Installing Garden Edging: The Main Options

One of the most important aspects of gardening is maintaining a neat-looking garden. One way to do this is by installing garden edging. Garden edging will help you keep mulch, soil, and other items in their designated areas so that they don’t spread out into your lawn or driveway. This article will give you some tips on how to install garden edging as a DIY project and for a beautiful-looking yard!

It may seem like a daunting task, so the other option is hiring a handyman or professional to install edging. It will get the job done without you needing to do any heavy lifting. Although hiring a professional may be the easiest way to install garden edging, it is also the most expensive option and you won’t have the satisfaction of having done it yourself.

For those looking to prepare their garden for the season, there is a variety of edging options to keep in mind. For tips on any particular type, select from the list below:

1. Garden Edging – The Basics

2. DIY Garden Edging

3. Installing Brick Garden Edging

4. Installing Timber Garden Edging

5. How to Install Natural Stone Garden Edging

6. How to Install Concrete Garden Edging

Garden Edging – The Basics

Our article Garden Edging Products didn’t address the installation of edging. Garden edging like bricks, concrete blocks, or turf barriers should be buried in the ground so it is partly hidden.

The edging helps prevent grass from coming into your plant beds. It also prevents weeds from coming to the lawn. The edging holds the soil in place and it also helps with water retention.

Garden edging can be flat or you can make it like a wall. You can also do terracing with edging by making it different levels.

Different materials can be used for different purposes. For example, you can use a different material for the edge of your garden. The important thing is to do it right and make it look neat.

DIY Garden Edging

There are two types of materials that you can buy to use for your garden edging if you want to take the DIY. They are metal and plastic. You can install these by yourself without much trouble.

You need to dig a trench for your edging. You can use any type of edging, but it needs to be placed about halfway below the surface.

When installing edging, make sure that you wear sturdy gloves or you risk cutting yourself on the edge of metal edging. Other than that, installation is similar for both metal and plastic products:

• If you want a straight line, start by using sticks or pegs to put in the ground. Attach string to make a straight line.
• Free-form edges may be easier to create with corrugated metal edging.
• Dig a trench that’s one to two inches deep. You want it half the height of your edging piece above and below-ground.
• To install the edging, check the depth of your trench again before placing it.
• Plastic edging comes in different lengths. Butt-jointed pieces should overlap one another and be secure with a fastener on each side.
• To install corrugated metal edging, unroll it and cut it to the right size. Leave extra for errors. Put fastening pins every one meter.
• Once the edging is laid, use dirt to fill in the trench. Use your foot to compact and adjust as needed.

Installing Brick Garden Edging

Installing loose bricks as edging is a DIY project that can be accomplished by most. For installation, space the bricks about halfway below where you plant grass seed; generally, items like brick should be half-buried.

If you wIf you want to put them higher than the ground, you’ll need to mount them on edge. If you want the edging bricks to be level or nearly level with your lawn and garden, they should be installed lengthwise.

Installing loose bricks in your garden gives it a more informal appearance and, over time, the bricks will blend in with the rest of your yard. For a more formal look, you need to use mortar between the bricks; hiring someone to lay edging might be necessary for maintaining quality results.

Installing Timber Garden Edging

• Timber edging should also be partially buried.
• The trench should be about half the width of the timber. Use a square-nosed shovel to dig your trench.
• Use a level to confirm your trench is flat. Unlike other edging methods, such as plastic or corrugated metal, timber making up the edge will be thicker and won’t go into place when tapped on.
• To install garden edging, measure the area and cut the timber to length. Position the timber so that it is level; check that it does not wobble. Firmly hammer all of the corners in place.
• Hardwood stakes should be tapped a few inches lower than the top of the timber.
• Use galvanized nails for the corners. The angle should be 45 degrees and pilot holes drilled before driving in the nail.
• Fill your trench with soil to hold edging in place.
• Tamp down soil after adding it to help garden edging stay in position.

Instructions to Install Stone Garden Edging

There are two forms of natural stone. You can buy or find stones for use as edging, or you can buy cut stone. You should be able to install free-form edging by using lighter materials, such as natural stones. Hewn stone would likely require a stonemasons to complete installation.

Instructions on how to install concrete garden edging.

Concrete garden edging blocks are shaped in moulds and can make your garden look like natural or hewn stone.

If you want your edging to hold soil in, concrete blocks may be a simpler choice.

If your edging is going to be less than 600mm, it’s probably safe to install cement blocks. Otherwise, you may need to consult a structural engineer.

J-shaped blocks can be interlocking and help to achieve a smooth, straight edge. These types of block don’t require mortar but it’s crucial you make sure they’re situated in a plumb and level position.

For best results, you may want to hire a landscaper with experience in concrete blocks. A landscape gardener can save you a lot of time and will install the soil and plants for you.