In this article, we will be looking at the difference in depth according to the various types of lawn edgers and giving you an insight into which model might be best for your needs.
The type of edger tool that you are using will play a part in how deep you can go, but in the main, these handy garden tools penetrate around two inches into the ground.
That being said, there are grass edge cutters that can dig down to between three and five inches. In this case, you should also keep in mind that when digging at an angle, you may be able to push it to eight inches.
Furthermore, the type of lawn edge trimmer you use will have an impact on how deep the tool will go.
Where depth is concerned, each of these tools are perfectly able to dig a good-sized edge, but let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.
Manual Edgers
Manual garden edger tools feature a rounded or rotary blade on a long stick and are operated using the strength and movement of the user.
Walking lawn edgers can penetrate down to an average depth of around 2-inches which is sometimes less than their rounded counterparts. This type of steel bladed edger is usually able to dig a little deeper.
The reason for this is that the user will step onto the tool and push it down into the ground using his or her strength, whereas a manual rotary blade can only go down to a specific depth.
Rotary blades come in various sizes and will only dig in accordance with this. Therefore, if you are looking for a deeper cut, you should opt for a larger blade.
Powered Lawn Edgers
One of the most common and useful types of lawn edgers are powered by either gas, batteries or mains electric. These are usually more efficient since they have the advantage of additional power.
The depth of these curb edgers varies greatly, and on average they will go slightly deeper than a manual tool. There are many good edgers on the market that exceed the average depth; these include the Worx edger that has an impressive cutting diameter of 30cm/12-inches.
Things To Consider
For many gardeners, edging the lawn is not a job that needs to be done after every mow; however, you must take a look at the edges each time you are working in the garden to get an idea of when they may need doing next.
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a lawn edger, the depth that you want it to go is one.
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The Depth
If you are looking to get right down into the ground, then an electric or gas-powered edger may give you the power to do this. This is even more important if you have to cut through more rigid ground such as clay or particularly tough sod. However, if you have the strength and stamina, a manual sidewalk edger can be just as adept and getting to a decent depth. -
Can You Kill Two Birds With One Stone?
One of the great things about grass edgers is that many of them serve a dual purpose - some even function as three types of tool. In the main, you will see edgers that can be converted into trimmers and mowers. -
Consider The Blades
How sharp the blades are will have a bearing on how deep the edging tool can go - after all, if it is unable to cut through the terrain, it won’t get very far down. One of the primary considerations when looking at how deep your garden edger tool will go is should you sharpen an edger blade? Many people become concerned that this may cause damage to the blades; in truth, it depends on the model. Rotary edger blades are designed to be self-sharpening. This means that as they work, they will become sharper, thus enabling them to maintain a consistent depth. However, there may be times when they become a little dull, and it is OK to file them slightly.
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Aesthetic or Functional?
Many homeowners like to edge their lawn for the simple reason of looking good, and in this case, you may not require such a deep cut. In contrast, edging can be done to prevent the grass from overtaking other areas such as flower beds and walkways. In this instance, a deeper cut may be more suitable.
Key Takeaway
The type of lawn edger that you use will impact the depth of the cut, in the main, powered edgers have more ability than their manual counterparts but both tools are a great addition to your gardening tool arsenal.
You can expect a standard edger to penetrate the ground anywhere between two and five inches, but this can vary greatly, especially with more powerful models. However, in the main, the needs of your garden and how you like it to look will determine the right depth for you.