How to PERFECTLY Edge a Sidewalk EVERY time! [Flip Edge VS Edger!]

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Edger OR Trimmer?! You Decide 😎

[@zankye]

trimmer

[@GreenScapeLawncare]

I use a edger to get a good edge then maintain the edge with my trimmer

[@ecklesfarmsstopmotion]

Trimmer

[@stefang4929]

Brian, Years ago now. I cut Commercial Lawns here in Michigan As well. What worked for me vary well was Initially Yes Use the Edger to Create the Nice Clean Line and Have a Dug out Start,But as the Season Goes Whip Edging is a Huge Time Saver. Always Great to watch your Videos.

[@gto2000five]

In my business the edger is strictly for reestablishing the edge but only if there's dirt/mud over the concrete. String trimmer is by far faster, more accurate, and less messy for edging. Plus you don't have to go back to the truck for another tool. Side note, my marching band days in high school have finally paid off 22 years later!

[@roberthatch3739]

I use an edger first time in the spring. Flip edge after, and the edger every 4-5 weeks during the season as necessary. I tend to walk backwards while flip edging, but forward where it’s easier. So basically, a little bit of everything. Thanks for the vids! Always look forward to seeing them.

[@markschmaus5580]

Walk Backwards with a string trimmer. I also use a Troy Bilt driveway edger that you walk behind and just push it along. Does a great job!

[@jameschatman3801]

I actually use both stick edger and string trimmer it just depends on situation/status of the edges.

[@equinoxacidz2493]

Hard edge I always use a edger, rounded edges like asphalt driveways, I trim edge

[@Aaron-p-q9b]

I tried your style once… the line wasn’t to straight. Hats off to you!

[@allanmowz]

Maybe try it again but with left hand much further down the shaft. You get more control over the moving end that way that up on the grip as he was doing. Personally I walk backwards so where I'm going is on the cleaner side of the spin and can see better to keep the line straight.

[@jeramicox7094]

I own a lawn care biz also, 14 years strong now!! I’ve always edged with my weed eater, holding it upside down with the motor by my ear and walking backwards too. I thought I was the only person in the world who did this 😂 Glad to see I’m not!!! I could totally work for you if I ever gave up owning.

[@allanmowz]

Many many do it like that. Myself included. I've used the motor by the ear description myself several times. Do you hold your left hand as he did way up on the grip or lower down the handle nearer the point of movement? Far more control further down. I'm too cheap to buy an edger so it's all trimmer haha.

[@andrewhawblitzel330]

At my company we always carry both, we edge like you were we hit it with the hard edge every other week and just keep it clean with the trimmer on the off weeks! Great videos keep it rolling🤙

[@quike387]

I do the walking backwards always works for me 😊

[@ethangray2375]

Usually do a flip edge unless it is a corner lot or a first cut; then I will use the edger. For me it has been a lot easier to master flip edging by holding a trimmer all the way upside down vs sideways (if that makes sense)

[@TheLawnFellas]

I prefer using a stick edger first time then maintaining it with a trimmer!! I suggest always getting a straight shaft especially if you get employees. If you get an employee like me a lefty the curved shaft is out the window 👍🏼

[@dexewing1]

I usually flip edge with the string trimmer, walking backwards. Also find it easier to walk faster and I can usually keep the line in-line just behind the curb. If I do it slower I tend to drift a bit. Weird, but it's worked for me so I'm not knocking it.

[@francoguzzo1810]

we use the Echo Pas 2620, i use the edger attachment to get my lines at the start of the season or whenever it needs to be cleaned up, but when it comes to weekly maintenance, we just use the string trimmer

[@vangreenlawncare]

Cut in a new edge with a stick edger. Maintain with trimmer. Edge it out with the edger a few times here and there throughout the season to keep it looking fresh. 👌

[@jomo8924]

I'm better with the trimmer. Brian's lawn and maintenance is awesome. Brian, thanks for the free lawn inquiry download. Got me a good amount of aeration/clean- ups! Keep up the hard work! Thanks Joe

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Heck yeah Jo!

[@MsMrhawk]

I use both, i can always get the cleanest and consistent edge with the edger...however it does take a little more time!

[@MicheleAlbano-n9k]

Love a battery-powered trimmer for exactly what you're doing. A good 18-volt edger/trimmer (I have a Toro) is fantastic. Lightweight, easy to use, and eco-friendly.

[@deoji2]

String trimmer all day. It's just the way I have been doing it for 25 years. ( But I do it every week on my accounts, so it keeps it super easy.

[@DougClewett]

I use the bent shaft. It seems to be easier for tall people like myself vs the straight shafts. First cut of the season I like to use a qalk behind, I found it to be faster and easier. After that echoe combi system bent shaft.

[@OscarOrod]

There's nothing better than the big power trim with the 5 hp motor!

[@logansimpson5980]

Great video I can edge either forwards or backwards I use a edger for overgrown stuff and I use it most of times nowadays

[@mentalosrs3076]

I maintain with a trimmer walking backwards. Charge extra to get the edge line in, where i use a stick edger :)

[@mattd8411]

Looks good sir Brian. I think it would look a little bit more good er if you tried it with a shindaiwa 262 lol.

[@jnj2233]

I use my straight edger first cut of the year to get the edge back in check then maintain with string trimmer. Occasionally I’ll bring my edger once a month if I need to redefine the edge again. It’s less work with an edger but for me I’m used to a string trimmer since I’ve always used a string trimmer for edging whenever I couldn’t afford a designated edger. Starting off in the biz u can get away with just a string trimmer if your skill is pro level at flip edging. Cool vid!

[@robertzettner4203]

You need that good .095 string with the wire in works awesome I love it

[@_frivolousteddy_5924]

I can see using an edger for overgrown yards but it just seems like they trench more so then edging? Whereas string trimmer edging looks nice nice you master it and leaves less of a mess.

[@jordanbentley]

You're supposed to have the back wheel down and hold it at a less of an angle, the blade shouldn't go deeper than the sidewalk. Guy in the video kinda butchered it lol

[@DonaldAJr]

Once you go forward with an edger blade, always go in reverse. You clean out the edge that way. Flip edging is easy but it's hell on your ear. I learned that in the 90s. I don't know why I enjoy these videos, but I do.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s what I do!

[@davidjaskiewicz3461]

I do the flip edging while walking backwards or forwards depending on situation.

[@Whiskey7BackRoads]

Walk backwards with string trimmer, takes some practice but faster and looks good for home DIY, used your code at Ballard yesterday also, thanks for the discount

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Hey you bet Whiskey and ty for the support

[@darkthrottle6663]

I flip edge but i walk forward holding the trimmer head behind me if that makes sense. I also use the edger if i need to initally establish a hard edge on the lawn. If the lawn is over grown onto the sidewalk you have to use the edger and a shovel to clean the edge up.

[@powweezy]

Straight edge 2620 every time, looks the best and way quicker and crisp if done right. Fresh blade, adjust that wheel high and ride the wheel. However, Im all residential. Great videos bro

[@lances8610]

I edge with the string edger every time I mow with a straight shaft bachwards. Holding it 45 degree vertically and horizontally works best for me.

[@BLDHamilton]

In my years of doing I’ve only seen maybe 2 or 3 that have mastered edging with a string trimmer. In the south the lawns can be edged weekly during the growing season. The dilemmas with edging with a string trimmer are 1.) doing it weekly that gap can get bigger and bigger. Then you’ll have a little. The ones who go backwards and walk on the grass most of the time don’t leave a gap however the grass blades along the edge or cut on an angle not giving you a true crisp edge. Personally for a crisp edge, it’s best to edge after you cut using a stick edger. Curve edger seem to work better when edging around the landscape beds. In closing, take the training wheels off the edger. If your doing this work everyday there’s no need for wheels . You can control the depth. You’re only supposed to use the tip of the blade, doing it this way, you’ll use less blades. BLD 👍🏾

[@modelsncrawlers3209]

I've never used a stick edger before in all my years doing commercial mowing, big company or small company. I can see the benefit of it for initially setting an edge if it's overgrown or covered with dirt, but after that first time, your best friend is a good 'ol trimmer. In the right hands, it's faster and cleaner. In my experience, if you edge before the mower, you should put the SLIGHTEST tilt on the edge to make up for what the mower can't vacuum into the deck. If you go after the mower, you can usually go just vertical. Another thing I've noticed a lot of newbies do is dropping the trimmer head far into the edge. That eats up your line and also causes what I like to call "line-slap", where the line isn't able to spin completely straight like it needs to and causes a wavy edge by "slapping" the grass when it's rotating instead of shearing it off at high speed. I've used echo, shindaiwa, stihl, and red max trimmers. They all do the exact same job as long as the motor and trimmer head can operate like they're supposed to.

[@calebtworek4547]

I like both flip edging and stick edging but never fails using a STIHl stick edger for our job sites doing sidewalks at Davey Tree with the gator blades on the STIHL edgers.

[@raqiya5944]

Only starting my 2nd season of lawn maintenance but I generally charge for stick edging on first cut/spring cleanup and then use string trimmer rest of season with regular maintenance. Thoughts and Feedback appreciated. Curved shaft Stihl edger Redmax 2620 trimmer Stihl combi for bed redefining

[@allanmowz]

Use what gives you the best results. It may differ depending on which lawn it is or even which part of the lawn. Don't be an on or off the grass guy, go on whichever side is best for the part of the job you are doing. If the result is you are happy to do it like that and it looks pretty and you didn't chip any windows then you are doing it right.

[@GreenScapeLawncare]

6:41 if you flip the stock handle upside down it makes for a awesome flip edge handle I do that because I run a Darwin as well

[@Doughboy2913]

Depends on my edge. I use edger in beginning of season or if it needs redefigned but I flip edge to maintain it.

[@tsant6591]

Ok, so you know I'm in Florida, and the majority do weekly edging with a stick edger. St Augustine grass has runners, and that steel blade leaves it looking right & tight!

[@johndennis95]

Walking backwards is the easiest and leaves the cleanest edge. If you haven’t, TAKE OFF YOUR WEEDEATER GUARD, it will save you an eternity

[@cinforammi8543]

Stand on the grass side as opposed to the concrete side gives the nicest edge imo.

[@johndennis95]

@@cinforammi8543 yeah that’s what I do, you can see what your cutting better

[@cinforammi8543]

@@johndennis95 plus it allows you to walk forward while edging and then you can turn around and be trimming the right direction as you go back down the line. Little things to be efficient.

[@bryanc.7819]

​@@cinforammi8543yup way easier and straight

[@Purosanluispotosi]

That’s that way I do but I worn out my shoes so fast especial on that back sides

[@brianlacapra5916]

I think those edgers make you work harder than you have to I get faster more efficient results with a string trimmer and less fatigue and we call it sharp whipping in Connecticut, love your videos B-rye keep up the hard work

[@gregdyer1991]

String trimmer….usually walk forward with trimmer to right side edging….but flip it when it makes more sense. For corner lots or long edge lines, I hold it vertically on my right side and walk forward.

[@jacobmonza1660]

Flip edge all day. My thing is why have 2 pieces of equipment when one can do the job of both. Plus walking time to to the trailer to switch out from the trimmer to edger. I do it every other cut as well.

[@upscalelawncaremonroe408]

String trimmer is the way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ecklesfarmsstopmotion]

Hey Brian, this video was very helpful! thanks!

[@davidmarshall2297]

You guys are awesome! I get on my hands and knees and use a scissors..😅

[@YingYangStang]

Milwaukee M18 battery, straight rod and Flip and walk forward and lay a mean straight edge and follow curves like a master

[@campoffthemap8307]

Once you use a Darwin grip, you’ll never want to go without. Saves the back obviously, but it seems like you have better control too, since the leverage point is farther down the shaft.

[@stephenkutz1896]

I use the Edgit Pro on my 2620. I can edge sidewalks almost as fast as I can walk. It’s a great tool for edging and trimming. I rarely see anyone using them. I’m not sure why it’s not more popular.

[@blakehowery2864]

Great video, love the channel! New to starting and trying to get my lawn care business going. Might be a dumb questions but what’s the benefit for walking and trimming backwards? I’ve tried both forward and backwards just curious. Thanks bud

[@allanmowz]

That depends on the direction of spin and the ejection of material. I walk backwards because I'm walking towards the clean side and away from the ejection side, which means I can see where I'm attacking easier. With a clockwise trimmer I'd probably go the other direction. And you'd probably reverse all that if you went left handed on it.

[@MrChickensnatcher]

I use the stick edger, then go back with the weedeater and touch it up. I flip edge walking forward while on the grass.

[@billhull6842]

I am thinking about expanding into edging. I have been getting feedback about it. I can edge and square the edges with a weed whacker, but I have tried to edge, and I am not a big fan of. But I think I need to expand into that service.

[@Sparky20Simulation]

Last year I "attempted" to flip edge, which worked ok, gave decent results. However this spring for my second season I pulled the trigger on a KM131R and a straight shaft edger. I haven't gotten to use it on any properties besides fine tuning it at my own property, but it is going to be a life saver. I like flip edging, but I think that the blade will give a much higher quality look and make my business more professional. Also I mow a lot of nicer high class properties with alot of sidewalks so it should save on my shoulders, (My arm locks up when I flip edge for a long time). Thus far my pick will be Hard blade edger but time will tell. One last note is I feel the string trimmers are a bit more erratic and I really have to rev a lot to get a clean cut, thus if I catch a rock it will launch farther. I think a hardblade edger will be a lot more controllable.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

I'm still a surgeon with my trimmer, so no, my stance hasn't changed ( and I walk mostly forward with her, since that seems to be a thing in the comments....I don't see why people walk backward with it ) 😂 Though, I have considered the edger for helpers, but I've had three not great helper experiences this year, so that's kaiboshed for now.

[@jordanbentley]

Walking backwards makes the trimmer head spin in the same direction you're pushing it and it kinda gains traction and goes in a straight line by itself, sorta like a wheel

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

@@jordanbentley 😂 Thanks for the explanation, brother, but I know it's a little less resistance ( amd sometimes it wants to run away on you ). It's the walking backwards part I'm talking about. I hold the trimmer so the head faces and spins the same way as most people who walk backward. It just feels more natural logical to run it forward 🤷‍♂️ A little faster too.

[@jordanbentley]

@@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power oh my bad, yeah sometimes I feel like I should be wearing a helmet while flip trimming, tripped over so many downspouts

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

@@jordanbentley 😂 I tripped over a low stone wall backing up with an old _walkbehind_ once, and it didn't have safeties engaged 😬 Thank God I didn't let go. Same thing when I unknowingly ran over a yellowjacket nest at a different place ( but I was walking forward ) and got two.up my shirt. I didn't let her go, but had the brief presence of mind to disengage the transmission 🤣 Oofa, that was a property full of problems. Glad I don't do it anymore.

[@allanmowz]

It depends on direction of spin. With my counter clockwise trimmer when I go backwards the ejection goes away from me and the side I'm cutting towards is clear to see. A leftie or a clockwise spinning trimmer would reverse that for the same results. But I wonder if it also has something to do with the type of grass as all I cut down here in NZ is kikuyu which can put on lots of height and bulk in just weeks and if I'm not clearing it backwards then it's clumping up in front of where I'm going.

[@Tourn4x4]

Flip edge over the shoulder 👌

[@melissarohringsherriff996]

I use a spade for first cut, string trimmer after.

[@chrisalicea9330]

Stick Edger on dry days. Wet days that string trimmer looks to do the job.

[@vallybutterfly98]

Do you have a video on how to deal with lots of obstacles like trees with a zero turn? And still have nice finished lines?

[@lolothelion8555]

Ima pole edger guy myself them blades make alot of a cleaner edge then string imo plus the blades from the pole edger make a lil trench in the dirt where the string hits the grass mostly

[@coreyparrish6765]

Tell your guy to Use the wheel, it is much better. IF not, you destroy the guard faster. it should only go in about 1/4 inch, or you destroy the blade faster as well. I use both though, short runs can be string trimmed, but like others say, a corner lot takes more time, so an edger is better.

[@fros7314]

The "shout out to you Connor" sent me😂

[@claudestevens1350]

Big fan of edger in my own yard but I think that when using it in a business sense it would be better to use the line trimmer with less mess. Thoughts?

[@lightfoot6908]

I turn my trimmer 90° from normal trimming pos., engine in front of me, head behind me and to my right, I look over my shoulder walk straight, and throw the debris away. It’s a lot easier to control that way for me.

[@Blastable]

usually I stand on the sidewalk side and walk backwards, when you’ve got a defined edge after a few weeks the string will dig into the crack and pull you with it

[@alwaysapplypressure2477]

Redmax is the 🐐 of wackers hands down they are light the trigger is very sensitive easier on me all day gas tank is big enough as well a Major Plus ➕️

[@Hitm8kr]

It just depends . Some properties i straight shaft with the km131 and some I flip edge, it depends on the concrete and etc. like some of my properties go straight to the street and some have a sidewalk

[@chrisbosley8280]

Straight shaft flip edging. If it's a new property I will use the edger first to establish a clean edge, but after that its all string trimmer,

[@ilovegodverymuch8791]

Straight shaft, and i flip, trim, and becoming a pro at it

[@geraldhuntington9531]

We use an actual edger. Now if there is someone like Connor working for us then he it she can do their preferred method as long as it looks clean and professional.

[@CardsFan-b2j]

If there has never been an edge or it's massively over grown, I'll use an edger, otherwise I walk backwards. This blows all grass back into yard and make an incredible edge when turned on its side

[@Andrew_Garcia1]

Golden edger once a year, then edge it pro weekly. Easiest way and the training is very simple and you don’t have to Cary a edger every week, and or go back to the trailer. Also backwards

[@raypowell1534]

Weed eater for sure with out the guard on it. When I do use a edger I like to walk backwards I found to give me more sharp edge

[@brandonstaley1289]

Im not great at using a weed eater for edging either so when its time and needs it, i use an actual edger. And mine is straight shaft

[@FlyTyingNewEngland]

Honestly it’s not a fair comparison , because the edger already had the walk edged- so the string trimmer doesn’t do the same job. Maybe bi- weekly it’s faster with the trimmer. As always great videos

[@williammoore5452]

I do all just depends on the yards we are doing really does

[@curtharris7426]

I use string, have always wondered how a steel blade effects concrete after a few years.

[@ethanmiller3935]

I am on the stick edger sise of this argument. Question for you, straight or curve shaft for the edger? I got the pas2620 with curve edger, and boy does it do better than a 21cc!

[@frhizzy2746]

hey brian, im 17 just started a lawn care business i work at mcdonalds and saved up money for a 21 inch push mower, weed eater, blower, and a edger. working on getting some yard signs and i have business cards. What advice could you give for me to get started? theres a lot of competition in the area, i do good work but dont know how to get customers. I live in a really small town less than 8,000 ppl

[@FatherAndSonMinistries]

get flyers and put them on mailbox flags and just keep doing that, some clients will be bad but most who call are good clients. of course, good work speaks for itself, but when you are new, you have to get the word out! worked for me!

[@robertkalanzjr8309]

Hi what’s a good line to use when edging thanks Bob

[@stevesula5930]

I get my best lines with string and walking backwards. With the wildfire potential out here you never see edgers.

[@allowat162]

Blade edger...on a PAS style powerhead. Use the curved head when using an Oregon 40-002 edger blade. Otherwise straight shaft rest of the time

[@chuckmaxon3727]

I use a curve shaft stick edger.

[@seanbennitt261]

Is Toro a good brand for a first commercial trimmer can you let me know Brian

[@craigwooster2245]

String trimmer walking backwards weekly and you have capacity of doing trimming other things. In New England stick trimmers just aren't used. I was blown away that so many people use stick trimmers where I live in SC. it's an extra piece of equipment and for only one purpose, so think

[@CZAnthonyX]

I cut a new hard edge once a month, but i maintain the edge via flip edging.

[@Tracy77751]

Awesome…! Thank you so much…! ❤❤❤

[@phillipcoffman]

Hey thank you very much for the video Brian I have a very interesting but serious question for you I'm 5 foot one and 63 years old and I was asked to mow and trim my churches lawn I had a lawn care business years ago and the edging technique of course was using a power cord I'm really having issues trying to hold onto the trimmer and I noticed the bar that you have On your trimmer is that only for tall people if so what would you suggest as far as using straight shaft trimmer thanks Brian

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I feel like the Darwin’s Grip is for folks over 6’ tall. I don’t personally use it much but my guys love it

[@peterpanfham9890]

I use a straight shaft trimmer and I flip edge and walk backwards

[@MrChandlerB23]

If you walk backwards you will have better control and straighter edges and I only use a line trimmer for my edges I've never used the blades for edging

[@alwaysapplypressure2477]

We Appreciate You

[@jayrose9463]

Blades universal or brand specific? If universal would love a link at that price. I have an echo and ones I buy are a bit more

[@MB12116]

Next controversial topic: guard or no guard? I keep the guard, as I’ve tried it without the guard and the benefit was negligible for me and I think the guard adds some value as you don’t get as much thrown back at you.

[@allanmowz]

With your first segment of flip edging in this video, lower your left hand much further down the shaft and ignore the grip. You'll get way more control for a straighter line. Having it way up high like you did makes way too much moving room and a longer lever between you and the moving end. So it'll be able to move much easier than if you hold closer to the moving end. Like you I walk backwards and that's because of the anticlockwise rotation on my trimmer. I walk towards the clear side so visuals are improved of where I'm going. On or off the grass doesn't matter - that's dictated by the design of the lawn and what I am avoiding throwing stuff towards. Additionally, once a line is set in an edge it only requires maintenance. So there's nothing against setting it with the edger tool then maintaining it with the trimmer after that point. But I can't justify paying full price on an edger when the trimmer works so well already. This coming from a Kiwi bloke with knee high kikuyu grass that can grow over concrete.

[@allanmowz]

Afterthought. You can also do the waist height inverted method if you want an angled cut such as against a house or fence line. It depends on what you are trying to do which dictates what you do to achieve it.

[@kc9740]

That was brutal watching the guy in the blue with the edger

[@imcnblu]

When it hasn't been maintained, you establish the edge with the edger. Touch it up weekly, or as-needed, with the trimmer.

[@tri-citypropertymaintenanc4617]

Echo 2620 Curved shaft edger!

[@mtbtreadster6443]

Does using the edger upside down damage it in any way?

[@vernonaskey9871]

For my personal choice, I feel the edger does the best and fastest job. Hence the edger is for edging and the trimmer is for trimming. Why is your guy holding the edger that way? Your digging too deep with too much dirt and mud up on the walks. Just saying

[@ryany5553]

Vernon is right holding the edger that way is way slower , here in south florida you edge every week and nobody does it with a trimmer