December  10, 2007

Landscape edging a great addition to yards

By Robert Waggener, editor
UW Cooperative Extension Service

The installation of landscape edging is a great way to beautify a home, reduce trimming, keep mulch in place and provide a good boundary between lawns and planting beds of flowers, shrubs and trees, according to the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UW CES).

Many materials are available locally from department and hardware stores, landscape supply companies and contractors, lumber yards, nurseries and concrete suppliers and contractors. Here’s a sampling:

Plastic edging comes in three basic types including rolled, fencing and plastic stones anchored with spikes. Purchasing a quality, commercial-grade edging is worthwhile because the cheaper ones are more susceptible to frost heave and are easily damaged, said UW CES horticulturist Karen Panter.

Metal edging is available in aluminum and steel. Those designed specifically for landscaping have stakes and anchors to join seams.

Aluminum is more flexible and lighter than steel, is generally not as expensive and bends easily; however, it’s not as durable, Panter said. Steel is strong, durable and easy to form straight or curved lines.

Metal generally comes in 4- and 6-inch widths. Wider strips tend to stay in place while still accommodating 2 to 3 inches of mulch on the back side.

“Metal edging should always have a protective plastic strip over the top to cover sharp edges. This is extremely important for protecting bare feet of children and pets,” Panter said. “Some types of metal edging have rolled edges on one side so the plastic strip is not needed.”

Wood edging is relatively versatile, has a natural look and is generally easy to install. Landscape timbers cannot be bent to form graceful curves, which add eye appeal to most landscapes. Some of the ready-made wood edgings can be curved nicely; however, these may require lawn trimming, a chore some don’t like.

Wood edging will break down over time and need replacement. Cedar and redwood edging will last longer than pine, but they are typically more expensive.

“Do not use railroad ties for edging as wood preservatives can seep into the ground and damage plants,” said Raina Spence, UW CES state Master Gardener coordinator. “Even pressure-treated lumber can be problematic.”

Stone, brick and precast concrete edging are durable, are relatively easy to install and come in a variety of colors. To help prevent frost heave, a base of pea gravel should first be laid down. Unless stones are mortared together, grass will find its way into the crevices, Panter said.

Concrete is neat, long lasting, provides a wonderful mowing strip and can be formed into appealing curves. “It is very permanent, though, and is not easy to adjust or expand the garden later. Make sure it’s right the first time,” Panter said.

Like with any landscaping project, designs using concrete edging should first be drawn on paper to avoid a piecemeal look, she added. Curves can be laid out using grade stakes, and forms can consist of 12-inch-wide smooth lap siding ripped in half with a table saw to create 6-inch forms. Formed concrete is more labor intensive than the other edging materials, but the rewards may be worth the effort.

“Living” edging can consist of a plant that is compact in growth (a groundcover), requires low maintenance and preferably has a long blooming season. Some good choices for sunny locations are thyme, veronica and sedum. The non-stinging, cultivated varieties of nettle can be used in shady areas. “A major disadvantage is that grass can encroach into these areas,” Panter said.

There are a variety of landscaping- and horticulture-related bulletins on the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service’s horticulture Web page at http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/Horticulture/Horticulture_Publications_Main.htm.

Among them is a bulletin that discusses perennial groundcovers. B-1152, Landscaping: Herbaceous Perennials for Wyoming, can be found at http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/B1152.pdf.

Contact: Robert Waggener, Editor
Phone: (307) 766-3571
E-mail: robertw@uwyo.edu

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