Concrete Edging in Landscaping

Function

• While the primary function of concrete landscape edging is to provide a crisp line between flowerbeds and grass in the yard, they also serve a number of other purposes. Concrete edgers keep the root systems of grass from encroaching into gardens, and they also keep dirt from the garden from spilling out onto the grass. When used as a border for a gravel driveway or path, concrete precast holds the small rocks in place. That means you are less likely to accidentally hit a rock as you mow and throw it through a window.

Styles

• Some styles of concrete edging are simply long, box-like pieces that you set on the ground. Others have decorative tops. It's possible to buy concrete edgers for straight edges as well as for inside and outside curves. These allow you greater flexibility as you design your gardens. Many styles simply butt end-to-end, while some feature tongue-and-groove ends that hold the pieces together.

  Contractor-grade concrete landscape edging often has advanced designs that do more than simply sit on the ground. The slant style holds in gardening materials behind it because it is taller on the side you place near the garden, and shorter on the grass side. Similar to the slant style is the mower style. It is also taller in the back, but has a trench along its front side that's designed to accommodate the wheels of a lawnmower. Curb-style edgers look like roadway curbing and are more substantial than most edgers. They are best suited for locations where you want the edgers to stand out, rather than blend in.

Installation

• Some edgers sit on top of the ground, but most work best when set in a shallow trench. The trench should be deep enough to hold the edger and leave 2 to 3 inches exposed above grade. Set the concrete edgers in position and check to see that they are level. Add or remove soil under them, as necessary, to level them. Fill dirt in the flower bed, and then add dirt to the outside of the trench. Sow some grass seed along the outside edge if you wish.

Maintenance

• For the most part, concrete landscape edging is maintenance free. If the concrete blocks fall out of line for any reason, simply reset them. Avoid running the lawnmower or other vehicles up and over the edgers to keep from breaking them. If the mold or mildew grows on the edgers, wipe them down with a mixture of one part household bleach and three parts water. Allow the bleach to stay on the pavers overnight, then rinse them well with water from the garden hose. If any mold or mildew remains, scrub it away with a scrub brush. Prevent future mold and mildew growth by applying a concrete sealer to the edgers.