Hand edger

Edgers and Aerators

A hand edger consists of a sharp, straight-edged steel blade mounted at the end of a long wooden or Fiberglass handle. This English-style version has a rounded semicircular blade with a broad top edge that forms a tread for your foot. Place the tool along the edge of the turf where it meets pavement, then push the blade downward to cut a neat border.

 

Electric edger

An electric-powered edger is the most efficient way to edge long stretches of lawn along walks and driveways. If you have a large property or a lot of lawn that you want to keep perfectly edged, this tool's for you. When using a powered edger, you want to be aware of where any shallowly buried electric or water lines may lie -- a consideration if you have an in-ground irrigation system for the lawn. You don't want to cut any lines accidentally.

• Electric-powered edgers are available in corded and battery-powered models. Before choosing one, consider the length the electric cord would have to be to reach the nearest electrical outlet from the farthest area you will be edging.

 

Hand core-aerator

Hand core-aerators consist of two or more hollow tines connected by a narrow, steel bridge that serves as a foot plate. A waist-high steel handle, topped by hand grips, attaches to the bridge. When you press your foot against the steel bridge, the 6-inch-long tines penetrate moist turf and fill up with a core of soil. Then when you withdraw them, each one leaves a narrow hole in the turf that admits air and moisture to the root area. Each time you press the tines into the turf, a soil plug pops out the top and lands on the lawn where it decomposes in the rain.

Power core-aerating machines are usually something homeowners rent, not buy. On medium-sized lawns, you're better off renting a power core-aerator to do the job properly. To save money, consider splitting the cost of a weekend rental with a neighbor.