How To Trim Grass Around A Vinyl Fence?

A well-maintained lawn can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. However, keeping the grass around your vinyl fence neat and tidy can be a bit of a challenge.

Do you know when my anxiety alarm triggers during mowing? It is when I approach my vinyl fences.

Thanks to the mechanical upgrades of versatile tools, my prayers for easy trimming have been heard.

If you want to know how to trim grass around a vinyl fence without damaging them, this guide can become your ultimate salvation.

Putting aside my dramatic flair, let me tell you the shortcut. The best answer is to block the grass from growing in that region. While a string trimmer is an ideal choice, I suggest using caution not to touch the barriers with the gadget.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll find useful tips and tricks to make the job easier and more efficient. So, let’s get started on creating the perfect lawn around your vinyl fence!

I have more tips for the readers with a postcard fence house. Please read on!

How Trim Grass or Block Grass Growth Around A Vinyl Fence?

I have thought long and hard regarding ways to protect my vinyl posts while maintaining the grass alongside. It seems a complex chore that never stops.

Therefore, I resorted to stalling the grass growth on either side of the fences. It enables to trim the rest of the area easily. Driving the large mower there is out of the question.

So let me point out how you can stunt the grass from growing around the vinyl fences. Then we can discuss trimming the remains.

1. Start by Marking the No-Grass Zone

Now that you have to preserve your turf trimmed and neat. You start off by forming a barrier to prohibit grass development.

• Get a long line of string and a few stakes for this step.
• Choose one end of the fence.
• Measure at least 7 to 13 cm from the selected fence toward you or in an outward direction.
• Walk to the other end of the fence and repeat the first two steps.
• Now you can tie the string between the stakes.
• You will have to follow the four steps above for the opposite side as well. If the other side belongs to your neighbor, you may ask them to coordinate with you to achieve an equally maintained lawn.

2. Remove Grass

My next task was to remove the grass from the marked zone. You will need a shovel and a hand trowel for the following mission. Stay with me.

• Dig inside the marked zone. The depth should be about 5 to 10 cm.
• It will ensure digging into the roots and thatches to impound full grass length.
• Take out the grass that grows right under the fences too.
• Use a trowel to get into the difficult regions.
• In the meantime, make sure to retain a straight line followed by the string border. This will deliver a professional outlook afterward.
• The overall result is a bare soil strip on either side of the fence, each extending about 7.5 cm. 

3. Install Garden Edging

Some individuals conclude by edging the fenced area and filling the trench with gravel mulch to mow safely. However, grass seeds will reach that region at some point, and the cycle will continue.

So, try to bear with me a little longer. Your next ingredient for the step is to purchase a quality landscape edging or border. They are usually made from durable plastic.

• You have the edging in your possession. Install it carefully along the line you have dug.
• Hence, the edging will be on either side of the fence.
• Hammer the edging stakes once you line it straight. Or secure the pegs that come with the edging to the soil.
• Now you have a proper border that can prevent grass seeds or their runners from creeping into the excavated area.
• Plus, it will make trimming a rather pleasant experience.

3. Mulch

It is time to pay attention to the glaring trench on either side. You will require a certain amount of mulch depending on the length of the vinyl fencing.

Moreover, choose the type of mulch you want. There are wood chips, bark, rubber, nut hulls, etc. I advise against the rock or gravel mulch, for these can fly back up accidentally and hurt you when you trim or mow.

• Gently spread the mulch layer onto the trench. Fill in about 5 to 10 cm.
• Be sure to distribute evenly on both sides.
• Do not overlook underneath the fences.
• Thankfully, the edgings will thwart any mulch escapee from mingling with the green grass.
• Try refilling the trench with mulch annually for a constant grass-free layer. You may have to pull out a few weeds/grassroots here and there at times.

4. Get Your String Trimmer

Your challenging part is now in completion. The last step is to trim the grass grown outward from the no-grass zone.

The new establishment will help you mow/trim the grass without holding your heart in your hands while nearing the vinyl fences.

However, avoid using the mower close to the edging. Use a string trimmer for the job. The mulch will protect the machine and the fences as you follow the border.

5. Build Concrete Strip for Lawn Under the Vinyl Fence

If you wish to enforce concrete strips instead of using the mulching method, you are at the right place.

• Simply follow the process 1 and 2 mentioned above, except make the trench about 30 cm wide and slightly deeper.
• Next, fill half the ditch with pea gravel, rocks, and sand.
• Add a concrete mix layer with big stones.
• Cover the work with landscape fabric. You will find it in lawn care stores.
• Make sure to spread out the layer evenly. Then clench the fabric in position with a landscape staple.
• Leave it in that state for a couple of days. The concrete will harden to form solid edging.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you trim grass against a fence without damaging it?

Yes, but the risk of damaging the fences is still high. Try to point the trimmer head of a string trimmer toward the ground when close to a fence.

Do not hurry the cutting process as it can hit the fence if not careful. Additionally, you should take care to hold the trimmer at a slight angle away from the fence to prevent accidental contact.

2. How do you keep grass off vinyl fence?

There are several ways to keep grass from growing against a vinyl fence, including:

• Installing a physical barrier, such as a strip of metal or plastic, between the fence and the grass to prevent the roots from growing under the fence.
• Regularly trimming the grass along the fence line to prevent it from getting too tall and encroaching on the fence.
• Applying a herbicide or pesticide to the area along the fence line to prevent grass and other plants from growing.
• Installing a rock or gravel border along the fence line to create a barrier that grass, and other plants cannot penetrate.
• Installing a drip irrigation system to the area, so that the fence and the grass are not in direct competition for water.

It’s important to consider the local laws, regulations and the environmental impact of the herbicides or pesticides usage.

The Bottom Line

Keeping a picture-perfect reality of a fenced house with manicured lawn is a frontage behind backbreaking hard work.

I have discovered a newfound respect for these homeowners and the lawn care personnel for the upkeep of numerous lawns.

If you consider this guide on how to trim grass around a vinyl fence helpful, do not forget to share it with those in need.

Also, get yourself a cool beverage after you finish everything. You deserve it!