Which Landscape Edging is Best?
When it comes to landscape edging, you have choices. There are different materials, colors, styles and brands for you to choose from. Wood landscape edging creates a different look than steel landscape edging which creates a different look than stone landscape edging. But durability and convenience are just as important as curb appeal. In fact, the function and resilience of your edging material help to keep up appearances. The best landscape edging products can:
- Corral loose soil, gravel, mulch, and other ground covering
- Maintain tidy borders
- Create distinct areas
- Require little to no maintenance
- Direct the visual and physical flow of an outdoor space
If you’re getting ready to unleash your creativity on your landscape, start by choosing the best landscape edging material.
Wood Landscape Edging
Wood landscape edging offers a natural look. Some wood landscape edging is subtle, but it can also be whimsical and decorative. Wood landscape edging is common because it’s versatile; you can paint or stain it almost any color you can imagine (assuming you want to do that extra work).
Pros of Wood Landscape Edging:
- Can be cut with basic tools to fit different areas
- Ideal for creating quick, straight borders
- Paintable and stainable
Cons of Wood Landscape Edging:
- Most wood landscape edging can only be used for straight edges because they are cut into straight boards
- Treated and reclaimed wood may contain toxic chemicals that harm the environment and are unsafe for use in vegetable garden beds or around pets
- Because wood landscape edging is installed sitting on top of the ground, rather than in the ground, it doesn’t prevent invasive growth below the surface. This means grass, root systems and other yard elements can easily cross into areas you don’t want them to be
- Wood landscape edging is prone to rotting and pests
Plastic Landscape Edging
Plastic landscape edging is a popular choice for DIY landscapes projects because it is affordable and easy to find. It is usually sold in black and coiled up into a roll.
Pros of Plastic Landscape Edging:
- Easily adaptable to curved contours
- Waterproof
- Resistant to pests, mildew, and rot
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to measure, cut, install and maintain
Cons of Plastic Landscape Edging:
- Can appear unkempt if it isn’t installed properly
- Plastic becomes brittle in cold weather, causing cracks.
- It tends to shift, crack and lift over time.
- Sensitive to garden and landscaping tools such as mowers, weed whackers and shovels.
- Prone to shifting with ground movements and heavy precipitation.
Aluminum Landscape Edging
Aluminum is a well-known option for metal landscaping. This metal is usually chosen when you are looking for a lightweight edging that forms easily. Therefore, it doesn’t particularly impact the aesthetics of your outdoor space.
Pros of Aluminum Landscape Edging:
- Available online at top retailers
- Easy to bend and shape
Cons of Aluminum Landscape Edging:
- Can be easily damaged by mowers if it is installed too high.
- Aluminum loses shape and bends more easily than steel, making it less functional for areas with high foot traffic.
- Low-quality aluminum landscape edging can be especially flimsy and delicate.
Stone Landscape Edging
Stone gives a natural vibe to a landscape. It is often used to create cottage-style look or blend in with water features. Stone landscape edging tends to be chosen when the homeowner is wanting edging to be a focal point in the landscape.
Pros of Stone Landscape Edging:
- Low maintenance when installed properly
Cons of Stone Landscape Edging:
- Bricks and stone are complicated to install. You don’t need special tools, but you need to be meticulous about leveling and spacing to get tidy results.
- Unless you’re recycling used bricks or using found stone, this edging can be expensive. It’s also heavy and bulky to purchase and transport.
- Stone doesn’t provide a barrier for weeds and roots.
- Stone can be porous making it easily impacted by water.
- Stone can easily move around and shift.
Natural Edge
In landscaping, a natural edge uses a division in the ground to create a line between the lawn and the chosen bed or garden. This separation of ground is visually created with the change of ground cover materials.
Pros of Natural Edge Landscape Edging:
- Can mow directly at the border without damaging blades
- Can be shaped it to any border
Cons of Natural Edge Landscape Edging:
- A natural edge doesn’t corral small materials, such as mulch and gravel, since there is no physical barrier to prevent pieces from rolling out.
- Whether you connect a bed shaper attachment to your mower or dig the trench by hand, the process is time-consuming. It’s also hard to make it look tidy if you are new to the process.
- A natural edge requires significant maintenance. Regular foot traffic and erosion will fill in the trench. You’ll have to reshape it frequently to keep it looking sharp.
Steel Landscape Edging
Steel landscape edging is one of the most popular edging products for DIY homeowners. It is available in a range of colors, finishes, and sizes.
Pros of Steel Landscape Edging:
- Steel landscape edging is flexible enough to contour to the shape of your lawn and durable enough to keep it tidy, clear and looking great for years.
- Works with a wide range landscape designs and aesthetics
- Prevents movement of ground cover such as gravel and mulch.
- Provides an effective barrier for weeds and roots.
- Resilient to most garden maintenance tools.
- Easy to install
- Steel edging holds its size, shape and place in the ground throughout large temperature swings
Cons of Steel Landscape Edging:
- Depending on the length of steel landscape edging you choose, you might need a medium-sized car or larger to transport the edging from the store to your home
Steel Landscape Edging Edges Out the Competition
If you’re getting ready to refresh your front landscape or are a first time homeowner looking to change up your curb appeal, steel landscape edging is an easy choice. We recommended heading to your local home improvement retailer and asking for Colmet. Colmet steel landscape edging is available in a wide range of colors, finishes and sizes.
Don’t see the color or finish your looking for in your home improvement store? Ask an associate to help you place a special order.