How to Edge a Grass Border

Hand-form the edging to go around curves in the lawn.

Edging a grass border instantly enhances visual appeal, making the landscape look well-manicured, neat and attractive. Also serving a utilitarian purpose, lawn edging separates the grass from the adjacent hardscape, reduces erosion and provides a physical barrier that prevents weeds and undesirable grasses from infiltrating the enclosed space. The many edging options include brick, stone, metal, timber, plastic and concrete blocks, allowing homeowners to match it to their exterior design element. Whatever you choose, installing the edging around your grass border is a straightforward procedure.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Trenching shovel
• Level
• Weed barrier
• Plastic or metal edging
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Calculate the length of the lawn border to determine how much edging you need. Measure the width or length of a piece of edging, depending on whether you want to install it horizontally or vertically, and divide the previous figure by this result to determine how much edging material you need for the project. Always keep up to 10 percent in excess of what you need to make up damaged pieces.

2. Dig a trench at the grass border where you will install the edging, using a shovel. Keep it slightly lower than the height of the edging, so its top is clearly visible from a distance when installed. However, to eliminate chances of weed infestations, dig the trench to a depth of at least 4 inches.

3. Tamp the trench to firm the soil. Check the depth of the trench with a level, and add dirt to fill low spots along the base, if required.

4. Lay a weed barrier in the trench to prevent the invasive plants from spreading into the space. Extend the edges of the barrier upward to cover the walls of the trench.

5. Lay a strip of plastic or metal edging (if you're using either of those materials) into the corner of the trench, ensuring the decorative top protrudes from the top. Hammer the reinforcement spikes provided with the assembly into the pockets along the base of the edging to anchor it in the ground. Pound the spikes until their tops are flush with the top of the pockets.

6. Hand-form plastic edging around curves along the grassy area. Alternatively, form a 1-inch cut along the upper and lower edge of metal edging at the point where it meets a bend in the ground, using a hacksaw. The cut makes it easier to bend, allowing you to form it around curves.

7. Inspect the edging after laying a length to ensure its top falls in line with the remaining tops, or adjust by adding or removing soil directly underneath.

8. Fill the tiny gaps between the edging and the grassy area with dirt. Mist the dirt lightly so it settles around the edging and holds it tightly in place.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are installing pavers, bricks or concrete blocks along the grass border, spread 1 inch of builder’s sand through the trench and smooth its top with a screed board. Lower the edging into the trench, flush against each other, until you cover the span of the lawn. If required, trim excess length with a hammer and chisel.

References

• Blades Lawn Care: How to Install Landscape Edging
• Lowe's: Lawn Edging Buying Guide
• Donnan.com: Landscape Edging