How to Edge Landscaping
Edging landscaping serves several useful purposes. It creates a more attractive and neat look, which enhances curb appeal. It also keeps the lawn grass from encroaching on the landscaping beds, which can make it more likely for weeds to grow there. For all its benefits, the process is relatively simple and well worth the time and effort. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Twine
- Two small wooden stakes
- Mallet or hammer
- Sharp square or rounded spade
Instructions
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1
Place one wooden stake in the grass about 4 inches away from the edge of the landscaping bed. Using a mallet or hammer, drive the stake down only far enough that it stands straight.
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2
Tie the twine in a loop around the stake about four inches above the grass. Place the other wooden stake at the other end of the landscaping bed and drive it down. It should also be about four inches from the edge of the bed.
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3
Pull the twine along the bed and wrap it around the other stake. Tie it off there and check to make sure the twine is about four inches from the edge of the bed. This is important because the twine will serve as the guide for the spade when the digging starts.
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4
Place the sharpened spade in the dirt so that the back of it is against the twine on the side closest to the landscaping bed. Drive the spade down about three inches, using your foot to dig in. Don't try to scoop out the grass yet. Simply repeat the process of cutting a sharp edge in the ground, using the twine as the guide until you reach the next stake.
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Place the spade on the side of the sod at a 45-degree angle nearest the landscaping bed. Drive the spade down with the feet as before, but at an angle to lift the grass up out of the ground. It should come out in one continuous piece.
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Brush the soil on the bottom of the sod back into the edging space you just created.
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Use the sod to fill in the holes from the stakes. You can also use the sod in other areas of the yard that need to be filled or in your compost pile.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't place the wooden stakes any more than six feet apart to make sure you can accurately judge if the line is straight.
