away from the edge with a hoe.
Trimming with edging shears
The RHS recommends using edging shears after each time you mow the lawn. Hold the shears upright with the blades beside the lawn edge. Keep the handle attached to the lower blade steady, and move the handle attached to the upper blade to cut overhanging grass. Take small sideways steps and slightly overlap your cuts to create a neat line. Check afterwards for any missed tufts of grass. Rake up the cut grass and compost it, or flick short sections into the border with a hoe to rot down.
Edging shears with long or telescopic handles are useful for tall gardeners, the RHS notes. If your soil sits wet over winter, wait until it dries out to avoid compacting the soil; working off a wooden board can reduce compaction on slightly wet ground. Regular trimming in spring, summer and autumn keeps the job quick and easy, and occasional trimming during mild winter spells may also be needed. For more on preventing weeds and keeping edges tidy, see our weed prevention advice.
Choosing edging material for straight runs
A hand-cut edge can be left as is, or you can fill the gap with a solid material. Rhonda Ferree, Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension, explains that an edging area 4 inches deep and wide can easily contain bluegrass. She suggests starting with a sharp spade to cut the edge, removing soil and grass to form a small cliff, and then deciding whether to leave it hand-edged or install a permanent border.
Metal edging
Metal edging, including steel and aluminum, is the longest lasting, according to Ferree. Steel edgings have been around for more than 30 years but are relatively expensive, difficult to install properly, and can suffer from frost heaving in winter. The best places to use steel edging are where a great deal of side-strength is required, such as driveway work. Aluminum edging is easier to work with, but the silver color appears unnatural in many landscapes.
Brick, stone and concrete
Brick, stone and concrete make useful and decorative edging. Ferree advises that brick or pavers should be well fired so they are waterproof. Stone should be at least 3 inches thick and at least 4 inches wide to stop grass. A sand or concrete base with reinforcing rods provides added durability and strength. Continuous concrete edging poured by special machines resists cracking because of polyolefin fibers added to the mix.
Wood and plastic
Wood edging gives a natural look. Landscape timbers, ties and treated 2x4s stay in place well and create a nice mowing edge, Ferree says. Rebars and toe-nailed corners add reinforcement. Avoid old railroad ties coated with materials toxic to plants. Plastic edging is inexpensive and easy to install, but it has poor durability and an artificial appearance. Ferree notes that plastic is probably the hardest material to install for a lasting, stable edge. Round-top edgings are better because they do not sink as easily as flat types. If flat plastic edging is used, nailing a 1 x 1-inch strip of treated wood along the bottom with galvanized nails can help stabilize it. Most frost heaving can be stopped by using grooved or lip-style edging, steel anchoring stakes, and proper installation procedures. To compare all material options, browse our lawn edging types overview.
Safety first: call 811 before digging
If your straight edge project involves digging a trench deeper than a shallow cut, for example, to install metal, brick or plastic edging, contact 811 before you start. The national before-you-dig service, 811, states that you should call or visit your state 811 center’s website a few business days before any digging. You will need to provide the address, county, nearest cross street, the type of project and the exact area where you plan to dig. Wait for utilities to mark their buried lines, then dig carefully around the marks. Even shallow digging can hit underground utilities, so every project, regardless of depth, requires a call to 811.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cut a straight lawn edge without special tools?
Yes. The RHS says a flat-backed spade can work if you mark a depth of 3 inches (7.5 cm) on the blade with tape and insert it to that depth. A half-moon edging tool makes the job easier, but a sharp spade is a practical alternative.
How often should I trim a straight lawn edge to keep it neat?
The RHS recommends using edging shears after each mowing session. During peak grass growth, this may be as often as once a week. Redefining the edge with a half-moon tool once a year helps maintain a clean line.
What is the best material for a straight lawn edge?
There is no single best material; the choice depends on your budget, style and site conditions. University of Illinois Extension notes that metal edging lasts longest but can heave in frost, while brick and stone offer a decorative look. Plastic is inexpensive but harder to keep in place. Consider the look you want and the amount of side-strength needed, especially along driveways.
For more detailed guidance on creating and maintaining straight edges, visit our straight lawn edges category page.
