When it comes to maintaining a well-manicured lawn, one common question that arises is whether to mow or edge first. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that mowing first is the way to go. Let me explain why.
By starting with mowing, you set the foundation for the rest of your lawn care tasks. Mowing determines the overall height of the grass and helps create a uniform look across your yard. When you mow first, you establish the length that you want the grass to be, which in turn guides you in edging the lawn.
When you mow first, you have a better idea of how short to trim the grass along the edges. This knowledge is crucial to avoid scalping the areas next to sidewalks, driveways, or flower beds. Scalping occurs when the mower blades cut too close to the ground, resulting in bare or weedy patches. By mowing first, you can adjust the height of the blades accordingly, preventing any damage to the edges.
Another advantage of mowing first is that it allows you to address any potential obstacles or debris present in the lawn. By removing larger items like fallen branches or toys before edging, you can ensure a smooth and uninterrupted process. This step also prevents the edger from getting clogged or damaged while maneuvering around obstacles.
Additionally, mowing before edging helps in maintaining a cleaner and tidier lawn. As you mow, the clippings are evenly distributed throughout the grass, making it easier to collect or mulch them later. When you move on to edging, you won’t have to worry about the mower pushing clippings onto the newly edged areas, which can create a messy appearance.
Let me share a personal experience to illustrate the importance of mowing first. A few years ago, I decided to experiment and edge my lawn before mowing. I thought it would be more efficient to create crisp edges first and then mow away any excess grass. However, I soon realized that this approach was flawed. The uneven length of the grass made it challenging to achieve a clean look along the edges. I ended up having to go back multiple times, adjusting the mower height and re-edging to achieve the desired result. Lesson learned – mowing first is the way to go!
To summarize the benefits of mowing before edging:
1. Avoid scalping: By mowing first, you can determine the proper height for the grass along the edges, preventing scalping and bare patches.
2. Address obstacles and debris: Mowing first allows you to remove any larger items from the lawn, ensuring a smooth edging process.
3. Maintain a cleaner lawn: By mowing first, you can evenly distribute the clippings, avoiding any mess on freshly edged areas.
Based on personal experience and professional expertise, I strongly recommend mowing first before edging. This approach sets the stage for a well-maintained and visually appealing lawn. So grab your mower, establish the desired grass height, and then move on to edging for that perfect finish!
