The key difference between string trimmers and lawn edgers is that string trimmers cut with string, while edgers cut with a blade. Also, string trimmers can trim and edge, while grass edgers only do the latter.
When considering price and practicality, string trimmers range from $95 to $350 and offer versatility for multiple tasks, making them ideal for homeowners handling diverse yard maintenance. Lawn edgers, priced between $30 and $300, excel at creating crisp, defined borders but serve a singular purpose.
Our guide explains everything you need to know, including the differences between trimming and edging and when to use each type of tool. After years of doing lawn care and studying research, we provide actionable advice for choosing the right tool.
What is a string trimmer?
- Primary use: Trimming and edging lawns
- Typical cost: $95 to $350
- Cost of edging attachment: $65 to $100
- Cuts with: Spinning string
- Power: Gas, battery, or corded electric
String trimmers are handheld power tools with long shafts and a spool of nylon string fed through the trimmer’s head. The head speedily spins, giving the string enough force to cut through vegetation.
They typically serve two purposes: trimming tall grass, weeds, and ground cover in places a lawn mower can’t, like around fence lines and beneath decks, and edging, which is cutting a crisp line along the lawn’s border.
Additionally, many models are attachment-compatible, which turns them into extra tools. Most trimmer attachments are sold separately, but “2-in-1” string trimmers come with an edging blade. A few are “3-in-1,” including a brush cutting blade for heavy-duty trimming. Pole saws and hedge trimmers are other popular attachments typically sold separately.
What is an edger?
- Primary use: Edging lawns
- Typical cost: $35 to $300
- Cuts with: Blade
- Power: Manual, gas, battery, or corded electric
Most edgers are single-purpose tools that edge lawns. However, they cut lines more crisply than string trimmers. There are several types of edgers, but two are the most common.
Manual edgers are basically shovels with a half-moon-shaped blade. Sometimes, the blade has a spiked edge or pointed tip. They’re handy for perfecting curved edges and removing turf to make a flowerbed or add hardscaping.
Rotary lawn edgers have a rotating, spikey blade. The cowboy-spur-shaped blade cuts a well-defined edge along the turf’s borders. They may be manual or power tools.
Key differences between edgers vs. trimmers
If you want to trim tall grass and weeds, you need a lawn trimmer. However, only garden edgers carve our new edges. Both edgers and string trimmers are good at routine edging, but edgers cut a cleaner and deeper line along boundaries.
| Edger | String trimmer | |
| Cutting mechanism | Blade | String |
| Precision | Most precise | Requires skill to be precise |
| Versitility | Has one use, for edging only | With attachments, it turns into many tools |
| Usage | Occasional | Every mowing |
| Cost | $35 to $300 | $95 to $350 |
| Power | Manual, gas, battery, or corded electric | Gas, battery, or corded electric |
Cutting mechanism
Edgers cut with a blade, and string trimmers cut with string. An edging blade is more durable along metal fences and features than a string.
- Manual edgers: The user pushes the blade into the ground, using their foot for force.
- Rotary edgers: They have a spiky blade on a wheel, which spins. It cuts as you move it along edge lines.
- String trimmer: A motor spins the head, so its string whirls with cutting force.
Precision
Edgers are more precise, making them the preferred edging tool for perfectionists. They’re the best tool for maintaining perfectly curved edges.
Versatility
String trimmers are the most versatile. They edge and trim, whereas edgers only do the former. String trimmers with attachments can also become other tools, like an edger, pole saw, or brush cutter.
Usage
Typically, edgers are used once in a while to redefine an edge. Break it out to make edges deeper and crisper. Additionally, manual edgers are the best tool for creating new edges around a flower bed or hardscape feature.
In contrast, string trimmers are often used whenever the grass is mowed. A string trimmer requires less effort than an edger, so lawn care takes less time.
Choosing the right tool
If you want one tool to rule them all, your best bet is a string trimmer. They trim and edge. Although edgers cut cleaner and deeper, attachment-compatible trimmers can turn into a bladed edger and other lawn care tools. The only thing a string trimmer can’t do is create new lawn edges.
| Need | Best Tool |
| Deep edging | Edger |
| Precision edging | Edger |
| Creating new edges | Edger |
| Routine trimming and edging | String trimmer |
| Trimming tall turf | String trimmer |
| Tool attachment | String trimmer |
String trimmer
Next, I will give you tips on how to buy the best string trimmer for your yard. It’s important to consider their key features, including the trimmer’s power, shaft, and head.
Power
String trimmers operate on gas or electricity. Electric string trimmers include corded models and cordless versions powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Gas trimmers are the most potent and durable, making them ideal for pros and large rural properties. However, corded electric models are cheap and best for light-duty trimming on small yards. On the other hand, the best battery-powered trimmers are costly, but convenient.
Each power source for string trimmers has its advantages, as shown in the table below.
| Need | Best String Trimmer |
| Low tool upkeep | Electric |
| No gas fumes | Electric |
| Convenience | Battery |
| Beginner-friendly | Battery |
| Low price | Corded |
| Lightweight | Corded |
| Heavy-duty use | Gas |
| Bang for your buck | Gas |
| Harsh conditions | Gas |
| Commercial | Gas |
My tip: If you need gas potency but are concerned about your carbon footprint, consider a 4-stroke string trimmer. 2-stroke engines run on an oil-gas mix, while 4-stroke engines run on pure gas. As a result, 4-stroke engines are more fuel efficient and expel fewer fumes. Learn more by watching our YouTube video, 2-Stroke Vs. 4-Stroke Engines Explained.
Cost
Corded electric string trimmers are, hands down, the cheapest. But if you’re keen on cordless, battery string trimmers include affordable, light-duty models. In contrast, there aren’t any cheap, light-duty gas models. However, high-performance gas-powered string trimmers cost less than their battery-powered counterparts.
| Power Source | Typical Price |
| Gas | $125 to $350 |
| Battery | $95 to $350 |
| Corded electric | $50 to $130 |
Heads
There are different methods for putting string in a weed eater. Some heads require tools and disassembly, but I prefer the ones that don’t. For example, to load the ENHULK 58V, simply align the arrows on the head and pull the string through.
Also, decide which line feed system you prefer. Bump feed heads are standard. To feed fresh string, tap the head on the ground about three times. Then, about 4 to 6 inches of string loads on each side of the spool. Auto-feed heads automatically feed fresh string as you go. They’re the easiest for beginners but often frustrating to experts. They provide less control and tend to waste a lot of trimmer line.
The video below shows a bump-feed trimmer head in action.
My tip: Twisted trimmer lines are the most durable along metal fences.
Trimmer shaft
String trimmers with a straight shaft work best along the pavement, and curved-shaft models are better around landscaping. Carbon fiber shafts are the lightest and most durable, but they’re also pricey.
Lawn edger
To choose the best edger for lawns, consider your edging needs. Then, pick a model within your budget.
Type of edging
You’ll need a manual edger if you’re edging out a new area, such as a flower bed. However, manual tools take a lot of time and muscle. Because of that, most homeowners choose powered edgers.
When buying a powered edger, gas models are more expensive and require higher maintenance than electric edgers. However, gas edgers are quicker and more potent.
| Need | Best Edger |
| Making a new flower bed | Manual edger |
| Maintaining small, curved edgers | Manual edger |
| Crisp straight edges | Rotary edger |
| Most eco-friendly | Any manual edger |
| Least elbow grease | Powered rotary edger |
Edger prices
Manual edgers are the cheapest, and powered rotary edgers are the most expensive.
| Edger type | Typical cost |
| Manual garden edger | $15 to $50 |
| Manual rotary edger | $25 to $60 |
| Powered rotary edger | $175 to $400 |
When to buy both
You can buy a string trimmer with an edging attachment to trim tall grass and maintain crisp lawn edges. However, you’ll also need a manual edger to carve out new edges for a garden bed or other new landscape feature.
When to call a lawn care pro
If the differences between trimmers and edgers make your head spin, don’t worry. Affordable lawn care pros are just a mouse click away. Lawn Love links you to the best network of outdoor service pros. In addition to mowing, we help with weed control, gutter cleaning, and over 30 other outdoor services. Best of all, you can manage all those services using our user-friendly app.
Sources:
“Landscape Edging Concepts.” By Damon Abdl, assistant professor of landscape horticulture, and Jeb Fields, assistant professor & extension specialist. LSU AgCenter.
“Reducing Lawn with Buffer Strips.” By Carrie Jensen, urban IPM and pesticide safety education program coordinator, and Heidi Kratsch, extension professor and sustainable horticulture specialist. University of Nevada Reno Extension.
Main Photo Credit:
String Trimmer: Tomasz Zajda | Adobe Stock Free | License
Lawn Edger: Nick | Adobe Stock
Related Posts:
