The Best Ways to Trim Grass Along a Fence

Maintaining a neat, trimmed lawn up to the edge of a fence can be tricky. Long grass and weeds can easily grow along a fence line, creating an unsightly mess in your yard. Trimming and edging the grass neatly along a fence takes some work, but with the right tools and techniques, you can get your fence line looking crisp in no time. In this article, we’ll walk through the best ways to trim grass along a fence for a perfectly manicured look.

Why It’s Important to Trim Along Fences

Before we get into the how-to, let’s review why it’s important to maintain the grass along your fence line:

• Curb appeal – Long grass and weeds along a fence look unkempt and sloppy. Trimming and edging along the fence creates clean lines for a tidy, well-maintained look that is pleasing to the eye. This is especially important in front or side yards visible from the street.

• Discourage pests – When grass gets overgrown along a fence, it can harbor pests like mice, voles and snakes that use the long grass as cover. Keeping the grass trimmed minimizes appealing hiding spots.

• Reduce moisture issues – Long grass blades pressing up against the fence can lead to moisture issues like mold, mildew and rot over time. Trimming grass back from the fence helps increase air flow and sun exposure.

• Make mowing easier – Trying to mow right up to an overgrown fence line with a standard mower is nearly impossible Keeping the area tidy allows you to mow right up to the fence line much more easily

• Prevent damage – Overgrown vegetation pressing on the fence can actually start to bend, warp or even crack wooden fence boards over time. Trimming grass back prevents this type of damage.

Hand Trimming

The most basic way to trim grass along a fence is by hand, using standard lawn trimming tools. Here are some tips for effective hand trimming:

• Use ordinary hedge shears for lighter trimming jobs. The long blades allow you to trim grass several inches away from the fence comfortably.

• For thicker grass or substantial overgrowth, grass shears with longer, thicker blades do the best job. Look for ergonomic handles for comfort.

• Stand on the outside of the fence and cut inward for the easiest access. Angle the blades to follow the contour of the ground as you trim.

• String trimmers are ideal for handling thicker vegetation. Use a curved trimmer head to get right up next to the fence. Caution – keep the string line away from wood fences to avoid damage.

• Wear thick work gloves to protect your hands from blades and debris. Safety glasses are also a good idea when trimming.

• Take your time making successive passes to get a neat, evenly trimmed edge. Step back periodically to check your progress.

• Sweep or blow away cut grass debris when finished for a clean result.

Power Edging Techniques

For the most precise, professional edging results along a fence, power tools are the way to go. There are several power tool options that make edging easier:

• Electric weed trimmers – The thin cutting line of an electric weed trimmer or weed whip allows for very precise edging. Use a pivoting head for edging.

• Electric edgers – These dedicated power tools are specially designed for edging. The wheeled guide follows the fence line for perfect results.

• Manual edgers – Less expensive models like this allow you to create crisp edges with the turn of a wheel.

• Lawn mower – Certain rotary and reel mowers have edging features. This allows you to mow and edge in one pass.

When using power tools, take precautions:

• Wear eye protection, long pants, and closed toe shoes for safety.

• Remove debris like sticks and rocks first to prevent flying projectiles.

• Go slow and be extremely careful when working near wood fencing to avoid damage from the trimmer line.

• Use a lower power setting when edging for better control and accuracy.

Chemical Growth Prevention

In addition to mechanical trimming, you can also use chemical means along your fence line to prevent vegetation from growing and reduce your trimming workload:

• Apply pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to stop weeds and grass from even sprouting in the first place. This is effective for 6-8 weeks typically.

• Non-selective herbicides sprayed along the fence line will kill any existing grass and weeds. This avoids regrowth between trimmings. Use extreme caution not to spray desirable plants.

• Laying down a strip of landscape fabric or heavy duty weed barrier along the fence can block sun and prevent overgrowth. This is a more eco-friendly prevention method.

• Products like Preen and Vegamat impregnate the soil along your fence with growth regulators that are activated with each watering. These provide ongoing vegetation suppression.

Always follow herbicide and growth regulator label directions closely. Use proper protective equipment when spraying.

Hiring a Professional

Managing overgrown fence lines or achieving a perfect, precision-cut edge takes skill and effort. If you want flawless results without the work, consider hiring a professional:

• Landscaping companies will have the tools, expertise and manpower to handle any fence line edging job.

• Specialized lawn care services can trim and edge along your fence neatly on a regular schedule. This maintains the look.

• Fences companies that install fences will often also provide fence line edging and maintenance. Ask yours.

• Some lawn mowing services offer add-on fence edging services in addition to standard mowing.

Get references and reviews before hiring. Be sure to clarify the services offered and schedule frequency to meet your needs. Expect to pay $50-100 or more per service call.

Key Trimming Tips

Follow these pointers for the best results when trimming grass along your fence:

• Trim grass back at least 3-4 inches from the fence for the best appearance and ease of mowing.

• String trimmers are great for precise edging, but keep the line from contacting wood fences.

• Sweep or blow away debris when finished so cut grass doesn’t detract from your crisp edge.

• Dispose of excess clippings if needed so they don’t kill grass or promote fungus growth.

• Use treatments like pre-emergents and growth regulators to suppress regrowth between trims.

• For organic control, mulch or landscape fabric can block light and smother potential growth.

• Edge early in the growing season so grass doesn’t get ahead of you. It’s easier to maintain than correct.

• Don’t spray non-selective herbicides on windy days to prevent harming desired plants.

• Hire a pro for a perfect look if DIY trimming seems too difficult or time consuming.

Maintaining a Neat Fence Line

Keeping the grass trimmed neatly along your fence not only looks great, but also makes caring for your lawn much easier. With the right tools and techniques, you can tackle the area yourself or hire a pro for convenience. Just be sure to edge early and often before vegetation gets out of control. A clean, defined fence line really finishes off a manicured lawn beautifully. Achieving this polished look is worth the effort and investment for impressive curb appeal.