Each landscape is different and thus, will require a variety of needs. Meaning, every type of landscape edging will not work for every lawn.
Some of these differences that will make a difference in the best types of landscape edging for your garden bed or lawn can include grass type, the hardness of the dirt, overall theme, lawn care techniques, slopes/hills, and so much more.
Landscape edging defines the garden bed and helps to give it character, while serving as a grass and weed barrier. Landscape edging can also be used to raise the level of the garden bed.
There is always the option to have cut edges without a material serving as a barrier, but that requires a lot more maintenance to keep that crisp edge look. If you are like most people, you will want an edging that will minimize maintenance, serve as a grass barrier, not too costly, and something to match your overall landscape theme.
Here are some types of landscape edging to consider:
- Metal Landscape Edging
Metal is one of the most commonly used landscape edging materials used to achieve a crisp border around a garden bed. Rightfully so. Metal landscape edging has made a name for itself in the landscaping industry due to its ability to bend for curves, sturdiness, life expectancy, easy installation, and so much more.
Most metal edging is going to be deep enough to be installed 4-6 inches into the ground and still have a few inches above ground (with the exception of our Edge Right metal landscape edging that is 8 inches in depth—double that of most common metal edging).
It is important to get that metal edging down in the ground to prevent weeds and grass roots from invading your garden bed. The few inches that stand above ground also serve as a grass barrier, keeping clippings out and weeds too, while keeping the garden’s mulch in. This significantly reduces the amount of maintenance necessary to keep a crisp border. Metal landscape edging is perfect for basically any lawn due to its flexibility, ability to penetrate almost any soil hardness, and its sturdiness.
- Stone and Brick Landscape Edging
Stone and brick provide an attractive, natural appearance that is very versatile for lots of terrain and garden bed shapes. Paving stone and brick are typically constructed in 12 in. pieces that can be connected in a variety of patterns. They are also relatively inexpensive and will last quite a long time. They are fairly easy to install but are often installed improperly. When they aren’t installed properly, there are gaps or if the stones and brick are not set deep enough, there can be an invasion of weeds and grass. Installation requires a small trench to be dug along the border of the garden bed to ensure that the brick or stone can defend against grass and weeds, as well as to ensure they will stay in place. You can also use a layer of mortar underneath the brick or stone to keep it in place and be sure they’re not moved by the mower, weed eater, or edger.
- Wooden Landscape Edging
When it comes to wooden edging, there are a variety of different wood types to use. You could use railroad ties, logs, planks, landscape timber, and the possibilities for arrangement are endless. The key to using wood is to make sure the wood you choose is set deep enough to keep grass and weeds out. If you are cutting the wood yourself, be sure to make the pieces deep enough to have a few inches left over to serve as an above ground barrier. Wooden landscape edging can also be used to raise the garden bed, giving your landscape some dimension or even countering a slope you may have in your lawn to provide a flat surface for your plants to grow in. Wood is a cheaper option, but keep in mind that it is prone to rot and will need to be replaced in the years to come.
Overall, the material used – the type of landscape edging you use to edge your landscape – is completely up to you.
Above ground, no dig edging may seem like a good idea when you’re buying your supplies, due to their easy installation and being inexpensive. However, this type of landscape edging just doesn’t do a very good job at serving as a grass barrier because these options usually don’t have the size or depth required.
To ensure that your landscape edging will be effective at not only looking good but also guarding your garden, you need to purchase a material that has the required size and depth to keep the surrounding grass and weeds out of your garden, while keeping the gardens mulch out of your grass.