Edging your lawn, flowerbeds, sidewalks, and other areas is an important landscaping task that gives your property clean lines and a polished, professional look. While specialized edging tools exist, a trusty shovel can also get the job done. As a landscaping pro, let me walk you through this detailed guide on using a shovel for all your edging needs.
The Benefits of Manual Shovel Edging
Before we dig in (pun intended!), let‘s look at why shovel edging should be in every homeowner‘s landscaping toolkit:
It‘s Cost Effective
Shovels are an inexpensive tool that most people already own. No need to invest in specialty edging equipment that can cost $100 or more. A basic shovel usually ranges from $15-30 depending on size and materials.
You Have Full Control
With a shovel in hand, you can dig precisely where you want and how you want. The ability to position and angle the blade exactly as needed gives you customized control. No pre-set edging guide to limit you.
Adapts to Any Edging Depth
A shovel easily adjusts to different edging depths. You can simply increase or decrease your trench depth as required for the specific project. Most edging tools lock you into a set depth.
Shovels Are Multipurpose
A sturdy shovel has many uses beyond edging. It‘s a versatile tool for all kinds of gardening and yardwork. Get more value from your investment rather than buying a specialty item.
Lightweight and Easy to Maneuver
Compared to gas-powered motorized edgers, shovels are relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver. Less hand and arm fatigue for extended use.
So while manual shovel edging takes more time and physical effort than powered options, the control and cost savings make it a great technique to have in your DIY toolkit.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Edging with a Shovel
Ready to get shoveling? Here is a step-by-step guide to cleanly edge your landscape beds with a shovel:
Choose the Right Shovel
Not all shovels are created equal when it comes to edging. Look for these key features:
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Flat blade – A square or rectangular blade works much better than rounded shovels for clean edging.
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Sharp cutting edge – A smooth, sharp edge will neatly slice through grass and soil vs tearing it.
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Long shaft – Opt for a shaft at least 4-5 feet long. The extra length provides better leverage when digging trenches.
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D-grip handle – The D-shape fits comfortably in your hands for extended periods of use.
Based on my experience, I recommend the Jackson 6015BP Ultimate Contractor Grade Shovel for edging. It has all the above features and is built to last for around $25.
Prepare the Area
Before you start digging, take time to prep the space:
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Remove any existing edging materials that you‘ll be replacing like bricks, plastic, or metal.
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Thoroughly rake away debris like leaves, stones, sticks that could interfere with a clean trench.
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Clearly mark the desired trench line with spray paint or flour. Curves can be marked with a hose.
This prep work will save you hassles once the real digging begins!
Dig the Trench
Now comes the real muscle work! Follow these tips to efficiently dig a high quality edging trench:
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Push the shovel blade vertically into the soil at your starting point, about 1 inch deep.
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Leverage the shaft to break the soil‘s edge and remove a slice of dirt about 1-2 inches wide.
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Repeat this motion, working along the marked line to gradually carve out the trench.
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Maintain a consistent depth as you go. For most edging, aim for 1-3 inches deep.
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Work slowly and methodically. Rushing leads to uneven, sloppy trenches.
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Overlap each shovel slice by about 1 inch to prevent gaps between cuts.
Smooth and Clean the Edge
Once your main trench line is dug, it‘s time to tidy up:
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Use the flat shovel blade to smooth and straighten the walls and bottom.
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Remove any remaining grass or weeds – don‘t leave organic material in the trench.
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Thoroughly rake away excess soil, stones, rocks that were dug up.
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Check for any low spots, filling as needed to keep edges even.
Your trench is now ready for edging materials like bricks, pavers, or metal strips!
Expert Tips for Achieving Perfect Edges
It takes practice to master the shovel edging technique. Follow these pro tips for flawless landscape edges every time:
Cut Clean Lines in One Pass
Work slowly and deliberately to cut precise, clean lines in one pass. Rushing results in jagged, uneven edges that require extensive rework.
Maintain Proper Depth Consistency
Frequently check depth with a ruler to maintain consistency. Add or remove soil as needed to correct any spots that are too deep or shallow.
Overlap Shovel Cuts
Be sure to overlap each shovel cut by 1 inch or so. This prevents unsightly gaps or ridges between slices.
Angle the Blade Properly
Use your body position to apply force straight down through the shovel blade as you dig. This prevents the blade from slipping at an angle.
Work Around Obstacles
For obstacles like trees, dig outward at an angle to go around them. Use a half-moon edger or handsaw for detail work in tight spots.
Edging Different Areas of the Yard
While the trench digging method is largely the same, here are my tips for edging specific parts of your landscape:
Flower and Garden Beds
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Dig just 1-2 inches deep – only enough to bury edging 1 inch below the soil surface.
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Thoroughly rake away old mulch before edging and replace with fresh mulch after.
Lawns
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For lawns, aim for a 2-3 inch deep trench to prevent grass from overgrowing the edges.
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Slope the trench slightly inward so grass clippings fall on the lawn when mowing, rather than collecting in the trench.
Sidewalks and Driveways
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Ensure the trench runs precisely along the hardscape edge for straight lines.
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Add a 1-2 inch gravel base and compact with a hand tamper before installing edging.
Curves and Corners
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Use a garden hose to lay out rounded edges rather than just spray paint.
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Dig curved trenches in short, straight 3-6 inch sections rather than one long curve.
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For 90-degree corners, overlap the shovel slices diagonally from each direction.
Common Edging Mistakes to Avoid
While shovel edging takes practice, be aware of these common errors:
Forgetting to Call 811
Always call 811 before digging trenches to get underground utilities professionally marked. Accidentally hitting electrical, gas or irrigation lines can be disastrous!
Trying to Dig Too Wide
Remember to start narrow, just 1-2 inches wide, and gradually widen the trench as needed. Attempting an overly ambitious wide trench leads to collapsing edges.
Going Too Deep
Only dig 1-3 inches below the sod to avoid removing healthy grass roots and soil. Deeper is not better for standard edging trenches.
Leaving Debris in the Trench
Ensure no grass clippings, leaves, or other organic material remains in the bottom of the finished trench where it can decay.
Not Smoothing Uneven Trench Walls
Use the flat shovel blade to smooth out bumps, ridges, and uneven areas for a tidy professional appearance.
Maintaining Your Shovel Edges
Proper ongoing maintenance keeps your shovel-cut edges looking sharp:
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Hand pull any grass or weeds that grow over the edges. Avoid herbicides near edging.
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Refill any trenches that erode from wind or rain before they grow too wide. Use matching soil when possible.
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Adjust any edging stones or pavers that shift out of alignment. Reset them into the trench.
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Plan to fully redo the edging every 2-3 years as the edges naturally soften and round over time.
Comparing Shovel Edging to Other Options
Shovel edging provides a good balance of affordability and control, but how does it compare against other edging methods?
Electric Edgers
Electric edgers are much faster than manual shovel work, but offer less customizable shapes and trench depths. They also require an outlet or generator.
Half-moon Edgers
Half-moon tools are great for detail trench work in tight spots, but inefficient for edging long paths or property lines.
Grass Shears
Shears trim grass nicely but don‘t give you a defined vertical trench and crisp border line like a shovel.
Hoes
Hoes can trench, but their thin blades don‘t provide the control and precision that a solid shovel does.
Pickaxes
While sturdy for breaking very hard ground, pickaxes are cumbersome and unsafe for routine edging tasks.
Call a Landscape Pro for Large Projects
For certain situations, it‘s wise to leave the edging work to the professionals:
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Extremely long borders or very large properties.
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Intricate or highly customized designs.
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Steep hills or slopes dangerous to shovel on.
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Densely compacted clay or rocky soils.
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Edging sprinkler lines or utilities.
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If you simply don‘t have the time or energy for a DIY project.
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Municipalities that require licensed contractor work.
Reputable landscape companies have experience efficiently handling large or complex edging jobs.
Transform Your Landscape with Shovel Edging
There you have it – everything you need to know to add crisp, clean shovel-cut edges to your yard. With some upfront planning and elbow grease, you can achieve professional results without the professional price tag. A well-defined border really makes gardens, walkways, and other features pop. Sharpen your favorite shovel and give it a try! Let me know if you have any other edging questions. Happy digging!
