I used to own a Ryobi gas-powered string trimmer. When I was able to start it, it could trim around beds and even sort of edge walks. When I couldn't start it anymore, I bought the Edge Hog a couple of years ago. The electric start is far more reliable than a gas engine. While the Edge Hog can't trim next to trees or the house, of course, it clears a straight line next to walks with ease and can trench a line around garden beds. It does this much faster than a string trimmer and the result is much cleaner.