Written By Charles
What is lawn edging?
Lawn edging is the practice of creating a distinct boundary between your lawn and adjacent areas like flower beds, pathways, or driveways. This boundary serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. It adds a visual dimension to your garden, making it look neat and well-organised and it helps to prevent the encroachment of weeds from garden beds into the lawn and vice versa. It can also prevent soil and mulch from spilling into your lawn from flower beds.
Why use lawn edging?
Using lawn edging is highly beneficial for several reasons. Aesthetically, it offers a neat and tidy appearance, clearly delineating different areas of your garden. Functionally, it helps to contain soil and mulch, making your gardening efforts more effective. Moreover, it helps prevent weeds from infiltrating into unwanted spaces, reducing your maintenance work in the long run.
Where to install lawn edging?
Lawn edging is most commonly installed between your lawn and flower beds, pathways, or driveways. It should be installed in areas where you want to create a distinct separation or where you want to prevent grass from spreading into adjacent areas.
The importance of flush installation.
Before diving into the types of lawn edging, it's crucial to note the importance of flush installation. When edging materials protrude above the lawn surface, not only does it look less polished, but it also complicates lawn maintenance. Edges that are flush with the soil level allow you to mow over them easily, eliminating the need for additional strimming and thereby reducing your workload.
Is edging necessary for landscaping?
While not strictly necessary, edging does elevate the landscaping by adding a polished look and enhancing its functional efficiency. Without edging, you risk increased weed and grass encroachment and the blending of different garden areas, which may not be visually appealing. If neat edges are a priority for you, the installation of permanent edging will reduce the labour required to maintain the edges in your garden.
What are the different types of lawn edging?
There are four main types of solution to lawn edging:
No edge.
Hand-cut edges.
Machine-cut edges.
Installed, soil edges.
No edge lawn edging. What is it and how does it work?
With 'no edge,' your lawn blends naturally into its surrounding areas. While this method is the simplest and most cost-effective, it offers little protection against weed infiltration. Essentially, the absence of a defined boundary allows for natural interaction between the lawn and adjacent areas. This approach offers a very natural look, but you will have to stay on top of keeping the grass out of your flowers, hedges and other plants to avoid a neglected look.
Is it the no-edge approach to lawn edging cost-effective?
Absolutely, as this method incurs no additional costs. However, you might spend more time in the long run managing weed and grass invasion, balancing out any initial cost savings.
How much maintenance does the no lawn edge method require?
One of the key maintenance tasks associated with a "no edge" lawn is grass control. Grass can easily spread from the lawn into adjacent garden beds or pathways. Therefore, regular weeding is essential.
Furthermore, without a defined boundary, there is the potential for soil and mulch from flower beds to spill over into the lawn, especially after heavy rains. This will require periodic attention and could involve redistributing soil and mulch back into the garden beds.
Equally, the absence of a clear edge means you may need to spend extra time achieving a neat finish when mowing. A strimmer or shears will often be necessary to trim the edges after mowing, as the lawn mower won't provide a precise enough cut at the boundaries.
Because of these factors, you may find yourself doing additional maintenance work every couple of weeks, especially during the growing season. Trimming might be required after every mowing session to maintain a neat appearance.
Hand-cut lawn edges: What is it and how does it work?
Hand-cutting lawn edges involves using manual tools like a spade or a half-moon edger to create the edge. To hand-cut your lawn edges, follow these simple steps:
Position your tool at a 90-degree angle along the line where you want to create the edge.
Push the tool into the soil, then lever it back to remove a small section of turf and soil, creating a visible trench between the lawn and the adjacent area.
Remove the small sections of turf to complete the job.
Maintenance is then undertaken using edging sheers.
Is the hand-cut approach to lawn edging cost-effective?
The hand-cut approach to lawn edging can be cost-effective depending on various factors such as the size of your lawn, the tools you already possess, and how you value your time.
The initial outlay for hand-cut lawn edging primarily consists of purchasing good-quality lawn edging shears and a half-moon edging tool. These tools are generally not expensive.
The ongoing costs for hand-cut edging are minimal. The main expense will be in the form of tool maintenance. For example, you'll need to sharpen your lawn edging shears periodically, but this can be done at home with a simple sharpening tool that costs less than £10, or even for free if you already own a sharpening stone.
Labour is where you might find hand-cutting less cost-effective compared to machine-cutting, particularly for larger gardens. Cutting the edges manually is time-consuming, and if you equate this with a monetary value, the costs can add up.
Hand-cut edging requires more frequent attention compared to more permanent solutions. You may need to re-cut the edges every two to four weeks during the growing season, depending on how fast your grass grows and how crisp you want the edges to appear.
Finally, this method also requires a certain level of skill to get neat, straight lines. While the technique can be mastered over time, the initial learning curve may lead to less-than-perfect results.
If you have a small to medium-sized lawn, enjoy gardening and don't mind spending the time to maintain it, then hand-cut edging can be highly cost-effective. However, if you have a large lawn or value your time highly, the cost-effectiveness diminishes, and other methods such as machine-cut or permanent lawn edging may prove to be more economical in the long run.
How do I sharpen lawn edging shears?
It’s very easy to keep your lawn edging shears sharp, by following these simple steps:
Dismantle the shears if possible or required.
Clean the blades thoroughly to remove any sap or debris.
Use a sharpening stone or a handheld shear sharpener and follow the angle of the blade, moving the sharpener in a single direction several times until you achieve a keen edge.
Finally, reassemble the shears and oil the blades.
Machine cut lawn edging: What is it and how does it work?
For machine-cut edges, a motorised edger is used. The machine typically has a guide that helps you maintain a consistent depth and straight line. A depth of 2-3 inches is usually sufficient to create a significant barrier between grass and beds or drives. Simply align the edger with the boundary where you want the edge, and then walk it along the line.
Are machine-cut lawn edges cost-effective?
The machine-cut lawn edging approach strikes a balance between ease of installation and ongoing maintenance. Machine-cut edges usually retain their form well, but they will still require periodic upkeep to keep them looking crisp. Depending on the type of soil and grass, as well as climatic conditions, you may need to redefine these edges using the machine every two to four weeks during the growing season.
Although machine-cut edges offer some level of weed barrier, they are not as effective as permanent lawn edging. Therefore, you might need to manually remove weeds or use weed-killing treatments along the edges periodically.
If you own a motorised lawn edger, you'll need to consider its maintenance as well. This includes blade sharpening and engine servicing, although these tasks are relatively infrequent and you can get cordless machines.
The main cost associated with machine-cut edges comes from the initial purchase or rental of the motorised edger, and the periodic fuel or electricity costs for operation. However, these costs may be mitigated by the reduced labour time compared to manual methods.
For a garden with a formal layout that benefits from sharp, defined edges, you might find yourself performing maintenance every two weeks during the growing season to keep the lawn edges in top condition. For more relaxed garden styles, monthly maintenance may suffice.
In summary, machine-cut lawn edging offers a reasonable compromise between minimal work and a professional appearance. While it does necessitate some ongoing maintenance, it's generally less labour-intensive than the "no edge" or hand-cut methods.
Solid lawn edging: What is it and how does it work?
Solid or permanent lawn edging refers to a method of bordering your lawn using rigid or semi-rigid materials that create a permanent or semi-permanent boundary between the grass and adjacent garden beds, paths, or other areas. This type of edging is considered a more durable and long-lasting solution compared to hand-cut or machine-cut methods.
What are the different types of permanent lawn edging?
There are several different choices when it comes to permanent lawn edging, including:
Wooden lawn edging:
Wooden edging, such as railway sleepers, timber boards, or even bamboo rolls can provide a natural look. The type of wood used can greatly affect longevity; hardwoods like oak will generally last longer than softwoods like pine.
Plastic or rubber lawn edging:
These are lighter, less expensive options but may not offer the same level of durability as metal, stone, or wood. However, they are often easier to install and can still last several years.
Stone, brick or block lawn edging:
Using natural stone or brick creates a classic, timeless look. This type of edging is often heavy and can be more challenging to install but offers excellent durability.
Concrete lawn edging:
Concrete lawn edging provides a permanent, customisable solution for most gardens. This method often requires professional installation and is on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
Metal lawn edging:
Metal edging, like the premium EverEdge product, offers the advantage of durability with minimal aesthetic intrusion. It's a popular choice for most garden designs.
How to install solid lawn edging?
Proper installation is crucial for the longevity of permanent lawn edging. The process generally involves digging a trench along the edge of the lawn, placing the edging material in the trench, and then backfilling with soil, gravel, mortar or concrete to hold it in place. Note that it is crucial that the edging is installed flush with the soil surface to facilitate easy mowing and create a polished appearance.
What are the advantages of permanently-installed, solid lawn edging?
Solid soil edging has several advantages, including:
Durability: Designed to last for years, if not decades, depending on the material used.
Low Maintenance: Requires less frequent attention compared to hand-cut or machine-cut edges.
Clean Lines: Provides a crisp, defined boundary that enhances the aesthetics of your garden.
Weed Barrier: Acts as a physical barrier to prevent the ingress of weeds from adjacent beds into the lawn and from grass infiltrating your flower beds.
What is the cost of permanently-installed, solid lawn edging?
The cost of permanently-installed, solid lawn edging can vary widely based on the material chosen and the area to be edged. Wood and plastic are generally less expensive, while stone, brick, and metal are on the higher end. Installation costs will also vary depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
What wood is best for lawn edging?
For wooden lawn edging, durability is key. Hardwoods like oak are often recommended due to their longevity. Treated softwoods can also be used as a more budget-friendly option, provided they are properly installed and maintained. Do not use untreated timber as it will rot very quickly.
Lawn edging FAQs.
What garden edging is best?
When it comes to durability and aesthetics, materials like metal, brick or natural stone are often considered the best. They can last for decades and offer a timeless, classic look that complements various garden styles.
Which lawn edging is best?
The 'best' type of edging depends on several factors, including your budget, the time you're willing to invest in maintenance, and your aesthetic preferences. For a balance of durability and aesthetics, permanent lawn edging materials like metal, stone or brick are generally considered superior.
How much is lawn edging?
The cost of lawn edging varies greatly depending on the material. For plastic or metal edging, you might pay as little as £1-£5 per metre. On the higher end, natural stone or high-quality wood can cost upwards of £40 per metre.
How long should lawn edging last?
The lifespan of your edging depends on the material and maintenance. For example, metal, brick or stone can easily last for several decades, whereas wood may require replacement after 5-10 years, depending on its quality and exposure to the elements. Plastic lawn edging will degrade quickly in the sun and will become shabby very quickly.
Can you edge a lawn with a strimmer?
Yes, you can edge a lawn using a strimmer. A strimmer is best for the maintenance of a lawn edge, rather than for creating a new, sharp edge. In my garden in my business, I typically use a half-moon tool to cut the initial edge and then keep my edges looking neat using an inverted strimmer.
What is the best lawn edging for mowing?
Any cut or installed lawn edges are especially beneficial for those who use lawn mowers, as they provide a well-defined guide to mow along. This ensures that you won't accidentally mow over your flower beds or other adjacent areas. However, be aware that it is easy for the mower to slip off the edge and scalp your lawn, particularly with wheeled mowers. The best mower to use along a defined edge with a drop is a roller mower as it will maintain contact with the ground at the back all the time.
Where your lawn edges are installed flush with the grass, such a bricks or blocks, you can allow your mower wheels to drive over them, ensuring an even cut without the need to be particularly careful.
How often should I edge a lawn?
The frequency with which you should edge your lawn depends on several factors, including the type of edging method you're using, the rate of grass growth, and the aesthetic standard you aim to maintain. Here's how it breaks down for the four primary edging types:
If you are using the no-edge method.
With the "no edge" method, you may find yourself strimming around the lawn every time you mow to maintain a tidy appearance. This could be as often as once a week during peak growing seasons.
Hand-cut lawn edges.
For hand-cut edges, you'll likely need to refresh these edges every two to four weeks during the growing season to maintain a neat appearance. Less frequent maintenance might be acceptable during the cooler months when grass growth slows.
Machine-cut lawn edges.
Machine-cut edges have the same maintenance requirement as hand-cut edges, it is just that you will be able to run your machine down the edge each time, which may save you time and effort.
Solid, permanently installed lawn edges.
If you've invested in solid or installed edging like stone, wood, or metal (e.g., EverEdge), the need for frequent edging is significantly reduced. You might only need to check these boundaries a few times a year to ensure they are holding up well and possibly to clear any soil or debris.
There are also several additional factors to consider when it comes to lawn edge maintenance.
Climate: If you're experiencing a particularly wet or dry season, the growth rate of your grass can change, thus altering the frequency of edging needed.
Aesthetic preferences: If you prefer a very neat and well-defined edge, you may opt for more frequent maintenance regardless of the method used.
Overall garden style: Formal gardens often require more frequent edging to maintain their crisp, clean lines, whereas more relaxed, natural garden styles may permit a less rigorous edging schedule.
In summary, the frequency of edging your lawn can vary widely based on the method you choose and your specific circ*mstances. However, during the growing season, you can expect to edge your lawn anywhere from weekly to monthly, depending on your chosen method and how manicured you wish your garden to appear.
Conclusion
Lawn edging is a practical element that plays a crucial role in garden maintenance and design. Whether you opt for the simplicity of a "no edge" approach or invest in high-end solutions like EverEdge metal edging, the method you choose will significantly impact both the visual appeal and upkeep of your outdoor space.
From hand-cut to machine-cut edges, each approach comes with its own set of pros, cons, and maintenance requirements. A well-defined edge can greatly reduce the time spent on lawn care, effectively act as a weed barrier, and enhance the overall look of your garden. On the other hand, poorly chosen or neglected edging can lead to more work and less-than-satisfactory results. Therefore, it's essential to consider factors like longevity, cost, and upkeep when making your choice.
By being informed about the various types of lawn edging and how they align with your needs and lifestyle, you can make a decision that not only elevates the beauty of your garden but also enhances its functionality. In doing so, you invest in a garden that serves as a true extension of your home, providing both visual pleasure and a space for relaxation and enjoyment.
What’s next?
If you enjoyed this article, it’s also worth checking out these:
> What equipment do I need to start a grass cutting business?
> An equipment starter pack for new lawn mowing businesses.
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Charles
