Gardening and Landscaping

Landscape Edging Alternatives

It takes more than a newly mowed lawn and a few perennials to make an attractive outdoor area. After all, as they say, “the devil is in the details.” Landscaping competition is just one of the details that’s easily overlooked, though it makes a big visual impact. Using edging substances in your landscaping helps keep allergens in your planting beds while keeping grass out. Gardeners can choose from a wide choice of edging options, each with its own benefits.

Plastic

Plastic is among the very cost-effective edging substances, though it isn’t the most appealing. Plastic competition will be noticeable in the landscape. Additionally, although the material is usually long-lasting, plastic edging is readily damaged from the blade of the mower and may heave out of the ground during periods of freezing and thawing. Plastic edging is available in a variety of colors and styles, many of which are flexible and may be utilized in curved regions.

Wood

Landscape timbers and pressure treated woods are utilized for a variety of landscaping functions, including edging. Older pressure-treated wood timbers were treated with chemicals to repel insects and prevent fungus damage to the timber. Gardeners should avoid using pressure-treated timber edging close edible plants or near ponds and streams because the chemical can leach into waterways and soil. Naturally rot-resistant wood such as redwood or red cedar could be better options since they’re not treated with chemicals. Wood edging works well for straight edges, but isn’t suitable for edging curved regions unless cut to short lengths and installed vertically.

Metal

Unlike plastic or timber, metal edging offers flexibility and aesthetic appeal. It offers a subtle border to garden beds, readily turning into curves while effectively keeping grass from spreading. According to “The Family Handyman,” steel and aluminum edging both provide landscaping a sleek appearance since they nearly disappear, although aluminum could be the better choice of the two. Aluminum competition is lighter weight than steel, comes in a vast array of colors and is rust-proof.

Pavers

Bricks or concrete pavers may be used to make a broad border, keeping grass out of planting beds. According to “The Family Handyman,” pavers are ideal for casual and formal gardens alike. Pavers are well suited for straight lines and sharp angles, but they’re also readily adjusted to fit contoured locations and sloped landscaping. Pavers are a long-lasting edging alternative, though they’re also generally cheaper than other options.

Other Alternatives

Gardeners searching for less traditional edging alternatives may want to think about using plants to edge garden paths or patios. “Sunset” recommends planting appealing edibles along sunny garden trails. Alternatively, gardeners can mix edibles such as herbs, eggplant or peppers with native plants or grasses. Groundcovers may also be utilized as natural edging because they help suppress weed formation and prevent soil erosion. Gardeners having an artistic streak can create mosaic pebble edging by placing seams along with other stones in mortar. This allows you to make handmade competition as walkways and plant beds. In addition, it offers gardeners an opportunity to personalize the edging according to your garden’s needs and design.

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