All about lawn-edge trimming

Mowing + trimming = perfect results

As a proud gardener, we're sure you have a diligent lawn mowing routine and always want your garden to look its best. But if you have flower borders or raised beds, you’ll know that the mower’s great results rarely extend to the very edge of your lawn. To achieve the perfect lawn edge, you just need the right tool and a little guidance.

Trim first

Here’s a simple and practical tip: always do your lawn-edge trimming before you mow the lawn. This means that the cuttings from trimming will be collected easily by your lawn mower.

How often do I need to trim my lawn edges?

We recommend edge-trimming every time you mow your lawn. Start by trimming all around the grass edge. Doing it all in one go will give you even results. If your lawn is growing fast in spring, you can mow up to twice a week; when the weather gets dry and warmer, don’t cut the grass more than once a week. That’s a guideline, but remember that every lawn is different. A lawn grown from an ornamental grass seed mix is much more demanding than a simple recreational lawn and will need more frequent mowing and trimming. 

Lawn-edge trimming techniques

If you’re using cordless garden shears for trimming your grass edging, the technique is quite intuitive: just move the tool smoothly at the level you are trimming to. We recommend you do all the trimming of your lawn edge in one go for even results. If you are using a grass trimmer or brushcutter, there are a few extra points to consider.

STIHL professional tip: If you have a trimming tool with a mowing line that you haven’t used for a while, we recommend you soak the entire spool in water for a day or more before you start trimming with it. Soaking makes the line flexible and less brittle, so it lasts longer and performs better.

To achieve good results in the long term, read our tips on maintaining and properly storing your grass trimmer.

Safety considerations when trimming your lawn edge

Make sure that people stay at least 15 m away when you’re trimming your lawn with a power tool. Grass trimmers can kick up small stones, sticks or other debris on the ground, so when using them you should always wear safety glasses with appropriate face protection and suitable work clothes. For petrol-powered tools, you will also need ear protection. Your operating instructions will include more information on personal protective equipment.

Readjusting the mowing line on brushcutters and grass trimmers

If you have a brushcutter or grass trimmer with a STIHL AutoCut mowing head, it’s easy to extend the mowing line even while you’re trimming the edge of your lawn: when the tool is up to speed, just tap the rotating mowing head on the ground to release the line-holding mechanism, and about 30mm of mowing line with be automatically fed out of the mowing head.

If the mowing line is initially too long after adjustment, the mechanism may briefly become noisy because of the excess mowing line hitting the guard. There’s no need for concern if this happens, as the blade integrated into the guard will cut the line to the right length after two or three rotations. 

You should regularly replace your grass trimmer wire and heads.

How to Extend The Line on A STIHL AutoCut Mowing Head

STIHL AutoCut line mowing heads are really simple to use and allow you to feed out more mowing line when required. When the tool is up to speed, simply tap the rotating mowing head on the ground and about 30 mm of fresh nylon line will be fed out of the mowing head.

The line limiting blade in the deflector automatically cuts the mowing lines to the correct length for you. You may find that the automatic feed will not take place if there is less than 25mm of mowing line showing. If the mowing line does not automatically feed out, turn off STIHL the tool and if it’s a battery model, remove the STIHL battery.

Press the spool on the mowing head and hold it while you pull out the mowing lines If the mowing lines cannot be pulled out to the required length, replace the spool or the mowing lines.

You may find that the spool is empty. To get the best out of your cordless or petrol grass trimmer, make sure you leave the spool in water for 24 hours before first use to make it more supple and last longer. It’s best practice to avoid walls and fixed objects when mowing too.

Summary: lawn-edge trimming

• Trim all around your lawn edge before you start mowing.
  
• Include trimming as part of your routine every time you mow the lawn.
• Use a brushcutter or grass trimmer for large areas and long grass or cordless garden shears for details and smaller spaces.
• Maintain a safety distance of 15m when trimming the edge of your lawn with a brushcutter or grass trimmer.