Keeping the grass neatly trimmed along a fence line presents some unique challenges. Obstacles like uneven terrain tight spaces and poor visibility make it tricky to mow right up to the fence without causing damage.

Take the wrong approach and you risk scalping spots, gouging the lawn, or accidentally whacking your fence with the mower blade. But with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve a flawless trimmed edge along your fence.

In this guide, you’ll learn pro tips and best practices for trimming grass adjacent to fences. Follow these recommendations and you’ll get great-looking results without harming your lawn or fence.

Choose the Right Mower for Fence Trimming

Having the proper mower makes all the difference when edging along a fence line. The ideal mower for fence trimming provides excellent maneuverability and close-cutting capability.

Here are the best mower options

• Walk-behind mowers – Self-propelled models with rear-wheel drive offer superior traction and control on uneven ground. Models with adjustable cutting height allow you to raise the deck when needed.

• Cordless string trimmers – These lightweight trimmers allow precision cutting in tight spaces and around obstacles. Use a plastic blade guard when trimming near fences.

• Push reel mowers – Manual reel mowers ride along the ground contour and provide a super-close cut. The quiet operation and lack of exposed blades makes them ideal for fence edging.

Use the Right Mower Settings

Configuring your mower properly will also help you achieve the best cut without scalping or damage:

• Set cutting height higher – Raise the deck to avoid scalping bumpy areas along the fence. This prevents the blades from striking the ground.

• Adjust wheel speed – Reduce drive speed on self-propelled mowers for more control in tight spaces.

• Angle mower deck – Tilting the mowing deck prevents the blade from cutting too low next to vertical surfaces like fences.

Take Your Time and Be Careful

Rushing through fence line edging often leads to mistakes and damage. Taking your time pays off with more accurate trimming:

• Work at a steady, controlled pace – Sudden speed changes can cause errors and uneven cuts.

• Make multiple passes – Trimming in several incremental passes leaves a more precise edge.

• Watch sight lines – Check sight lines frequently to avoid veering off track.

• Look for obstacles – Scan ahead to spot any objects that need trimming around.

Use Edging Tools to Supplement Mowing

Specialized edging tools help refine the edge after mowing:

• Lawn edgers – These powered devices cut crisp, clean lines along borders. Use them to trim areas a mower can’t reach.

• Manual edgers – Hand tools like half-moon edgers slice through grass roots along fences and borders.

• Line trimmers – Battery-powered trimmer heads outfitted with plastic blades create sharp, defined edges.

Follow Good Edging Techniques

Proper edging technique is also key for great results along your fence:

• Guide tool at steady pace – Moving too fast risks uneven cuts and damage.

• Trim dense patches slowly – Dense grass requires slower passage of blades to avoid bogging.

• Keep blade parallel to fence – Hold the edging blade perpendicular to the ground, parallel to the fence.

• Overlap previous pass slightly – Each pass should slightly overlap the previous for a seamless cut.

Add Protection to Help Your Fence

Installing physical barriers helps prevent direct contact between your mower and the fence:

• Metal flashing – Aluminum or galvanized steel flashing along the fence deflects mower blades.

• Wood boards – Small boards placed at the base of the fence block string trimmers.

• Gravel border – A gravel perimeter allows closer mower approach without hitting wood.

• Yard border – Plastic, metal, or stone landscape borders guide wheels away from the fence.

Maintain Your Lawn Mower

A properly operating mower less likely to cause damage along the fence:

• Sharp blades – Keep mower blades sharp so grass is cut cleanly rather than torn.

• Balanced wheels – Check that all wheels turn freely and do not wobble.

• Adjusted belts – Ensure drive belts are tightened to specification to prevent slipping.

• Clean underside – Remove built-up grass clippings to prevent fires or mower damage.

Allow Adequate Drying Time

Trimming wet grass risks damaging the tender blades. Follow these tips:

• Mow when dry – Wait until after the morning dew has evaporated to start mowing.

• Avoid cutting wet – Refrain from mowing if the grass is still wet from rain or irrigation.

• Adjust watering schedule – Water your lawn in early morning to allow maximum dry time before edging.

In Summary

Trimming along a fence demands more care and precision. But armed with the right mower, settings, edging tools and techniques, you can achieve an flawless, damage-free cut.

Patience and care will be rewarded with a crisp, clean lawn perimeter that borders nicely against your fence. Your diligent edging efforts will really make the lawn “pop” and complement the beauty of your fence line.