Plastic Landscape Timber Edging

Landscape timbers provide a soft, natural look that adds contrast to vibrant blossoms and foliage in a landscape. Made from rot-resistant or pressure-treated wood, landscape timbers typically are laid side-by-side over secured rails to create a walkway or patio similar to a beach boardwalk. Installing plastic edging around the perimeter of a timber surface significantly reduces maintenance by blocking weeds and grass from encroaching through the gaps between timbers.

Tape measure
Spade
Landscape fabric
Gravel
Hand tamper
Carbide blades
Hammer
12-inch lawn spikes

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the dimensions of the timber surface with a tape measure to calculate the length of plastic edging. Measure the height that the surface sits from the ground. The edging should be equal to or just below the height of the timber surface so that it blends in while effectively blocking encroachment.
- 2
  Measure the width of the plastic edging. Dig out a narrow trench 3 inches deep and equal to the width of the restraints plus 2 inches. Dig with a spade.
- 3
  Place a strip of landscape fabric in the bottom and sides of the trench. Tuck in the edges so they won't show.
- 4
  Fill the bottom 2 inches with gravel, then pack it with a hand tamper. Gravel forms an underground barrier against roots and improves drainage.
- 5
  Cut the restraints to fit the exposed perimeter. The best blades to use on plastic edging are carbide blades with teeth. Smooth steel blades dull quickly and create rougher edges.
- 6
  Place the first strip of plastic edging flush against one end of the surface. Hammer 12-inch lawn spikes through the slots along the bottom of the restraints. Continue to fit restraints against every side of the surface that is exposed to grass.
- 7
  Cover the plastic bottom with gravel so the rocks are ground level.

How to Reinstall a Brick Pathway

How to Do a Concrete Mold Brick Path

Landscaping Walks & Pathways