String Trimmers, Edgers, and Hedge Trimmers

A grass trimmer, edger, and hedge trimmer are all great tools for homeowners. They are used for different purposes. 

Grass or Weed Trimmer

Edger

Hedge Trimmer

Cuts grass or overgrowth in hard-to-reach areas or around trees and bushes. 

Uses a blade to cut through grass and dirt.

Uses larger blades for bushes, shrubs, and trees.

Trims grass at the edge of sidewalks or flower beds to make a cleaner edge than an upright mower.

Creates a clean boundary between the lawn and the adjacent sidewalk or flower bed.

Makes clean cuts through woody branches and heavy foliage.

 

Some homeowners use both an edger and a trimmer for regular lawn care. There are also combination edger/trimmers that provide both functions in one unit. Combo units are great for smaller yards and are convenient for storage. Hedge trimmers are used for tougher landscaping tasks.

For picture-perfect edges, find out How to Edge Your Lawn Like a Pro.

Keep your trimmers in excellent condition by following these String Trimmer Maintenance tips. 

Edger and Trimmer Feature Comparisons

Lawn care can be overwhelming, but the right tools and equipment make tasks much easier. Below are some feature comparisons to consider when shopping. 

Battery-Powered vs. Gas-Powered

The decision to use battery- or gas-powered tools is partially personal preference, but there are factors to consider. In general, gas lawn trimmer and edger models have more power and last as long as fuel is available. If gas is already required to fuel mowers, it’s easy to use for trimmers and edgers as well. Electric models can be great for small jobs, are low-noise, and do not emit fumes. Electric models are easy to start and are considered greener than gas.

Corded vs. Cordless Trimmers

Edge trimmers are available in corded and cordless models. Corded trimmers have a longer runtime but require a power source for operation. Cordless trimmers are more mobile but have limited battery life. A corded model is great for small yards where all areas are close to an outlet. Larger yards may benefit from a cordless model to accommodate areas far from the house or power source.

Shop Do it Best for quality trimmers, edgers, and outdoor power equipment to maximize the beauty of your outdoor space. Check out A Beginner’s Guide for Lawn Care to get started.

Lawn Trimmers & Edgers FAQs

What is the difference between an edge trimmer and a string trimmer?

A string trimmer is designed to cut grass and weeds in areas that aren’t easily accessible. An edge trimmer is used to create a clean, crisp line between the grass and the flower bed or sidewalk. 

Can a lawn or grass trimmer be used instead of an edger?

A grass trimmer can be used to create a tidy appearance at the edge of the lawn, but an edge trimmer will provide a much cleaner line.

Trimmers:

Edgers: 

Pole Saws: