Composite Plastic Paver & Landscape Edging

Edging

• Aside from decoratively complementing the house and showing off flowers, landscape edging provides several practical advantages no matter what material is used. It allows for more finished mowing and trimming, which saves time in trimming and weeding. Edging prevents mulch from escaping its enclosed area and scattering across the landscape. As a root barrier, it prevents invasive grass species from encroaching into flower beds. And because it increases curb appeal, it can add value to a home and increase salability without a lot of expense.

Composition

• Though the actual composition of composite plastic pavers varies by manufacturer, nearly all are made with recycled plastic materials and other synthetics, such as rubber. This saves waste from entering landfills. These pavers can also themselves be recycled into new pavers or other products. This commitment to green construction can earn structures featuring these types of pavers LEED credits in such categories as recycled content, regional materials and storm-water design. LEED -- or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design -- is an internationally recognized certification program that promotes sustainable building practices.

Advantages

• Composite plastic paving has several advantages over traditional edging materials. It weighs less than concrete and brick, making it easier to transport, install and change. It's more durable under light vehicle traffic than brick, which can crack from the force of garden tractors and snow plows. Because plastic paving consists of synthetics, it's naturally impervious to rot and insect damage that can afflict wood. It's generally maintenance-free, requiring only some washing when needed, with integrated colors that don't fade over time.

Installation

• Composite plastic pavers are generally installed in the same way as any other type of paver. This normally requires digging a trench into a bed of sand, crushed stone or gravel that follows the contours of the edging. Prep work for the bed includes compacting and leveling. The composite plastic pavers are then laid into the bed and tamped down with a rubber mallet. An expensive diamond wet saw is not needed for cutting, as it is for cement pavers. Instead, a less-expensive chop saw does the job.