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GUIDE · 5 MIN READ · UPDATED OCT 6, 2026
Either order works, but most homeowners get the cleanest result by edging before they mow. The mower then picks up or mulches the clippings the edger throws onto the lawn, and you can see exactly where the mower needs to run.
| Order | Best for | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| Edge first, then mow | Less cleanup; mower collects edging debris | Mower wheels can slightly blur a fresh edge |
| Mow first, then edge | Seeing the final grass height before you edge | Edging debris lands on the freshly cut lawn |
| Either way, then blow | A tidy finish on walks and drives | One more step |
TIP 01
Edging and trimming are different jobs
Edging cuts a clean vertical line where grass meets a sidewalk, driveway or bed. It is done with a stick edger, a string trimmer turned on its side, or a manual half-moon edger. Trimming cuts grass horizontally where the mower cannot reach, such as around trees, posts, fences and mailboxes. Many people do both in one go. The question of order mostly applies to edging, but the same logic works for trimming.
Edging is one finishing step in the routine laid out in our complete guide to mowing, and the full sequence appears in how to mow a lawn the right way.
TIP 02
The case for edging first
- Built-in cleanup. Edging throws grass, soil and small debris onto the lawn. Mowing afterward mulches or bags most of it.
- A guide for the mower. A crisp edge shows you exactly where the lawn ends, which makes your header passes straighter.
- Fewer missed spots. Grass that falls into the lawn after trimming gets cut on the mowing pass.
WANT SHARP EDGES WITHOUT THE WORK?
A local lawn crew can mow, trim and edge every visit so the whole yard looks finished.
TIP 03
The case for edging after
Some people prefer to mow first because they can see the finished height of the lawn and match the trim to it. Edging last also means mower wheels never run over a fresh edge, so the line stays crisp. The trade-off is cleanup: edging debris lands on the cut lawn and the walks, so plan to blow or sweep at the end. If you go this route, aim the edger so debris flies onto hard surfaces rather than into the grass, then blow it back toward the lawn or bag it.
TIP 04
Tips for a clean edge
- Edge when the grass and soil are dry to avoid mud and ragged lines.
- Walk slowly and keep the blade or string vertical against the hard edge.
- Do not dig too deep; you only need to cut the overhang, not trench the bed.
- Edge regularly. Light edging every mow or two is easier than cutting back a season of overgrowth.
- Wear eye protection; edgers throw stones and grit.
- Clear clippings from the street and sidewalks so they do not wash into storm drains. See grass clippings in the street.
A sharp edge also makes patterns stand out; if you like that look, read how to mow lawn stripes.
TIP 05
When to hire it out
Edging is the step most homeowners skip when they are short on time, and it is the step that makes a lawn look professionally kept. If you want both done every visit, get mowing with edging included. To budget for it, compare what mowing and edging cost.