The right lawn edge will not only add curb appeal or enhance the look of your garden but it will also increase your property’s value. It also sets a boundary between the lawn and garden bed, holds mulch in the bed, and will serve as a barrier against unwanted grass and weed roots.
There are different types of lawn edge to choose from so be sure to find one that’s low maintenance or one that complements your home.
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A. Types
1. Trench
The most basic type of lawn edging that you can install in your yard is a trench. While this is a very easy type of edging to do and only involves digging out a small trench along your grass to delineate space in your yard, there is one major problem with relying on this type of edging instead of installing a barrier. When you dig out a trench, you will spend a lot of time and effort maintaining it as it will continue to grow weeds and grass. Additionally, over time, a trench will begin to fill in with dirt as rain washes dirt into the trench, requiring you to dig it back out again. This is time-consuming and very frustrating for many people.
2. Solid Barrier
A solid barrier is one of the most popular ways to separate areas of your yard and to keep grass and weeds from growing in an unwanted area. When you opt for a solid barrier, then you will be able to choose from a number of different materials, each having its own pros and cons, to create a unique look that will improve the appearance of your yard at the same time as it limits plant spread.
One benefit of choosing a solid barrier is that this will create a well-defined line in the yard that makes it very easy for the eye to see clear areas in the property. Depending on the type of solid barrier you choose and how it has to be installed, this can be a very expensive prospect, which is something to keep in mind.
3. Fence
A low fence is another great idea if you are interested in edging your lawn but do not want to have to install a solid barrier or dig a trench. Fences are beneficial if you have taller plants along the edge of your lawn and want to keep them from flopping over into your grass as they will hold up any plants that tend to lean. Another reason to consider a fence for the edge of your lawn is that they tend to be very attractive.
It is easy to find them in a number of different styles and designs so you can opt for ones that are a little plain or choose ones that are much more ornate if you want a more intricate style. As long as you install your fencing correctly, then you shouldn’t have to worry about it tipping over into your yard; however, some fences are not strong enough to stand up to plants leaning on them so it’s important to take that into consideration when shopping.
4. Flowers
One great way to edge your yard without using materials that look heavy and will weigh down your space is to opt for fresh flowers along the edge of your yard. These will add a lot of beauty to your space while still helping to control the spread of weeds and grass as long as you choose the right variety of flower and plant them close enough together. Make sure that you choose flowers that will thrive not only in your growing zone but also in your yard based on the amount of shade or sun that you have.
It is a good idea to pay attention to the flower colors and how long the flowers will last so that you can rest easy that you will have a beautiful edge in your yard. The main problem with using flowers to add your yard is that they will die and this will leave your yard without a distinct edge. Another problem with flowers is that annuals have to be planted each year and this can get expensive. While some homeowners use ornamental grasses or shrubs, they do not always offer the same attractive look as flowers do.
B. Material
1. Poured Concrete
Poured concrete edging is a great choice if you want a polished look along your yard and do not want to invest in a material that is not durable enough to last for years. This type of edging will not rot, warp, or deteriorate even in very bad weather. Poured edging is also permanent so you will not have to worry about replacing it. The main problem with concrete edging is that it is very expensive.
In order to have a poured edge, a form has to be made that conforms to your garden or lawn. However, concrete edging is incredibly attractive and will improve the appearance of your yard, thanks to the ability to choose a number of colors that will complement your space. It’s easy to have poured concrete stamped or to add aggregates to the concrete for a unique look. One downside to the durability of poured concrete is that it can be difficult to break and remove it if you decide to change the edge of your lawn.
2. Brick
Brick edging will add some formality to your yard and gardens. Because bricks are available in many different styles, shapes, and colors, it is easy to choose ones that will improve the appearance of your yard and even make them into interesting patterns. Because they are so durable and resilient, it is very unlikely that you will have to replace your brick edging for a very long time.
One problem with using brick is keeping this hard material low enough so that your lawn mower is not damaged. However, if you decide to change the shape of your yard, it is easy to remove the bricks and place them in a new pattern or area. Look for stamped bricks to add more visual interest to your edging.
3. Plastic
Source: Home Depot
Plastic edging is available widely and is very commonly used in many yards to delineate space between the lawn and other locations. While this type of edging is generally fairly easy to install and will provide you with a crisp and clean appearance along the edge of your yard, there are a few problems with using plastic edging. There are not as many color choices with plastic edging, which means that it can be difficult to choose edging that will improve the appearance of your yard.
The most common colors are black and brown, which will blend into your property but won’t add much visual interest to space. Additionally, due to the nature of plastic, this edging is prone to cracking and can be greatly damaged by cold weather. Homeowners who live in incredibly cold climates will likely benefit more from choosing a different type of edging.
4. Metal
Edging that is metal, such as steel or aluminum, is very pliable and is great for edging a yard where you have curves. Even though this is an ideal material for edging around curves, it is still durable and strong enough to work well on straight areas of the edge of your yard. While metal does not look very natural, it will last for years; for this reason, many homeowners opt for metal edging when deciding what type to use at their homes.
Another problem with metal edging is that it can begin to rust over time. While some homeowners see rust as a reason to rip out their edging and install new edging, there are others who embrace the rustic feel and appearance that rust brings to their yards. This type of edging is a little more difficult to install than other types.
5. Wood
There are a number of options available if you are interested in using wood for your lawn edging, which makes it easy for most homeowners to find options that will work for them. While some homeowners opt for railroad ties or landscaping timbers for their edging, there is a major problem with using treated wood. Not only can this wood harm beneficial insects but it can negatively affect some of your plants.
While untreated wood is safer for your plants, it will begin to rot and break down quickly and will require replacement on a more regular basis. While wood edging looks great in a wooded setting and will make your yard appear very natural, it can be very difficult to edge a yard that has curves with wood. In this case, opting for a type of edging that has small sections is a good idea as these will be easier to adjust to the curve of the yard.
6. Natural Stone
Rocks are very popular for edging and are available in a number of different styles, sizes, and colors, which means that you can use your edging not only to define areas of your yard but also to add a lot of visual interest to your space. Large rocks are ideal if you want to have a custom look for your edging so you can rest easy that your yard will stand out from others in the neighborhood.
Sometimes rocks will be mortared together; other times, they can be stacked and rock can also be placed directly on the grade. When installed correctly, rocks will still allow for drainage in your yard but will prevent mulch from getting into your grass and will ensure that your yard looks its best.
7. Gravel
Gravel is sometimes used to create a border on a person’s property but this is not as common as other types of materials due to the fact that gravel can tend to look out of place in a yard. If you do opt for gravel, then you will enjoy the benefits of rain being able to soak through the gravel into the ground instead of pooling in the yard. Gravel is fairly inexpensive, making it a great choice for edging a yard on a budget. Before adding gravel, it is a good idea to use a weed inhibitor to decrease the number of weeds that grow up in your edge.
8. Mulch
A mulch lawn edging requires more work than simply and dumping and spreading mulch. To achieve a neat finished product, you will have to strip the grass from the outside edge of your lawn. This will create a small depressed area in the yard in which you can then place your mulch. This is a very flexible type of edging because it is so it easy to change the location and the shape of the lawn’s edge simply by changing your mulch. Since mulch comes in a number of different colors, it is easy to choose a mulch that will match the appearance of the rest of your landscaping. This is a great way to create a cohesive look in your yard.
C. Installation
1. Hammer-in
Source: Wayfair
There are many different types of edging that you can choose from that will be stake-driven or hammered into the ground. It’s fairly easy to use these products but there is some prep work that needs to occur before installation. The first step is to cut a line into the soil following where the edging will be installed. Then the edging has to be inserted to the desired depth before a stake is hammered through the edging at a diagonal and into the ground on the other side.
This will hold the edging in place and help to prevent it from popping out of the ground. Because each type of edging is different, it is important to follow the included instructions that came with your edging to determine the best technique and measurement for your edging.
2. Above-Ground
Being able to quickly and easily place your edging materials on the ground makes installation very fast and easy. This creates a barrier quickly but does mean that they can be moved accidentally if you are not careful. One benefit of simply putting stones or other types of edging materials on the ground means that you will be able to quickly finish the edging job. This is great if you are in a time crunch and want to make sure that you can improve the appearance of your yard quickly and without a lot of effort. Because this type of edging does not extend below the ground, then it will not do a great job stopping weeds and grass from spreading and will have to be weeded or sprayed periodically.
3. Pouring
Source: Amazon
Mixing up concrete and pouring your edging takes a lot of work but the result is very durable and will likely last for a long time. While generally, this type of installation requires a small trench to be dug to provide a location for the edging, the trench does not have to be terribly deep. Hiring an expert to pour your edging is one of the fastest ways to install new edging at your home.
4. In-Ground
Source: Home Depot
In-ground edging comes in a variety of styles and materials but all types require a fair amount of work. The material has to be placed in a trench that has been dug into the ground to a certain depth. Dirt is then packed on either side of the edging to keep it supported and hold it in position. Installing in-ground edging deeper in the ground will provide it with more stability. One of the benefits of this type of edging is that it helps to prevent roots from growing underneath the edging and eliminates the problem of grass and weeds spreading.
D. Feature
1. Solar Lights
Homeowners who want to make sure that the edging they install is as attractive and possible and visible at night will benefit from installing edging with solar lights. These lights will automatically turn on when it is dark outside and will provide illumination in the yard. While they generally do not emit enough light for people to see clearly in the dark, they still provide attractive illumination and improve the appearance of the property.
2. Weed Control
Source: Amazon
One main benefit of installing in-ground edging is that it will help to control weeds. When you want to make sure that you have the best weed control possible, then it is best to opt for edging that is installed deep into the ground. Some in-ground edging is only installed a few inches into the ground and this simply doesn’t provide the protection against weeds that you need. Look for in-ground edging that is installed significantly deeper, such as 10 inches deep, to get the protection from weeds that you want. While shallower in-ground edging may provide you with some weed control at first, it is very likely that over time the weeds will be able to grow underneath your new edging and will travel to new locations in your yard.
3. Interlocking
Source: Home Depot
Edging comes in many different lengths; if you want to get the perfect length and shape out of your edging, then you will benefit from buying edging pieces that are interlocking. This makes it very easy to attach and detach various pieces of edging and also to go around sharp corners without the edging looking rounded and out of place. Because interlocking edging is made up of many smaller pieces, it is generally easier for people to install than trying to deal with a long length of edging.
4. Decorative
Source: Amazon
Depending on the location of your edging and the appearance of your yard, you may want to opt for edging that is decorative. This type of edging is just as functional as non-decorative edging but can help to improve the appearance of your property and add visual interest to your garden. Decorative edging is very popular when used to delineate between a yard and a flower garden or to go along a front path to the home. Because this type of edging tends to be more expensive, it is generally used in areas where it will produce a high impact rather than in all locations around the yard.
E. Edge Direction
1. Curve
Curves are very attractive and will give your yard a graceful, flowing appearance. If you want to have your edging curve around your yard, then you will need to make sure that you choose a material that can easily be bent or you will become frustrated trying to achieve this look. Plastic is generally not a great choice for a curving edge because it tends to be very brittle and may easily break instead of allowing you to bend it into the desired shape. Opting for metal, rock, or even concrete will allow you to easily follow the curve of your yard and improve its appearance.
2. Angular
Angular lawn edging can make a boring yard appear much more interesting due to the sharp shapes and angles. Rather than relying on straight lines or curves to outline your yard, when you choose angular edging, you will not only enjoy all of the regular benefits of edging but also its interesting appearance. This type of edging can be difficult to install on your own because the angles all need to be sharp and to match; however, when the work is completed correctly, it can be very impressive.
3. Straight
If you want to enjoy attractive lawn edging that will help draw the eye along the yard, then opt for something that can be installed in straight lines. These do not have the gentle flow of curving lines but will still add a lot of interest to your yard. Installing lawn edging in straight lines can be a little tricky, especially if the edging you bought came in a roll, which is why many people opt for curves in their edging instead of attempting to keep it straight.