String trimmers: a string trimmer picks up where a lawn mower leaves off, providing the finishing touches as it whisks away grass around trees and flower beds, straightens uneven edges along driveways, and trims patches of lawn your mower or tractor can't reach.(Home and Yard: Reap the Savings)

What's more, getting a capable trimmer needn't mean spending $100 or more for a gasoline-powered model.

Several of the latest plug-in trimmers provide fine trimming and edging for less. But gas trimmers are still tops overall for tall grass and weeds. Faster starts for gas models, fewer tangles, and easier handling are among the other features you'll find as manufacturers improve these tools.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Black & Decker, Craftsman (Sears), Toro, and Weed Eater are the major brands for electrics, while Craftsman, Homelite, Ryobi, Troy-Bilt, and Weed Eater are the big names in gas-powered models. Leading high-end brands include Bolens, Echo, Husqvarna, John Deere, and Stihl.

Corded electric trimmers. These cost the least and weigh about 5 pounds. Some perform comparably to gas models for most trimming. And all are quieter, create no exhaust emissions, require no tuneups, and start with pushbutton ease. But you're limited by their power cord. Models with the motor at the bottom of the shaft tend to be harder to handle than those with the motor at the top, near the handle. You'll also need hearing protection. And you'll probably prefer a gas trimmer for tougher stuff. Price: $20 to $100.