Landscape edging is a great way to keep your grass from growing into your flower beds, and vice versa. There are many options for flower bed edging and other landscape edging materials. Here are three edging ideas we think are great!
Benefits of Landscape Edging
Landscape edging, sometimes referred to as a landscape border or a garden border, is a way to define specific areas of a lawn and give it a manicured appearance without spending a lot of money. There are many practical benefits to adding edging to your landscape. Whether you want to add curb appeal or enhance your backyard, lawn edging can:
Give you a cleaner mowing and trimming line
Define a path or walkway
Reduce trimming and weeding time
Keep mulch where it belongs
Provide a root barrier to prevent invasive lawn grasses from entering flower beds
Show off flowers and shrubs
Complement and contrast the house and landscape
Adapt to straight or curved areas with equal ease
Types of Landscape Edging
There are a variety of options to help you achieve the perfect look for your landscape:
Wood landscape edging: Styles range from natural finish to decorative "fence" versions. Landscape timbers and railroad ties are also popular for larger areas.
Composite landscape edging: Made from recycled wood products and offers the texture of woodgrain.
Metal landscape edging: Gives a commercial look and is long-lasting.
Plastic landscape edging: Available in rolls or decorative "fence" styles.
Edging stones: Gives a more formal appearance. Use precast concrete or brick in a saw tooth/zigzag pattern.
Installing edging is a simple project. The ground should be soft and not soaked or frozen. Cut a shallow trench or groove into the sod and lay the edging into the cut area. Some edging is set onto or pushed into the ground. Both plastic and metal edging need to be secured with stakes.
EcoBorder Recycled Rubber Edging
Often made from recycled materials like tires, rubber is a good edging option for green-minded homeowners. It costs about $1.25 to $5 per linear foot, not including installation. There are many types of rubber landscape edging, including vertical pieces, edging that lies flat on the ground for easy mowing, or even rubber mats that resemble mulch with less upkeep.
This material works well for straight or curved borders, and you can easily install round rubber mats around the base of trees. It’s not the most durable type of edging, but it will outlast plastic borders.
Natural Stone Edging
Stone edging offers a natural look to gardens, and you can opt for large stones or small, mixed rocks. This option offers a lot of customization for the size and shape of the rocks. Stone landscape edging typically costs about $12 to $40 per linear foot, with more expensive prices for custom options.
While stone is a good choice if you want a more organic aesthetic in your landscaping, be mindful that weeds can pop up between the rocks. Add a barrier of weed fabric before installing stone edging to minimize weeds.
Mulch
Although you can add edging around mulch for a sharper border, mulch on its own can act as edging for a flower bed. To make a neat line where the mulching ends and grass begins, create a small trench. Use an edger, a shovel, or a spade to cut into the lawn along the border where you want edging. Make the cut about 4 to 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches wide. Pile mulch into the garden bed, then allow it to taper off into the trench you just cut. This makes for a sharper line that is easier to mow around.
Whether you plan to DIY or hire a landscaper near you, all types of edging will add serious style to your yard. Should you need help maintaining your landscaping, please contact
Rooted In Nature today at 443-846-0199 or email info@rootedinnaturemd.com.
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