comparison · String trimmers
String Trimmer vs. Edger: Do You Actually Need Both?
A string trimmer can clean up a lot of edges. A dedicated edger earns its space only when a crisp, repeatable line is part of the job.
Start with the trimmer
For most yards, a string trimmer is the better first purchase. It handles fence lines, beds, trees, and the spots a mower misses. It is the weedwacker job most people actually need.
What an edger does better
A dedicated edger is for the long, visible line where lawn meets a driveway or sidewalk. If that line matters to you and it runs the length of the property, an edger saves time and gives a more consistent result.
Do you need both?
Probably not for a small yard. I would buy both only when the property has enough hard edging to make the second tool earn its storage space. A larger trimming route is a different problem; see our large-yard trimmer guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a string trimmer edge a lawn?
Yes. It can clean turf away from beds, fences, and hard surfaces, though it may not create the same consistent trench-like line as a dedicated edger.