I’m Freddy, founder of Lawn Thumbs, and I’ve been shaping and caring for Utah lawns since 2010. Over the years, I’ve edged hundreds of yards—sunny slopes, shady backyards, and rocky hills. I learned what works and what doesn’t in our unique Utah climate. In this guide, I’ll share my own tips on lawn edging in Utah, step by step, so you can edge like a pro and keep your grass looking sharp all year long.
I used to think edging was just a fancy finishing touch. But after my first few seasons in Utah County, I saw how clean borders help lawns thrive here. Our dry summers can dry out grass, and crisp edges keep water from running off. Plus, edging stops mulch and rock from slipping onto the grass, reducing weeds. A clean line makes your lawn look larger and cared for—neighbors will notice!
Before you start, gather these basics:
I recommend a half-moon steel blade edger. It’s sharp enough to slice turf and deep enough to cut firm soil here in Utah. Electric or gas models work, but I prefer a manual edger for small yards—no noise, no fumes.
A flat shovel helps lift turf after cutting the edge. Look for one with a straight blade and solid handle. It makes cleaning up clumps easy.
I use a clawed garden rake to break up soil and smooth out the trench. A hoe can also score a crisp line on firm ground.
For long, straight borders—like along driveways—I stretch string between two stakes. It’s an easy guide for cutting a perfect line.
Don’t forget gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy shoes. Edging sends up clumps of dirt and rocks. Protect yourself.
I break edging into four main steps. Follow along:
Walk around your yard and decide where you want clean lines—along sidewalks, flower beds, driveways. I sketch a quick map on paper. On curved beds, use a garden hose as a flexible guide instead of string.
With your edger blade flat against the string or hose, step on the footrest (if your edger has one) and press down. Push the blade straight into the turf, about 2–3 inches deep. I like to do two shallow passes rather than one deep cut—it’s easier and cleaner.
Slide your shovel under the cut line at a slight angle. Lift out the strip of grass and soil. Place these chunks on a tarp or wheelbarrow. I reuse healthy turf elsewhere, or add it to my compost pile.
Use your garden rake or hoe to loosen any packed soil in the trench. Remove small stones and roots. Make sure the trench wall is straight and vertical. Water the trench lightly to help soil settle.
Utah’s seasons each bring unique challenges. Here’s how I adapt:
Even experienced pros run into trouble. Here’s how I handle the top three issues:
Utah’s soil can pack hard, especially near driveways. I loosen the trench with a pointed pick first, then finish with the edger. If rocks are too big, I remove them with pliers.
Curved edges are tricky. I use a garden hose to mark the shape, then follow that guide. On uneven hills, I edge in short sections—about 5 feet at a time—for better control.
Old trenches can sprout weeds. I dig out the top inch of soil and add a weed barrier fabric at the bottom before refilling with fresh soil. This blocks most weeds without plastic edging.
I love a good DIY, and edging is a skill you can learn. But some yards are big, steep, or full of hidden obstacles. If your time is tight or you need a flawless finish, consider calling in pros. At Lawn Thumbs, our team has special training in Utah landscapes. We bring the right tools and work fast so you can spend your weekend relaxing.
If you’d rather skip steel blades, here are green alternatives I trust:
I’ve seen time and again how clean edges transform a yard. Neat borders frame driveways and walkways. They show buyers and visitors you care about maintenance. Even small homes look larger when lawns have sharp lines. Proper edging can add up to $1,000 in added home value—especially important in Utah’s competitive real estate market.
I hope my guide gives you the confidence to edge your lawn like a pro. If you’d rather leave it to our trained team at Lawn Thumbs, we offer reliable, eco-friendly edging and complete lawn care services across Utah. Get your free quote today!
You should edge your yard every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. For best results, match edging to your mowing schedule.
A string trimmer works for quick touch‑ups, but it won’t cut as deep or leave the clean vertical wall that a steel edger does.
Early morning or late evening is ideal—soil is cooler and grass is less stressed by heat.
If you have subsurface lines, mark them before you dig. At Lawn Thumbs, we use locating tools to avoid any utility damage.
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