The Short answer is yes, string trimmers can be used to cut grass and lawns. Is it suggested? Probably not because it can be too labor intense and time consuming. Although string trimmers are efficient at cutting down tall grass and weeds, most often lawn mowers are more suitable depending on how big the area is. While each will get the job done, we will discuss when it’s best to use a trimmer and when not to.
Why Would Someone Use a String Trimmer to Cut Grass?
Most often, many use sting trimmers to cut down weeds and other plant material that is not easily accessible to lawn mowers such as borders, fence lines and other details. If a grass area is small, it might make sense to use a trimmer. Although there may be other variables such as neglected garden areas, usually they are used for touch ups and detail work.
Also keep in mind if a lawn area is completely overgrown, then you would definitely want to start with a string trimmer due to unknown objects not easily seen and could harm, and possibly wreck a mower or machine. With all machine use, always wear your PPE such as gloves, face guards or eye protection.
Browse our Affiliate Products
For more information on what happens when you don’t maintenance yards and lawn areas, check out this article. What Can Possibly Happen if you don’t Cut Your Grass?
Advantages of Using a String Trimmer to Cut Grass
As with all equipment, there are always going to be pros and cons of using one over the other. But as far as string trimmers go, they do have their uses such as hard to get areas, precuts, and others.
Below is a short list of Advantages:
To Reach Areas Where a Lawn mower Can’t Access
When grass needs to be cut in areas that have limited maneuverability, then a string trimmer would be more appropriate. This includes between rocks, benches, fence lines, irrigation boxes, sprinkler heads, and all above ground features where a typical mower can’t access. Usually, they are used for the final touches after a fresh cut lawn.
Cutting Spotty High Grass and Weeds
Often times, weed wackers come in extremely handy at cleaning out dryscapes with spotty tall patches of grass and weeds due to sprinklers and weather. Although it is a obvious choice, many people use mowers to do similar jobs while producing a dusty mess.
Furthermore, Always remember, if you’re planning to clear out weeds in a mulched areas watch out for flying debris since it will kick-up hard bark material that can possibly injury yourself and others and can private property damage.
For more information on mulch, click here to read this article. Do I Have to Replace My Mulch Layer If It Has A Lot Of Weeds?
When using a trimmer, tilt the head of trimmer away from you, but high enough so the line does the all the work while saving wear and tear on your equipment while protecting yourself. There are many methods of using different equipment, but it is always best to read the manufactures recommendations.
String Trimmers are Useful for Pruning and Shaping Plants
A string trimmer can be used to quickly trim small plants, hedges, and bushes, but can run into problems when plant material is too thick. This is where industrial grade trimmers can be useful, but can be an overkill for simple garden maintenance. These trimmers are often used for brush clearances since they have the power to chomp through woody weeds and other hard stubborn plant growth.
If an industrial grade line trimmer is what you are looking for, pay attention to engine sizes and factory recommended uses. Also, the type of line used can vary from maker to maker and I would suggest investing in a professional grade line across all and any trimmer used. This is because the standard line that is given doesn’t really hold up and you soon realize this when the line quickly wears out.
For more information on string trimmer line, check out this article. Why do Spools and String trimmer Line Wear Out? Here’s Why
Faster Cut Time
This can be true if your garden and lawn area is small. Rather than bringing out your mower and other equipment, you can pull out your gas or electric trimmer and complete the job in no time. Since trimmers are versatile, they can act as a mower and edger, and depending on different models, they come with different attachments.
Also, they are compact and can be kept just about anywhere. Since many companies are switching to electric, you don’t have to measure gas and oil mixtures, and worrying about leaks and non-starts. With electric, just make sure you have a full battery, and once you’re done, wash and dry your machine and store it away.
Although the list is short, many people use string trimmers for personal reasons. One reason may simply be storage and on the other hand, it just might make sense for your needs to use one.
Disadvantages of String Trimmers When Cut Grass
While they are widely used for their efficiency and productivity, they really perform as advertised, it’s just some models of trimmers are more powerful than others, while others hold up longer and can take a lot of heavy usage. They can in essence outperform mowers, but can’t fully replace them. In the following below are some disadvantages as we will see.
String Trimmers are Not Suitable for Measured Grass
If the grass needs to be cut to a certain length, then you should think about using a lawn mower instead. This is because there is no absolute way to measure grass length with a trimmer. You just start in one area and continue with the same height.
Also, this where some areas of the lawn might be cut higher and others lower where you almost or actually scalp grass. This results in yellow spots and thick thatch depending on how long the grass area is. If your looking for a fine tuned cut, it is always better to get an adjustable height mower. Since this is a standard in all modern mowers, just set your desired height and you will achieve an even cut.
Since all grass is different, you may want to learn about the grass you have planted, or the grass you currently have because some grass don’t just grow back, resulting in resoding.
Trimmers Can Leave Behind a Mess
This is true if you’re using your string trimmer for curb appeal. Although you can definitely use them, they do tend to kick up rocks, grass clippings, and throw out just about anything that’s in the line’s way. This in turn leaves grass clipping and dirt on walkways and sidewalk, and having to return to either blow or sweep up debris.
Depending on your skill level, you can get away from leaving behind a mess, but if your grass is way to long to begin with, you will always have some type of clean up. This is why mowers are ideal but not always suggested because they have debris catchers thereby using the clippings for mulch at a later time. Then again, if cleanup is a non-issue, then you wouldn’t have to worry.
Click here to check out our handheld blower affiliate category. Hand Held Blowers Category
Not Suitable For Large Areas
If you have a massive area to cut, then it is best to use a mower. However, if there are just small patches of grass that need cutting in areas where it might be difficult to use a mower or weed eater, then using a string trimmer can do the job without much effort.
While a large lawn area can be definitely cut with a weed wacker, you may want additional people on the job. Many times, this is performed with brush clearance companies. They employ people to essentially mow down hillsides and lots with trimmers. Although time consuming, they have a few people working at the same time.
Does Using a Weed Wacker Harm Grass?
Yes, weed wackers (string trimmers) can harm your grass. This is because a trimmer does not have a set cutting height and can cause yellow spots if cut to the root zone. Additionally, trimmers produce thatch which over a period of time blocks water and other nutrients eventually killing off all, or some parts of lawn areas.
If appearances is a must, its always best to use a lawn mower with a catcher cause you avoid a lot of issues down the road. This ensures an even cut and protection of your lawn every time you mow.
Final Thoughts
Overall, string trimmers offers advantages when cutting grass. However, they are not suitable for all types of grass or situations, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you decide that using a string trimmer is the best option for your needs, then be sure to take into account the length of the grass, thickness of the growth, and size of the area to be trimmed.
