Trencher Edging

Equipment

• Landscaping tools for creating trenches come in a wide range of sizes. For smaller projects, a flat-backed shovel works for digging trenches coupled with a spade or sand shovel for back filling. A self-propelled trencher machine makes larger projects manageable by cutting the trenches into the soil with its digging teeth. Unfortunately, self-propelled trenchers increase the amount of backfilling because they greatly disturb the soil by lifting it up and laying it to the side. Vibratory plows are fast, efficient machines that make less mess than self-propelled trenchers. Landscape edging like poly, aluminum and metal edging comes in a variety of widths; commercial grade is 5 to 6 inches wide. Galvanized stakes or timber spikes help to keep the landscape edging in place.

Preparation

• Surveying the site helps to determine where to set the trenching lines so they flow effortlessly. Marking the area with spray paint or string tied to stakes forms a visible line to follow when digging the trench. Clearing the path along the trench of any weeds or rocks ensures a smooth workable area. Sometimes sections of trench edging require connecting; keeping supplies like connector tubes and sheet rock screws nearby resolve this issue. Metal stakes work to hold sections of metal or aluminum edging together.

Shaping and Digging

• Seasonal freezing and thawing lifts some trencher edging out of the soil. To avoid this occurrence, make sure curves have plenty of room and are not too tight. Loosely curving trencher edging simplifies the process of mowing lawns by allowing enough room for a riding lawn mower. Trenches need to accommodate the depth of the trencher edging plus at least one additional inch. The width of the trench only needs to be wide enough to fit in the trencher edging and stakes. Digging a 6-inch deep and 2-inch wide vertical trench with a flat-head shovel creates a natural edge.

Maintenance

• Trench edging is a low-maintenance landscaping solution. A regular schedule of weeding along the trench edging keeps the line looking clean. Because most gardens require weeding this does not add any additional work to typical garden maintenance. Plastic or poly edging has a higher maintenance than aluminum or metal edging because of possible damage from mowing or weather. Natural edging needs periodic re-cutting whenever the turf invades the trench.