Alexei Volkov
Plastic lawn edging is a great way to upgrade your garden. It's a wallet-friendly, practical, and relatively simple way to add definition to your lawn borders and garden beds. The process is quick and easy, and you can do it yourself with some basic tools. If you're looking to install plastic lawn edging, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep lawn grass from invading the garden beds |
| Installation time | A few hours |
| Installation difficulty | Relatively easy |
| Installation tools | Trowel, shovel, mallet, serrated bread knife, utility knife, Edge Hog |
| Installation steps | 1. Measure the desired area; 2. Dig a trench; 3. Place the edging in the trench; 4. Hammer in the stakes; 5. Backfill dirt into the trench; 6. Water the dirt; 7. Stomp your outward curves |
| Plastic edging characteristics | Inexpensive, comes in kits with edging pieces, stakes, and connectors, usually 20 feet in length |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the ground
Firstly, measure the desired area to determine how much edging you will need. Use a string or flexible measuring tape to measure the entire border of your garden bed and decide on the path for your edging. Mark out where you want the edging to go, and then use a spade or shovel to dig a trench along the marked path. The trench should be deep enough to fit your edging with a little extra space for backfill. A good rule of thumb is to dig the trench 2-4 inches deep and only about 1-2 inches wide. Keep the dirt you dig out nearby, as you will need it later for backfilling.
If you plan to secure the edging with stakes, it is important to hammer them in at a 45-degree angle before placing the edging in the trench. This will prevent the edging from being pushed out by frost. Place the stakes every 3 to 6 inches along the perimeter, using a mallet to install them from the inside of the garden bed.
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Measuring and cutting
Now that you know the required length of your plastic edging, you can proceed to cut it to size. Good edging usually comes in 20-foot lengths, so you may need to trim it to fit your desired path. You can use a serrated bread knife or a utility knife for this task. If you need to cut through thicker pieces of plastic edging, you can use aviation snips/shears, tin snips/metal shears, a hacksaw, or a bow saw.
In addition to measuring and cutting the edging itself, you will also need to dig a trench along the edges of the bed to install the edging. The trench should be 2-4 inches deep and only about an inch or two wide, just enough to accommodate the edging. Be sure to follow the marking paint when digging the trench. Keep the dirt you dug out nearby, as you will need it later to backfill the trench and secure the edging in place.
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Placing the edging
To place the edging, you will need to start by digging a trench. The trench should be 2-4 inches deep and only an inch or two wide, just enough to fit the edging. If you are using 4-inch deep lawn edging, the trench should be 5 inches deep on the grass side. You can use a shovel or another trench digging tool for this step. Remember to keep the dirt you dig out nearby, as you will need it later.
Once your trench is dug, it's time to unroll your plastic lawn edging. Cut it to the desired length using a serrated bread knife or utility knife. Make sure the edging is unrolled so that the outside of the curl faces your flower bed, going against the natural curl from its packaging. Place the edging into the trench, curving it along loosely. The edging should be placed on the grass side of the trench, with only the top half or third of the circle visible above the ground. This will help prevent grass roots from entering the garden bed and protect it from lawnmower damage.
Now, pull down the loose dirt on the bed-side of the edging and push it under the bottom "V" edge, forcing the edging up slightly. Work your way down the bed, pushing the edging into this loose soil. Stomp on outward curves to tighten them and prevent flattening. Pull soil down to these areas 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 bent end facing down. Hammer the stakes in at a 45-degree angle to avoid the edging being forced out by frost. Place stakes every 3 to 6 inches along the perimeter. If your bed edge is longer than 20 feet, use the connectors provided in your kit to join additional pieces of edging.
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Securing the edging
Plastic lawn edging is a great way to upgrade the look of your garden. It is inexpensive, practical, and easy to install. Once you have dug a trench and laid out your edging, you will need to secure it in place. Here is a step-by-step guide to securing your plastic lawn edging:
First, ensure your edging is placed correctly. The edging should curve along the trough, with the ""V" at the bottom facing the bed, not the lawn. The edging should be loosely installed, with only the top half or third of the circle visible above the ground.
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. This will prevent the edging from flattening the curves of your bed outline.
Now, install your stakes. Place the pointed tip of the stake into the "V" at the bottom of the edging. The end you hit with a hammer should be bent at a 90-degree angle, with the short, bent part facing down. If you are securing with stakes, hammer them in at a 45-degree angle to avoid the edging being forced out by frost heave. Place stakes every 3 to 6 inches along the perimeter, using a mallet to install them from the inside of the garden or flower bed.
Finally, backfill your trench. Use a trowel or shovel to fill in dirt on both sides of the edging. Gently move the dirt to avoid shifting the edging, and pat it down with your hand. Water the dirt to help it settle, using a garden hose and walking alongside your edging. You can also lightly step on the dirt to pack it down.
Your plastic lawn edging is now secure and ready to keep your garden bed looking neat!
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Finishing touches
Now that you have laid your plastic lawn edging, it's time to add some finishing touches to enhance the overall look and functionality of your outdoor space. Here are some ideas and tips to consider:
Watering and Soil Adjustment:
Start by lightly watering the area with a garden hose. This will help settle the soil and ensure that your edging feels sturdy and secure. Pay close attention to the edging's stability, and if needed, add more soil to areas that require additional support or to low-lying spots to raise the edging. Remember, the edging should be mostly embedded in the soil, with only the top half or third visible. This minimizes its visibility and allows your lawnmower to roll over it easily without hitting the plastic.
Gravel, Mulch, or Peat Moss:
Consider lining your lawn with gravel to create a low-maintenance edging. Plastic edging can help keep the gravel in place, preventing it from spilling onto your lawn. Gravel can be used to create a thin boundary or fill larger sections of your yard. Alternatively, you can use mulch or peat moss to outline your lawn or create flower beds, gardens, or natural areas surrounding your lawn.
Flower Beds and Tall Plants:
Flower beds or rows of flowers can be used to outline your lawn, adding a pop of color and a natural flair. If you prefer a simpler approach, opt for tall grasses or flowering plants such as lilies to create elegant lines and splashes of color. Plastic edging can be useful in keeping mulch and flower beds separate from your lawn, preventing weed invasion.
Brick or Stone Edging:
For a more permanent and distinguished look, consider brick or stone edging. Bricks can be laid in a fan-like pattern or curved to follow corners, offering flexibility in design. The spaces between bricks can be filled with mortar or concrete for added stability. Stone edging, from smooth river rocks to craggy collections, adds unique décor and artsy elements to your yard.
Multiple Types of Edging:
Get creative and combine different types of edging to define unique spaces in your yard. You can line your lawn with one type of edging and then use another type of edging to create a distinctive inner boundary. This adds extra interest and allows you to experiment with various materials and textures.
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Frequently asked questions
First, measure the desired area to determine how much edging you will need. Then, dig a trench along the desired path for your edging. Place the edging into the trench, curving it along so that the whole piece is loosely installed. Use a trowel or shovel to backfill dirt into the trench on both sides. Finally, add some water to help the dirt settle firmly.
The trench should be at least 3 inches deep to fit the edging. The depth of the trench also depends on the height of your edging. For example, if you are using 4-inch-deep lawn edging, the trench will need to be 5 inches deep.
You can use a serrated bread knife or a utility knife to cut plastic lawn edging.
Use the connectors that come in the spike kit. Slide one end of the connector into the top circle halfway, then slide the next piece on, making sure you aren't pushing most of the connector into the first piece.
You can use landscape stakes to secure plastic lawn edging. Place the stakes every 3 to 6 inches along the perimeter and use a mallet to install them from the inside of the garden or flower bed.
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