Landscape Edging EDGEucation

Landscape Edging EDGEucation

 

Landscape edging comes in an array different styles and there are so many options to choose from.  Depending on the desired look you are going for, the edging you choose for your landscape can have a big effect on functionality and curb appeal. Here I will summarize my top three landscape edging options and how you can install them with your next landscaping project.

 

NATURAL EDGING

The “natural edge” is the most cost effective landscape edging type. This edge is created by digging down, using the ground as a lip to hold in mulch, etc. Creation of the natural edge is best performed with a flathead shovel. Dig down approximately 3 inches and then “feather” the dirt back into the bed. Clean out the debris (dirt clumps, turf) from the bed space.

 

STEEL EDGING

For a sleek, clean look steel edging is the way to go. Fairly easy to install, but it may be smart to have an extra hand to help with efficiency. Steel edging can be great to create smooth curves and sharp angles. Being a thinner material, steel edging can be used to help separate elements in the landscape – for instance separate mulch from rock, to ensure a good clean separation.

 

STONE EDGING

A stone edging is definitely going to be the most time consuming for installation and prices can vary, but this type of edging can add character and uniqueness to your landscape. Whether you are using rock cobbles, brick, limestone edgers, or pavers, the install process is mainly the same for all. First step is to excavate a trench in the line the edging is to be installed – depth of the trench depends on stone material selection and placement (for example, the trench will be deeper for bricks placed upright as opposed to them being placed on their side). The edging should be up about 3 inches from the ground – this factor can help determine your trench depth as well. The next step is to lay out all of your stone material along the trench so it is ready for install. Third, you will want to set the edging in concrete for stability. On average, you will want to sit the stone edging in about 2 inches of concrete. Some people may choose to skip the concrete part of this installation, although I highly recommend it – if you want a long lasting edge that won’t settle and is more stable, do the concrete.

 

Adding an element of edging is important for a successful landscape. A good, clean edge can really set off a landscape and have a dramatic impact. There are more than just the three types mentioned above, but these are the ones I have found the majority people enjoy. Now you can consider yourself EDGEucated.

 

Tip: Use a hose to lay out your desired edge line. This helps to visualize and gives you an accurate guide before you start digging. The hose is great to illustrated desired curves!

Tip: Always, always, always try to implement edging around rock – it will shift and it’s the last thing you want to deal with when mowing along a bedline. I usually avoid natural edging around rock – I usually gravitate toward steel edging for this.

Tip: By setting stone edging in concrete you are giving it a great base and also insuring stability. Think about how the mower bumps edging or kids walk along the stones – it won’t shift if it’s concreted in!