Selecting the appropriate edging material for lawn borders, beds, fences, walkways, or foundations can cut down on your lawn maintenance.
When choosing lawn edging, the material you use, and how you design it will furnish your landscape with either a simulated or natural-looking edge. Examples of simulated edgings include preformed items such as wood, metal, plastic, stone, brick, or concrete. Wood edging varies in style from natural to decorative forms. The most popular of these edgings is the use of landscape timbers and railroad crossties. If you opt for this type of edging, you should be aware of possible downsides. With wood edging, it is more difficult to adjust to curving landscapes and unless properly treated, it can deteriorate over time. Metal edging is much more pliable for curves; yet, stiff enough for straight lawns. These edgings present your yard with a more commercial look, but the durability will last for years. However, some types of metal edgings may be prone to rust over a period of time; nonetheless, many people welcome this kind of rustic and aged appearance. Steel and aluminum are usually the most commonly used metal edgings. Plastic edging, such as vinyl, is also widely utilized. It is available in rolls or fencing styles. While this type of edging provides easy maintenance, many of these will crack in cold weather or eventually work loose and become dislodged. Stone, brick, and concrete edgings offer formality to landscapes. They come in several styles and are especially good for creating unique patterns. They adapt well to nearly any kind of setting and are extremely resilient. The main factor with these edgings is keeping them low enough to the lawn to prevent lawn mowers from becoming damaged. Simulated edging material can be smooth or textured, dull or bright, and colored to either blend in or contrast with the landscape.
Naturalistic edgings are usually created with landscaped vegetation, piled or scattered rocks, or mulch. These edgings tend to be more informal in appearance than other types of edgings. Plant edging is one of the most widely utilized in natural-looking settings. Grass, certain ground covers, seasonal annuals and perennials, and shrubs all fit into this type of edging. A natural edging that consists of simply incorporating a small ditch in the soil and filling it with mulch is also common.
The most distinctive type of lawn edging is that which can be mown over easily. This is usually achieved by cutting a shallow groove (as with natural edging) in the ground where you want the edging and placing the edging material into this area. Some edgings can even be pushed into the ground instead. If the edging material you choose makes mowing an awkward task or impossible, consider using a style that will, at least, minimize your trimming. Whatever the type of edging material you select, it should always complement the overall landscape design. Choose materials that will add to your lawn's setting. Take into account whether or not the edging will enhance or compete with surrounding plants and other elements. Also, consider the height, colors, and textures available in the edging material you opt for.
