Plastic Edge Molding for Landscaping

Materials

• Large home stores sell plastic edging kits, but these products are usually lightweight and inferior in quality to commercial products. Visit a landscaping supply company to purchase commercial-grade plastic edging. It should be heavy and at least 5 inches wide. Most plastic edging has a wide, rolled lip that keeps grass out and adds durability.

Installation

• To install plastic edging, mark the flower bed boundaries with white spray paint or powdered chalk. Dig a trench with a spade or shovel at least 5 inches deep and 2 inches wide. Insert the edging into the trench, bending it to form curves. Leave 1/2 to 1 inch of the edging exposed above the soil. Use the connector pieces found in the kit to connect two pieces of edging, making sure that the connector fits securely into both pieces. Once installed, pound the edging down securely with a rubber mallet and install the stakes. Fill the dirt in securely around the edging. Tamp with your foot to push the soil into place.

Considerations

• Soil heaving is a common occurrence in areas with repeated winter freeze and thaw cycles. The soil expands and contracts as it freezes and thaws, causing edging materials and plants to heave out of the soil. Heavy edging materials partially eliminate this problem, but if heaving occurs, tamp the edging back down in the spring with a rubber mallet.

Other Options

• Plastic edging works best in mild climates. In areas with cold, harsh winters, consider a galvanized steel edging with a rubber or plastic guard. These edging materials are fairly inexpensive and require the same installation techniques as plastic edging, but are more durable. Rock, brick and cement edging materials are very durable, but are more expensive.