Maintaining a well-kept lawn is a necessary part of owning a home. But it can be difficult to keep every inch of the yard looking tidy. The space along a fence is a particularly difficult area to maintain.
When grass grows between or through the pickets of a fence, they obscure your view and potentially causes damage to the fence itself.
If you don’t know how to cut grass along a fence, you’re likely to make a big mess
But how do you cut grass along fence without ruining your fence?
Let’s get started.
Contents
- How to Cut Grass Along Fence
- 1. Add a border
- 2. Mow in sections
- 3. Set blades at 2 to 2.5 inches
- 4. Cut grass above the surface of the lawn
- 5. Use grass trimmers
- 6. Use weed whackers and edgers
- 7. Apply non-selective herbicides
- Tips for Cutting an Open Edge
- Tips for Cutting a Closed Edge
- FAQs- How to Cut Grass along Fence?
- How do you cut grass against wall?
- What is the best height for cutting grass along fence?
- How do I avoid hitting the fence when mowing?
- Can I use a lawnmower to cut grass along a fence?
- Author
How to Cut Grass Along Fence
1. Add a border
One solution is to add a border around the edge of your lawn. This will help to keep the grass from overgrowing and becoming unmanageable.
You can use anything from a simple metal or wood fence to landscaping timbers or bricks. Just make sure whatever you use is strong enough to withstand the weight of the lawnmower.
2. Mow in sections
If you don’t want to add a border, you can cut the grass by mowing it in sections. Mow along the fence line closest to your house first, then move on to the next section, and so on.
This method may take a little longer, but it’s worth it. Mowing in sections is also beneficial because it simplifies the process of cutting grass along the fence.
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3. Set blades at 2 to 2.5 inches
Changing the angle of your lawn mower deck is another great way to cut grass along the fence. Set your lawnmower’s blades to a height of 2–2.5 inches and push the mower along the fence line so that the blades are facing away from it.
This way, you’ll be able to cut as much grass as possible without ever having to reach into the tiny space between your mower and the fence.
4. Cut grass above the surface of the lawn
Another great tip for cutting grass along a fence is to simply raise the mower deck above ground level. Many people don’t consider it, but keeping your mower higher off the ground will help you avoid cutting too much grass.
If you set your mower so low that it drags across the surface of your lawn, you won’t be able to cut the grass at 2 to 2.5 inches.
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5. Use grass trimmers
If you have a lot of grass growing between the pickets of your fence, the best way to deal with it is to use a grass trimmer. Trimming the grass by hand can be time-consuming and tedious, so using a trimmer is the way to go. When using a trimmer, be careful not to damage the fence posts or rails.
Check out this grass trimmer:
6. Use weed whackers and edgers
When it comes to cutting grass along the fence, you sometimes have no choice but to let go of the lawnmower.
Keep in mind that lawnmowers cannot reach every part of the lawn. If you want to keep cutting grass along your fence without having the mower deck in the way, a weed whacker or an edger is your best bet. Just make sure you don’t damage the fence in the process.
Check out this edger:
7. Apply non-selective herbicides
Using non-selective herbicides to cut grass along the fence is another option. Non-selective herbicides kill all vegetation with which they come into contact, so use them with caution.
Make sure you follow your local weed control ordinances and only use them at the appropriate times of the year.
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Tips for Cutting an Open Edge
Cutting grass along the open edge of a fence is a difficult task. When you’re cutting without any support, it’s easy to take out the fence panels.
Here are some helpful tips for keeping your fence intact while cutting grass along the open edge.
- Whenever possible, cut in sections. This will help make your work easier.
- Cut the grass as close to the ground as possible.
- Mow your deck parallel to the fence rather than diagonally or perpendicularly.
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Tips for Cutting a Closed Edge
It is slightly easier to cut grass along a closed edge than it is to cut grass along an open edge.
However, you must keep in mind that the fence panels will eventually push your mower deck out.
Furthermore, certain fences will have larger gaps between each panel and other sections where fencing material can leach through.
Here are some pointers for cutting grass along a closed edge.
- When possible, cut vertically. This will help to narrow the width of the strip you’re mowing and make it easier to keep the fence in place.
- Cut any overhanging grass that is obstructing your view with an edger or trimmer.
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FAQs- How to Cut Grass along Fence?
How do you cut grass against wall?
You can use a weed whacker to trim the grass against the wall, or you can use herbicide to kill the vegetation against the wall.
What is the best height for cutting grass along fence?
When mowing against a fence, cut the grass no higher than 2.5 inches. In most cases, this will help keep your lawn healthy and prevent damage to the fencing material.
How do I avoid hitting the fence when mowing?
Trim the grass as close to the ground as possible and in sections to avoid hitting the fence. You should also make an effort to keep your deck parallel to the fence rather than perpendicular or diagonal.
Can I use a lawnmower to cut grass along a fence?
A lawnmower isn’t the best tool for cutting grass along a fence. To get close enough to the fence to make a clean-cut, you’ll probably have to remove the deck.
In most cases, using a weed whacker or edger is easier and more efficient.
Maintaining a well-kept lawn can be difficult, but it is well worth the effort.
You now know how to cut grass along fence by using the methods described above, and you can keep the grass along your fence looking neat.
Simply follow your local weed control ordinances if you’re using herbicides, and keep your safety in mind when using any type of equipment.
