Waterproof Edging for the Yard

Spade-Cut

• The simplest and least expensive approach (not counting labor) for creating permanent and waterproof edging is a tidy hand-dug border, usually called spade-cut edging -- an elegant yet simple approach once widely used in renowned English gardens. Simply dig an even, narrow trench 4 to 6 inches deep around the edge of your lawn with a sharp, flat spade -- a process you'll need to repeat twice a year.

Plastic

• Long-lasting, low-cost, low-maintenance and flexible, plastic landscape edging does elicit some environmental concerns. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl products create dioxins as a by-product of manufacture. These toxins accumulate in the fatty tissue of many species -- including humans -- and create endocrine disruption and birth defects. Avoid PVC composite products too. Look for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) instead -- marked number 2 on the bottom, for recycling -- and still more flexible low-density polyethylene (LDPE) -- marked number 4. Try to find edging products made from recycled plastic.

Wood

• Wood is not entirely waterproof, but huge landscaping timbers and pressure-treated wood resists water-related rot for a long time. New treatments for pressure-treated wood won't harm soil or plants. Cedar, cypress and redwood bender board are naturally rot resistant but expensive. Wood is commonly used to build raised beds, though they can be built from other materials too.

Metal

• Essentially waterproof, metal will last a long time. Usually sold as strip edging similar to some plastic products, metal is less flexible in very cold weather and sometimes heaves or pops up out of frozen soil and requires reinstallation. For climates with extreme temperatures some other edging would be more effective. Steel edging can pose a safety hazard when lying on top of the ground.

Brick

• Brick, concrete or stone edging is expensive but enduring and typically very attractive, offering a way to connect landscape design to the look of your home or patio. Brick or concrete pavers and preformed concrete edging are easily installed if natural installation -- without mortar -- is selected. "Split bricks" and pavers can be installed on their ends or sides for a narrower profile. Keep in mind that weeds can grow quickly between stone or brick pavers.