Lawn and Landscape Edging Design and Installation

Designing the perfect landscape means creating spaces. Here’s where clients will enjoy their outdoor living space. Over there are the beds for carefully chosen plants and bushes. 

Using edging will help keep each spot within the landscape clearly defined, while enhancing the overall design. This border, whether done naturally with the grass or through the installation of border material, polishes the space by separating and accentuating all the hard work that went into creating this wonderful landscape.

Types of lawn edging

Numerous tools and materials are available for establishing a lawn edge. If you’re looking to create an edge in the landscape simply by maintaining the grass that surrounds areas like sidewalks, driveways or patios, a lawn edger might be all you need. This simple tool rotates a blade along the ground to create crisp, clean lines and a well-manicured look. It ensures grass stays out of areas where it doesn’t belong. 

If clients want something a little more distinct — a clearer line between areas in their yard — you may want to use rubber, plastic or metal landscape edging to create a physical barrier between landscape elements. This option can simplify landscape maintenance since it will hold those clean lines much longer than grass alone.

Installed landscape edging also works to separate areas where there might not be any grass, still allowing you to create distinct spaces.

How to install landscape edging

Installing lawn edging requires more upfront work, but keeps the definition between spaces longer with less maintenance. Natural lawn edging does require routine upkeep, but it’s relatively easy to return with an edger or trimmer as needed during regular lawn care to maintain the natural edge.

When it comes to installing lawn edging, you’ll need to measure and mark your borders first, making sure any grass, weeds or debris is removed from the area. You do have options in lawn edging material, and each can have slightly different installation instructions. Metal landscape edging, which can be made of steel or aluminum, gets laid out along the marked border first before being installed using a rubber mallet to drive stakes through the holes in the edging into the ground. If you need to bend the edging, use a pair of pliers to get the metal into the necessary shape.

If you’re looking to create a more curvaceous border, plastic or a composite material might be best for installed landscape edging. Benda Board® is a lightweight, easy-to-cut option that bends into shape while still retaining a crisp border. To install Benda Board, you’ll need to dig a shallow trench along your marked border. Secure the edging with plastic stakes set along curves and attach them to the board with screws.

Once you’re done with the edge installation, make sure to rinse off the edging to remove any dirt or debris along the border.

The benefits of landscape edging

Deciding to add landscape edging provides both aesthetic and functional benefits. It helps increase curb appeal, but can also be its own decorative element. Plastic, aluminum and steel edging is available in multiple colors, including brown, green and black. Steel edging also comes in a weathered look with that distinct patina of a stylishly aged element. Picking the color and style that works for the landscape allows you to add depth and accentuate other features.

Functionally, lawn edging helps keep mulch, pebbles, gravel or other loose materials in place, creating a barrier between it and the grass. The natural lip installed edging adds can hold these materials in place even during a heavy rain.

Landscaping trim can also make it easier for lawn maintenance. If using installed edging, the portion underground can also help keep plant roots from leaving their beds and getting into the yard while also ensuring grass doesn’t sneak into flower beds.

Expert edging every time

Edging provides the finishing touch to the landscape, helping maximize client satisfaction. To ensure you have the right tools, and to get any questions answered, stop into a local SiteOne branch. Our knowledgeable associates can answer any questions.

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