How to Cut Grass That’s Against a Wall (6 Tips)

Cutting grass near a wall, fence, or ledge can be a frustrating task. Not only do you have to worry about not hitting the wall with the lawnmower’s blades, but you also don’t want to ruin the mower. The good news is that there’s an easy and straightforward process to cut grass, even if it’s touching a wall.

To cut grass that’s against a wall, do this:

1. Mow the grass close to the wall
2. Tilt a weed trimmer at a 45-degree angle away from the wall
3. Edge the lawn with a manual lawn edger
4. Use a step edger to create a beautiful grass line
5. Place stones or flowers between the grass and the wall
6. Lower the soil by an inch or two if needed

Throughout this article, we’ll show you the tried and true method to cut grass that’s right next to a wall or fence. We’ll also detail everything you need to know about using lawnmowers, manual lawn edgers, weed trimmers, and step edgers to get the best results.

Quick tip: If you want to cut to the chase, getting a weed trimmer will help you edge the lawn without damaging a wall. Look through the Best Weed Trimmers on the market to figure out which one suits your yard. Keep in mind that string trimmers are better than bladed trimmers when you’re cutting close to a fence or wall.

Mow the Grass as Close to the Edge as Possible

Most lawnmowers have protective decks that prevent the blades from cutting a wall, fence, or anything else nearby. Set your lawnmower to 2.5 inches and mow as close as you can to the wall. Most lawnmowers will let you get a couple of inches away, which is close enough to use trimmers, edgers, and other tools to finish the job.

Mowing a lawn can be tedious, especially if you want it to look picture-perfect. Instead of mowing in one direction, try our method to stripe your grass. It’ll make the yard look nice and neat, especially if you edge it against the wall when you’re done.

On a side note, we suggest using a push mower near the walls. Riding mowers are great for open spaces, but they can be a challenge to operate if you want to get as close to the edge as possible. You can learn more about whether or not riding mowers are worth it with our guide.

Tilt the Weed Trimmer Guard Away From the Wall

Trimming the grass near the edge of the lawn is likely the main reason you’re here. This step is undoubtedly the most important part of cutting grass that’s against a wall. You can take control of the shape and direction of the grass, ensuring it grows away from the wall, too.

Follow this process:

1. Face the top of the weed trimmer at a 45-degree angle away from the wall. Weed eaters can damage fences, walls, and other surfaces. Tilting the trimmer away from the obstacle will prevent unwanted scuff marks while stopping the trimmer from getting caught or overheating.
2. Use the string trimmer to shape the edge of the grass from one side to the other. Slow and steady motions will help you cut the grass facing away from the wall. This motion will also stop and prevent the grass from growing into the wall, which would make it harder to cut.
3. Remove the grass clippings with a lawn vacuum or leaf blower. Either tool will do the trick. It’s important to get rid of the debris before following the remaining steps, so you know what you’re working with.

If you prefer video guides, check out this helpful tutorial by Essortment:

Use a Manual Lawn Edger to Cut the Remaining Grass

Manual edgers provide better precision because they let you cut exactly where you want to. You can use them after the weed trimmer or in place of it. While they require more work and effort, manual lawn edgers are excellent for those who prefer a well-edged lawn.

The Truper Rotary Lawn Edger has steel blades that slice through the grass, giving it a picturesque appearance. It also includes a coated, ergonomic handle for optimal control and handling. All you have to do is press it against the edge of the lawn and walk straight.

Lawn edgers are more effective than most yard care tools near walls because they have thin blades and handles. These components let you get close to the edge of the grass without hitting walls and other obstacles. Once you’re done with the manual grass edger, it’s time to head to the next step.

Create a Line Between the Wall and the Grass

Edging the lawn helps tremendously, but it’s even better when you use a lawn step edger afterward. SF Gate shows that rotary edges and step edgers are two of the most useful yard care tools that people often forget to use. If you get either or both of them, your lawn will look much better.

The AMES Saw-Tooth Border Edger is another excellent tool to have in your lawn care shed. It slices the edge of the grass, making it look sharp and neat. All you have to do is line it up with the edge between the grass and the wall and push it down.

While a push edger isn’t absolutely necessary, it’s the final piece to achieve the best-looking lawn you could have. It makes the grass look smooth and clean, unlike chopping it apart with shears. A little bit of manual work with this tool goes a long way.

Add Stones or Plants Between the Grass and the Wall

If you don’t want to mow, trim, and edge your lawn every time the grass gets too close to a wall, you could fill the gap with bark, flowers, or stones. These three fillers look decorative while also serving the double purpose of reducing the lawn’s upkeep.

It’s much less of an issue if you accidentally hit a piece of bark than if the weed trimmer hits the paint on a wall, fence, or border strip. You’ll be able to mow the lawn and top it off with a push edger in a matter of minutes. Weekly maintenance will keep it in good condition.

Some people also put border strips to prevent the wall from getting scratched. If you want to know how to cut grass against a wall, adding a strip could protect it. You’ve likely seen these brown strips circling bark, gardens, and other outdoor decorations.

Ensure the Soil Isn’t Too High for the Lawn

The height of your lawn and soil is crucial. If they’re too high, you won’t know where the grass ends and the wall begins. Managing the lawn’s height makes a major difference. Some grasses grow quicker than others, so make sure you know what type of grass is on your lawn.

Keep the soil about an inch lower than the wall if possible. This distance will let the grass grow without becoming overwhelming or too difficult to manage. It also lets the grass plant deep roots that don’t run into the bottom of the wall (assuming it’s not a house foundation).

If you don’t want to trim the lawn as much, set the mower to 2 inches rather than 2.5 inches. This measurement will add a few days to a week between mowing sessions. You can also use the string trimmer to cut the edges as low as possible.