Garden Bed Edging

Edging draws a clear line between lawn and garden beds, gives landscaping a finished look, and keeps grass from creeping into plantings. It comes in two broad forms: a natural cut edge and an installed border. A natural edge is a small trench cut with a flat spade or an edging tool, usually a few inches deep with a vertical face on the lawn side. It is inexpensive and flexible, since you can change the shape of a bed easily. The drawback is maintenance. The edge needs recutting a few times a year, as grass creeps back and the trench fills with mulch. Installed borders include steel, aluminum, plastic, stone, brick, pavers and poured concrete. Metal edging is thin, long lasting and nearly invisible, and it works well for curves. Plastic edging is cheap but can heave in frost or become brittle. Stone, brick and concrete make a stronger statement, last longer and can serve as a mowing strip, which lets a mower wheel run along the edge for cleaner trimming. Installation details decide success. Edging should be set at the right depth and anchored so it does not lift in freeze-thaw cycles. In cold regions, rigid edging that is too shallow tends to wander out of line within a few winters. Ask the provider how the edging will be anchored and whether the soil will be graded to drain away from it. Edging pairs naturally with mulching. Doing both in one visit saves effort and gives beds a crisp finish. Confirm whether edging is included in recurring maintenance visits or billed separately.

Layout with string or hose, cutting a trench or installing the border, backfilling and tamping, removing excess sod, and refreshing mulch if included. A clean line you can maintain easily is the result.

Spring through fall wherever the ground is workable. Many pros edge and mulch together in spring.

A natural edge is easy DIY with a half-moon edger. Hire for long runs, hardscape borders, curves that need to look precise, or when you want it done alongside mulching.

Which edging style do you recommend for my yard and climate? How deep will you set it, and how will it be anchored? What happens to the sod you remove? Is edging included in my recurring service? Will you refresh mulch at the same time?