Easy Guide: Installing Blue Hawk Plastic Edging

how to install blue hawk plastic edging

Blue Hawk offers 20-foot black plastic landscape edging in 23-piece or 40-pack sections. The product is easy to install and can be found on Amazon, eBay, and Lowes. Customers have reported that the product looks great and is easy to install. However, some have also noted that the product is not very sturdy. To install Blue Hawk plastic edging, it is beneficial to dig a trench for the length needed to place the edging, and then pound the edging into the ground with a rubber mallet and a wood block.

Characteristics Values
Length 20-ft
Number of Pieces 23 or 40
Ease of Installation Easy to install, but not very sturdy
Appearance Looks nice

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Dig a trench to place the edging in

To install Blue Hawk plastic edging, you'll need to start by digging a trench. Using a round point shovel or spade, dig a trench along the edges of your flower bed or garden, following any marking paint you've applied. The trench should be uniform in depth, with a recommended depth of 3 to 4 inches—this will allow the edging to stand about half an inch above ground level. You can also use this opportunity to remove any unwanted weed-control fabric.

Dig straight down to create a vertical "wall" that will support and secure the edging. The trench should be deep enough to provide an extra half-inch to one-inch space above the edging to help maintain a uniform appearance around your garden's perimeter. Additionally, ensure that the trench is wide enough to fit your plastic edging. A width of 2 inches is typically sufficient for standard edging.

If you're working with particularly hard ground or need to create a more intricate design, you may want to consider using power tools or specialized equipment to assist in digging the trench. Some people use a bed edger or a wheeled trimmer to create a very small trench, especially when working along a curb or in tight spaces. However, be cautious when using power tools, as they can damage certain features like curbs if not used properly.

Once you've dug the trench, you can trim the strips of edging to the desired length using tin snips, pruning shears, scissors, or a utility knife. Arrange the pieces so that they join in the middle of a run rather than at corners or sharp bends to minimize the appearance of seams.

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Pound the edging into the ground

To install Blue Hawk plastic edging, you will need to pound the edging into the ground. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, prepare the installation site by digging a trench along the length of the edging. This will make the installation process easier. Ensure that the trench is straight and at the correct depth to accommodate the edging.

Next, place the Blue Hawk plastic edging into the trench. Start from one end and carefully align the edging, ensuring it is straight and level as you go. You may need to use a rubber mallet to gently tap the edging into place, as mentioned by some users. If you do use a mallet, consider placing a wood block on the edging to avoid damaging it.

Once the edging is in place, you can begin to pound it into the ground. Use a rubber mallet or a similar tool to firmly pound along the top edge of the plastic edging. Work your way along the length of the edging, ensuring that it is securely anchored into the ground. Pay attention to the edges and corners, as these areas may require extra force to fully anchor them.

In some cases, you may encounter challenging spots where the ground is particularly hard or the edging struggles to stay straight. If the edging bends or becomes difficult to pound into the ground, you can use a brick or a similar sturdy object for support. Place the brick against the backside of the edging to stabilize it and provide additional force when pounding.

Finally, once you have pounded the edging into the ground, carefully inspect it to ensure it is securely installed. Check for any signs of cracking or wiggling, and ensure that the edging is firmly anchored at all points. If necessary, go back and pound any areas that require additional force to fully secure the edging.

By following these steps, you can effectively install Blue Hawk plastic edging by pounding it into the ground, creating a neat and functional landscape border.

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Use a rubber mallet and wood block

While installing Blue Hawk plastic edging, using a rubber mallet and a wood block is a recommended method. This method is preferred by many customers who have reviewed the product. The rubber mallet and wood block technique is a straightforward and effective way to install the edging.

To begin, place the wood block on top of the edging section you wish to install. The block should be positioned securely against the edging, providing a stable surface for you to work on. With the wood block in place, you can start striking it gently but firmly with the rubber mallet.

The rubber mallet is a softer alternative to a regular metal hammer, reducing the risk of damaging the plastic edging during installation. The rubber mallet, combined with the wood block, helps distribute the force evenly, ensuring a secure installation without causing any cracks or wiggling.

However, it is important to note that some customers have reported that the Blue Hawk plastic edging is not very sturdy or strong. This means that despite using the rubber mallet and wood block method, additional support may be required to stabilize the edging during installation. In such cases, consider using a brick or another sturdy object to brace the edging and provide the necessary leverage to tap the edging into place without causing any damage.

By following these steps and adapting them to the specific conditions of your installation, you can effectively utilize the rubber mallet and wood block technique to install Blue Hawk plastic edging, ensuring a neat and secure landscape edging for your garden or lawn.

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Stabilise with a brick if needed

Blue Hawk plastic edging is easy to install and can be done by pounding the pieces into the ground. However, some customers have found the product to be flimsy and prone to bending. In such cases, it may be necessary to stabilise the edging with a brick.

To do this, place a brick or several bricks against the backside of the edging. This will provide additional support and help to stabilise the edging, making it easier to pound into the ground. It is important to note that this method may not be suitable for all installations, and it is recommended to try pounding the edging into the ground first.

If you are unable to get the edging into the ground due to its flimsiness, lean or place a brick against the backside of the edging. This will provide the necessary counterforce to keep the edging in place while you pound it into the ground. Ensure that the brick is stable and will not topple over, as this may cause injury or further delay your installation.

Using a rubber mallet and a wood block can also help with installation. This method provides a more cushioned impact, reducing the risk of cracking or damaging the edging while pounding it into the ground. It is a useful technique, especially if you are concerned about the stability or sturdiness of the edging.

Overall, while Blue Hawk plastic edging is generally easy to install, some users may encounter issues with its flimsiness. In such cases, stabilising the edging with a brick can be a useful solution to help get the edging into the ground and ensure a secure installation.

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Avoid bending by stabilising first

To install Blue Hawk plastic edging, it is recommended to first dig a trench for the length needed to place the edging, which will make the installation easier.

However, one customer reported that they were unable to pound the edging into the ground as it would bend. They solved this problem by placing a brick against the backside of the edging to stabilise it, which allowed them to successfully install the edging.

Therefore, to avoid bending, it is important to stabilise the edging first. This can be done by placing a brick or another sturdy object behind the edging before attempting to pound it into the ground.

Another method to stabilise the edging and prevent bending is to use a rubber mallet and a wood block during installation. This will provide more stability and control during the installation process, reducing the risk of bending.

By following these steps and stabilising the edging before and during installation, you can avoid bending and ensure a successful and straightforward installation process for your Blue Hawk plastic edging.

Frequently asked questions

Pound the edging into the ground with a rubber mallet and a wood block. Digging a trench for the length needed to place the edging beforehand can make installation easier.

Blue Hawk plastic edging is strong and does not crack or wiggle when pounded into the ground. However, some customers have noted that the product is flimsy and requires a brick to stabilise it.

Blue Hawk plastic edging has been described as looking "nice" and "beautiful".

Blue Hawk plastic edging is available on Amazon, eBay, and Lowes.

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