The Best Lawn Edgers of 2023

The Best Lawn Edgers of 2023

Top-Rated & Best-Selling Lawn Edgers

Dale, the Power Equipment Expert
By 
Power Equipment Expert

If you take pride in your lawn, then a lawn edger is a must. Lawn edgers create defined borders between your lawn and adjacent surfaces like driveways and sidewalks. Their vertical, precise cuts give your property a clean, even look.

After more than 30 years working in the power equipment industry, I've tried my fair share of edgers and can distinguish between the stars and lemons. That's why I'm sharing my picks for the best lawn edgers of 2023.

Spend some time reading through each of our categories, selections, and criteria for picking the best lawn edger in its class. Don't forget to click on the edger to view the product page filled with more features, specs, reviews, and other great resources. 

 

The Best Lawn Edgers 

 

Best Lawn Edger Best Walk-Behind Lawn Edger

ECHO PE-225 Lawn Edger

ECHO PE-225 

Earthquake Walk-Behind Lawn Edger

Earthquake (9")

 

 


 

How We Picked the Best Lawn Edgers

When recommending lawn edgers, we take five features into account. 

 

Power

Depending on your lawn size and the types of vegetation you have growing on it, a lawn edger's power can make a big difference when it comes to getting a clean cut. To measure lawn edger power, we look at engine CCs or displacement. The higher an engine’s CC, the more power it has the potential to create. We also consider whether it’s a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. Typically, 2-stroke engines tend to be more powerful for their size and are built for speed, while 4-stroke engines are designed for torque and longevity.

 

Durability

When considering durability, we’re interested in how well the lawn edger can handle that accidental bump on the pavement and, in general, how long it will last. Various factors influence edger durability, such as engine type (4-cycle engines typically last longer), weather resistance, and overall construction. To get the most out of your lawn edger investment, make sure it’ll last a few seasons.

 

Usability

Useability refers to how easily anyone can pick up, use, and maintain the lawn edger. For handheld models, the shaft design is a major component of useability. An adjustable shaft means that different people of various heights in your household can all make the shaft longer or shorter to suit them. Weight and ergonomic features impact how comfortable it is to use. We also consider how easy it is to start the tool.

 

Versatility

Versatility measures the breadth of applications a lawn edger can handle. For example, can you attach different blades depending on the cutting style you want? We also consider blade adjustment since you may need to change the cutting depth depending on where you're using the tool. Finally, for wheeled edgers, are the wheels adjustable to allow for curb cutting?

 

Overall Value

We prioritize performance over price, so you won’t necessarily find the cheapest lawn edgers on our list. That's why, instead of evaluating an edger on price alone, we look at what you're getting for the price to arrive at an overall value rating.

 


 

Best Lawn Edger: ECHO PE-225 

ECHO PE-225 Lawn Edger

It's hard to mess up edging your lawn with the ECHO PE-225, which is why I'm picking it as the best lawn edger of 2023. Powered by a 21.2cc ECHO Professional Grade 2-Cycle Engine, this tool is designed to slash through anything that's separating your lawn edges from perfection.

 

Let's start at the very beginning. The edger's i-30™ starting technology reduces starting effort by 30%, so you don't have to exhaust yourself before even cutting anything. While you're edging, the high-impact debris shield helps prevent clippings from flying at your face. Using the curved shaft keeps you closer to the grass, providing a more precise cut and great maneuverability.

 

The ECHO PE-225 stick edger has an adjustable wheel, which is great for handling varying heights and levels on your property and controlling the cutting depth to avoid damaging the soil. A blade tip guard protects it from the occasional bump against the ground or walls. This unit is also compatibale with the ECHO Crack Chaser Wire Wheel, an optional attachement that lets your edger clear debris from driveway cracks, sidewalk or paver brick walkways. Overall, the safety and useability features of the ECHO PE-225 are top notch, and it's a great value.

 

Spec Details Rating
Power 21.2cc ECHO Professional Grade 2-Cycle Engine 5 Stars
Durability Blade tip guard reduces wear & tear; Replaceable steel wear plate prolongs gearcase life 5 Stars
Usability High-impact debris shield protects user; i-30™ starting technology reduces effort; Curved shaft provides maneuverability
5 Stars
Versatility Extra-large height-adjustable wheel accomodates varying elevations; Compatible with ECHO Crack Chaser Wire Wheel for surface crack cleaning 5 Stars
Overall Value Everything you need from a lawn edger at a fair price.  5 Stars

 

Who It's For:

  • Mid to large properties where grass and vegetation grows onto pavement edges (sidewalks, driveways, etc.)

 

Who It's Not For:

  • Small properties with minimal edges to maintain

 

Shop Now

 


 

Best Walk Behind Lawn Edger: Earthquake (9")Earthquake Walk-Behind Lawn Edger

For larger properties with significant overgrowth of grass and weeds along sidewalks, driveaways, or paver brick walkways, you'll have a much easier time creating defined borders with the Earthquake walk-behind lawn edger. Its powerful 4-Cycle 79cc engine and stable 4-wheel design will clear anything in the way for a well-ordered look.

 

Some of the features I enjoyed most about this edger revolved around useability and versatility. The blade height is adjustable with five depth settings ranging from 0.5 inches to 3.5 inches, so you can easily adapt to the thickness of the soil. A pivoting head allows for five cutting angles from 0-110 degrees to accomodate your desired look, whether you're going for a curved or straight edge. The handlebars are ergonomic, and it even has a built-in tool holder for you to keep any maintenance tools close at hand like screwdrivers or wrenches.

 

The Earthquake edger is also built with safety in mind. I can't tell you how many times I've worried about debris flying back at me. Not so with this unit, as it comes with a durable chain skirting that keeps debris down. Also, the centrifugal clutch stops the blade the moment you release the throttle. All of these features, along with the heavy-duty construction and efficient 4-cycle engine means your investment will keep your lawn edges sharp for years to come.

 

Specs Details Rating
Power Powerful 4-Cycle 79cc Viper® Engine     5 Stars
Durability Heavy-duty construction; Large wheels; Efficient 4-cycle engine maximizes life 5 Stars
Usability Ergonomic handlebars; Integrated tool holder; Debris protection; Blade stops when throttle is released; Stable 4-wheel design   5 Stars
Versatility Pivoting head allows 5 cutting angles; 5 blade depth settings 5 Stars
Overall Value Great value for those with large properties and an obsession with lawn care. 5 Stars

 

Who It's For:

  • Large properties with many edges and overgrowth
  • Homeowners obsessed with having the perfect lawn

 

Who It's Not For:

  • Small properties with minimal edges and overgrowth

 

Shop Now

 


 

Lawn Edger Trimmer FAQs 

What is a Lawn Edger? 

Lawn edgers are used to cut grass that is growing across landscaping beds or paved surfaces like driveways and sidewalks to give your lawn a sharper, more defined look. They cut vertically, which makes them much preferable to string trimmers for eliminating grass along straight borders. Edgers can also be used to create the boundaries for a new mulch bed.

 

Handheld edgers are better for small or medium-sized lawns, while a walk-behind edger is best for very large residential or commercial applications. They may not be an absolute necessity, but they will definitely help you stand above the crowd and improve curb appeal.

 

How to Use a Lawn Edger?

To use a lawn edger properly, first define the area you want to clear. Much like marking a piece of wood before you cut, you can mark a line on your lawn with spray paint. Once you know exactly where you're cutting, do the following:

  1. Put on safety gear, including gloves, ear and eye protection, and closed-toe shoes. 
  2. Adjust you edger's blade to the appropriate depth for your lawn. It's safer to start with a shallower depth because if you cut too deep, you could damage your lawn.
  3. Start the edger and steadily move it in a straight line using both hands. Make sure to keep it level across the length of the cut.
  4. Once you've finished edging, you can clear the clippings and debris with a rake or leaf blower.

 


 

About Dale 

Dale has been involved with gasoline powered engines, especially small engines, since he bolted the first one onto his Schwinn bike at 12 years old. After high school, he spent 19 years in the automotive parts industry, working for retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.

In 1994, Dale entered the small engine and power equipment industry, offering product and technical assistance to power equipment dealers and their customers. Since 2016, he has been a full-time sales and product expert at Power Equipment Direct, where he largely focuses on helping customers select the best lawn and garden equipment for their needs. 

In his off time, Dale enjoys working on his own cars and power equipment. He is a go-to resource for friends, family, and coworkers who need a hand diagnosing or repairing their broken lawn mowers or string trimmers. When not around engines, he is a drummer in a local Chicago-area band. Hockey dominates his TV time during the NHL season, and he enjoys relaxing on his pontoon boat during the summer months.

Dale, the Power Equipment Expert
By 
Power Equipment Expert
Was this article helpful?