Avoid scalping and keep edges crisp in WA’s sandy soils and 40 °C summers.

A mower leaves the grass neat—but it’s the whipper-snip line that makes visitors pause and think, “professional landscaper.” Trouble is, one wrong flick can scalp couch runners, fling gravel at the car or snip retic pop-ups in half. Below our horticulturists share Perth-specific edging techniques so you get tight, even borders—no brown scars, no broken sprinklers.

Why sharp edges matter

• Water efficiency – Defined borders stop irrigation overspray onto paving.
• Pest control – Clean cuts reduce hiding spots for armyworm & black ants.
• Curb appeal – A crisp verge lifts property value by up to 6 % (REIWA 2024).

Perfect edge technique (step-by-step)

• Walk the line first – Remove sticks & dog toys; flag retic pop-ups.
• 45 ° starter pass – Hold head 45 ° to turf, 2 cm off ground. This slices runners without digging sand.
• Vertical finish pass – Flip trimmer vertical; tip 5 mm inside hard-edge (paver/kerb) for a ruler-straight line.
• Feather the corners – Pivot wrists, not shoulders, to keep arcs smooth around pipes & planter boxes.
• Blow & inspect – Quick blower pass reveals missed clumps—touch-up before packing away.

Five mistakes Perth DIYers make

• Using frayed nylon – Tears grass; always start with 15 cm of fresh line.
• Edging wet turf – Sand sticks, line clumps; wait until lawn is surface-dry.
• Skipping PPE – Sand & quartz dust cause eye injury; wear wrap-arounds.
• Wrong direction on slopes – Work uphill to keep blade pressure consistent.
• Neglecting blade guards – Retic and fence paint are expensive to replace.

Eco & council considerations

• Water Corp fines apply if clippings enter storm drains—always blow back onto turf.
• City of Perth verge regs cap noise at 8 am Sundays; battery gear solves the problem.
• Mulch recycle – Bag clippings for compost or drop at council green-waste (free under 0.5 m³).

Discover all sustainable options on our Gardening Services Perth page.