Whether you're planning a new lawn or renovating an established one, you may want to give some careful consideration about its shape. This may be influenced by the overall effect you are aiming for, the style of your garden, or even by the type of mower you have.

Creating the Shape

Straight Edges

For a straight edge, stretch a string taut between pegs to mark the proposed lawn edge and align a plank with it. Then, standing on the plank, cut along its edge using a half-moon or powered edger. Move the plank along the string guide and repeat the procedure until the entire edge has been cut.

Rectangles

Stretch out two string lines to establish corners, making sure that they are absolutely square. Standing on a board, cut just inside the guide with a half-moon edger.

Angles

Avoid making angles too acute (less than 20°) as this will lead to awkward corners.

Curves

Make curves sweeping - take offset measurements at regular (e.g. 1 m) intervals from a fixed line or boundary. Hammer pegs into the ground at each point, then join them all up with string, paint or sand to mark the curved line. Alternatively, simply lay a rope in the shape required, pegging it firmly. Avoid making the curves too irregular as these will be difficult to edge and mow.

Circles and Arcs

Work out roughly where the centre of the arc or circle should be and hammer a peg or metal pin into the ground. Tie a string to this centre peg, and the other end to a second peg. Mark the circle or curve on the ground using the second peg, following its path with poured sand or a rope. Cut inside the line with a half-moon edger.