How To Cut Grass Along Fence

How to Cut Grass Along a Fence Like a Pro

Cutting grass along a fence can be tricky. It's easy to end up with uneven patches, scalped areas, and damage to your fence itself. But with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve a clean, professional-looking finish. This guide will walk you through the best methods for cutting grass along a fence, ensuring your lawn looks its best.

Choosing the Right Equipment

The key to success lies in selecting the appropriate tools. While a standard lawnmower might suffice for the open areas, you'll need specialized equipment for those tricky fence edges.

String Trimmer/Weed Eater:

This is your best friend for fence-line mowing. A string trimmer's maneuverability allows you to get close to the fence without damaging it. Make sure your trimmer line is fresh and sharp for a clean cut.

Edger:

For a truly crisp edge, an edger can create a clean line between your lawn and the fence, walkway, or flowerbed. This adds a polished, professional look to your landscaping.

Small, Manual Trimmer:

For particularly tight spaces or delicate areas near the fence, a small, manual trimmer (like grass shears or a weed remover) can offer precision control.

Techniques for a Perfect Fence Line

Regardless of your chosen equipment, mastering the technique is crucial.

Safety First!

Always wear safety glasses and sturdy footwear when using power equipment. Be mindful of any obstacles near the fence like rocks, sprinkler heads, or other landscaping features.

Strategic Approach:

Don't try to cut everything in one pass. Start with your lawnmower, cutting as close to the fence as you safely can without hitting it. Leave a small buffer for your string trimmer or edger.

String Trimmer Technique:

Hold the trimmer at a slight angle to the fence, using short, overlapping strokes. Avoid pressing too hard, which can damage the trimmer head or the fence. Work slowly and methodically, focusing on creating an even line.

Edger Technique:

Use the edger to create a sharp, defined edge along the fence line. Make multiple passes if needed to ensure a clean cut.

Dealing with Difficult Spots:

For extremely tight spaces or curved areas, utilize your manual trimmer for precise cutting.

Maintaining Your Fence Line

Regular maintenance is key to preventing overgrown grass from becoming a problem.

Frequency:

How often you need to trim your fence lines depends on your grass type and growth rate. Most lawns benefit from trimming every 1-2 weeks during the growing season.

Preventative Measures:

Consider applying pre-emergent weed control in the spring to reduce grass growth along the fence. This can significantly reduce the amount of trimming you need to do throughout the season.

By following these tips and techniques, you'll be well on your way to achieving beautifully manicured grass along your fence. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. With patience and the right tools, you’ll soon be a fence-line mowing pro!