How to Dig Trenches for Landscaping

Trenches for Edging

• 1

  Paint the ground where the edging will be installed. Edging divides sections of land. For example, edging between a flower garden and a lawn keeps the root systems segregated and makes for easy maintenance.

• 2

  Dig straight down along the line with the flat backed spade. Drag the dirt away from the sod by pulling on the handle of the spade.

• 3

  Pull out any loose rocks or leftover dirt with a gardening spade. This shallow trench is now ready for installation of poly edging material.

Trenches for Wall Foundations

• 4

  Survey the area where you plan to build a decorative or retaining wall. Use a plumb line to mark the location of the wall's footer. Call your local utility companies to learn of any buried lines. Striking buried lines could be deadly.

• 5

  Paint the ground along the length of the plumb line.

• 6

  Dig the trench using a small, powered excavator. Drop the dirt over to one side. You should avoid working in wet conditions. Saturated soil may slump into the trench, and the excavators treads will make a mess.