When to Use a Root Slayer Edger XL for Lawn Borders

By Radius Garden | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn when and how to use the Root Slayer Edger XL for clean lawn borders. This guide covers setup, cutting technique, and common mistakes.

Quick answer

Use the Root Slayer Edger XL when you need to cut a clean, straight border between your lawn and garden beds, especially if you are tall or prefer a long straight handle for extra leverage on tough roots.

Why choose the Edger XL over a standard edger

The Root Slayer Edger XL features an extended straight handle that provides more leverage than the standard O-handle version. This makes it easier to push through dense sod and cut through roots without bending over as much.

Taller gardeners will find the longer handle more comfortable, reducing back strain during prolonged edging sessions. The extra length also helps you maintain a consistent depth along the border.

When not to use the Edger XL

If you have limited space or need to edge around tight curves, the longer handle can be cumbersome. In those cases, a shorter edger or a half-moon edger might be more maneuverable.

For very light touch-ups on already defined borders, a manual edging knife or string trimmer may be faster and require less effort.

How to edge your lawn border with the Root Slayer Edger XL

Mark the border line: Use a garden hose or string to lay out the desired border shape. This gives you a visual guide and helps keep the line straight or smoothly curved. A common mistake is skipping the guide and ending up with a wavy edge. Take the extra minute to mark the line.
Position the edger at the starting point: Place the blade of the Edger XL on the turf side of the border line, with the flat side facing the garden bed. The serrated edge should face the lawn. If you place the blade backward, you will tear the sod instead of cutting it cleanly.
Push the blade into the soil: Step onto the foot platform and push the blade straight down to the desired depth (usually 3-4 inches). Use your body weight, not just arm strength, to drive the blade. Pushing at an angle can cause the blade to skip or create an uneven cut. Keep the blade vertical.
Rock the handle to cut roots: If you hit a root, rock the handle forward and backward to let the serrated edge saw through it. The long handle gives you extra leverage for tough roots. Do not force the blade through thick roots with a single push. Rocking prevents blade damage and reduces effort.
Repeat and maintain overlap: Lift the edger, move it along the line by half a blade width, and repeat. Overlapping each cut ensures a continuous, clean edge without gaps. Skipping overlaps leaves uncut sections that will tear when you remove the sod strip.
Remove the cut sod strip: After completing the full border, use a spade or your hands to lift and remove the strip of sod from the garden bed side. Dispose of it or compost it. Leaving the sod strip in place can cause it to root again and blur the border line.

Product facts

Root Slayer Edger XL: The Root Slayer Edger XL is an extended length version of the Root Slayer Edger providing extra leverage with a longer, conventionally shaped handle. This design helps taller gardeners and anyone who prefers a straight handle to cut through roots and sod with less bending and strain.
Root Slayer Edger XL