Ethan Clarke
Black plastic landscape edging is a simple DIY project that can enhance the look of your garden beds and borders. It's a cost-effective way to give your outdoor space a neat and tidy appearance. To install black plastic landscape edging, you'll need to measure and mark the desired area, then dig a trench along the marked line. If you're working with tough soil, consider using an old ax and a hammer to create a slit for the edging. You can also nail the edging into the side of the dirt to avoid digging a trench. Once the edging is in place, tamp it down and add more soil to any areas that need support.
How to Install Black Plastic Landscape Edging
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To make your landscaping pop, giving garden beds, borders and outdoor spaces a clean, finished look |
| Benefits | Economical, DIY-friendly, flexible and easy to work with, enhancing your landscaping and boosting your home's curb appeal |
| Planning | Measure and design the desired shape of the garden bed or border using rope or twine, then trace the curvature with environmentally safe marking paint |
| Materials | Black plastic edging, shovel or spade, garden hose, tape measure, marking paint, rope or twine |
| Installation | Dig a trench along the marked edges, insert the black plastic edging, and tamp it down. Alternatively, cut a groove in a 2x4 board, slip the edging inside, and hammer it down straight |
| Maintenance | Water the area lightly to settle the soil, adding more soil to areas that need support or are low-lying |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring the area
Firstly, decide on the shape of your garden bed or border. You can use rope or twine to lay out the desired shape on the ground. Play around with different shapes until you find one that you like. Once you are satisfied, use environmentally safe marking paint to trace the outline of the rope or twine. This will give you a clear guideline to work with.
Next, cut the rope to size and use a tape measure to determine its length. This will give you a good estimate of the total length of edging material required. Don't forget to add about 10% to this length to account for waste. For example, if your rope length is 25 feet, you will need 2.5 feet of extra edging, taking the total required length to 27.5 feet.
Now that you have measured the length, you need to decide on the depth of your edging. This will depend on the height of your garden bed or border. A good rule of thumb is to dig a trench that is about two-thirds of the height of your edging. This will ensure the edging is secure and sturdy. Mark out the depth with stakes or markers to ensure a consistent depth when digging.
Finally, if you are nailing the edging into the ground, you will need to measure the length and width of the nails to ensure they are long enough to hold the edging securely. You may also need to measure the distance between nails to ensure an even and secure installation.
Measuring these key dimensions will ensure you have a clear understanding of the area you are working with and help you create a neat and tidy finish to your landscape edging project.
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Digging a trench
Mark the Area: Before you start digging, it's important to define the area you want to edge. Use rope or twine to create the desired shape and mark the curvature with environmentally safe marking paint. This will ensure you dig in the right places and achieve the design you want.
Choose the Right Tools: Depending on the type of soil you have, you may need different tools for digging. For softer soils, a round point shovel or spade should do the trick. However, if you're dealing with hard or dense soil, consider using an old ax and a hammer. Beat the ax into the ground with the hammer, then wiggle it to create a wide slit.
Dig the Trench: Once you've marked the area and chosen your tools, it's time to start digging. Follow the marking paint as your guide and dig along the edges of the bed. Make sure the trench is deep enough to accommodate the black plastic edging. The trench should be clean and straight, ensuring the edging will be installed neatly and securely.
Check the Depth: As you dig the trench, periodically check the depth to ensure it matches the height of the edging. The edging should sit comfortably within the trench, with the top edge flush with the surrounding soil level. This ensures that your edging will be sturdy and secure once installed.
Remove Debris: As you dig, pay attention to any roots or debris in the trench. Large roots may require careful cutting or trimming to create a smooth path for your edging. Remove any rocks or other obstructions that could prevent your edging from sitting evenly and securely.
Prepare the Bottom of the Trench: Once you've dug the trench, lightly water the area with a garden hose to settle the soil. This helps create a stable base for your edging. If needed, add more soil to low-lying spots to ensure the trench is level and ready to accommodate the edging.
Remember, taking your time during the trench-digging process will ensure a neat and professional installation of your black plastic landscape edging.
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Securing the edging
Securing black plastic landscape edging is a crucial step in the installation process, ensuring the edging remains sturdy and in place. Here is a detailed guide on securing the edging:
Preparing the Ground
Before installing the edging, it is essential to prepare the ground adequately. Use a round-point shovel or spade to dig a trench along the marked edges of the garden bed. The trench should be deep enough to accommodate the height of the edging, ensuring it sits seamlessly within the trench. If you're working with challenging ground, such as hard clay soil, consider using an old axe to create a wide slit in the ground. Beat the axe into the ground with a hammer, then wiggle it to create a wider opening. This technique can be especially useful in dense or challenging soil conditions.
Inserting the Edging
Once the trench is prepared, carefully insert the black plastic edging into the trench. Ensure that the edging is level and follows the desired line of your garden bed or border. If you prefer not to dig a trench, an alternative method is to nail the edging directly into the side of the dirt. However, this method may be less secure and could require more frequent adjustments.
Securing with Stakes
To secure the edging and prevent it from shifting, use stakes or pegs designed specifically for this purpose. Hammer the stakes into the ground at regular intervals along the length of the edging. Ensure that the stakes are firmly embedded in the ground and angled slightly toward the edging to provide maximum support. The frequency of stakes will depend on the stability of the soil and the curvature of your design; curved borders may require more frequent stakes to maintain their shape.
Backfilling and Compacting
After the edging is securely staked, backfill the trench with soil to conceal the stakes and provide additional support for the edging. Use a tamping tool or a flat piece of wood to compact the soil firmly around the edging. Lightly water the area with a garden hose to settle the soil further and identify any low-lying spots that may need additional soil to raise the edging. Ensure the edging feels sturdy all around before considering the installation complete.
Maintenance and Adjustments
While black plastic landscape edging is a durable solution, it may require occasional maintenance or adjustments. Over time, the edging may shift or raise due to soil movement or environmental factors. Periodically inspect the edging to ensure it remains secure and in place. If you notice any warping or raised sections, you may need to re-stake or adjust the edging to restore its original form.
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Adding soil
Next, stomp your outward curves. Push the edging outwards, pull soil down to it, and stomp on it with your feet to hold it in place. Before adding more soil, install the stakes. Place the pointed tip of the stake into the V at the bottom of the edging, with the short, bent part facing down. Pound the stakes in at a very flat angle, 25 degrees maximum. Use four stakes for a 20-foot length of edging.
Finally, lightly water the area with a garden hose to settle the soil. The edging should feel sturdy all the way around. If it doesn't, add more soil to areas that need more support and to low-lying spots to raise the edging.
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Alternative methods
While black plastic lawn edging is a cheap and flexible option, it may not be the most suitable choice for your garden. Here are some alternative methods for installing edging in your garden:
- Metal edging is a clean and effective alternative to plastic. Metal edging can be more durable and long-lasting, especially in colder climates where freezing and thawing can cause plastic to become damaged. Aluminium edging, in particular, offers good flexibility and can withstand the test of time.
- Brick edging is another durable option that will not bend or crack when hit by a mower. While it may be more expensive, it can add a nice touch to your garden and is worth considering if you want something that will last.
- Paver stones can be used to create a natural edge that blends in with your garden. When installed correctly on a proper base, paver stones can be a cost-effective way to achieve a custom look that will last for many years.
- Wooden edging is another option that can give your garden a natural look. However, it may require more maintenance and may not be as durable as other materials.
- PVC edging is a thicker and more durable alternative to traditional plastic edging. It is flexible, long-lasting, and can be bent to fit the shape of your garden.
- No edging material: Instead of using a physical edging material, you can create a clean cut edge using a bed edger. This gives your garden a well-defined and smooth look without the need for any additional materials.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to measure the garden beds or borders you want to edge. You can lay rope or twine along the beds in your desired shape, then use environmentally safe marking paint to trace the curvature of the rope. Once the rope is dry, cut it to size and use the length to determine how much plastic edging you will need for your project.
There are a few different methods for installing black plastic edging. One common method is to dig a trench along the edges of the bed with a shovel, following the marking paint. You can then insert the black plastic edging and tamp down around it. Alternatively, you can use an old ax to cut a slit in the ground and wiggle the ax to make a wide slit. You can also create a groove in a 2x4 piece of wood, slip the edging inside, and hammer it down.
It is recommended to add 10% to the total length of your project to account for waste.
Yes, one alternative is to nail the edging into the side of the dirt without digging a trench. This method can create a beautiful divided border between the lawn and landscaping.
