Durable And Strong: Metal Landscape Edging

Metal landscape edging is not used as decorative edging like some plastic, concrete and brick landscape edging. Instead, its use is practical, as it helps to divide the solid parts of the yard from the soft elements in the yard so that there is not an overlap between them. For instance, metal landscape edging might be used between a driveway and a lawn so that the root system of the lawn does not grow under the driveway and cause it to crack at a later date due to the grass growing over it and through it. Metal landscape edging is also fairly easy to install so that it does not usually require a professional to do so like concrete edging does.

Types and Installation

There are two types of metal landscape edging with different thicknesses available in each type. Steel edging has been around the longest and is very durable, although subject to rust if galvanized steel is not used. Thus, it is not always the best choice for use in climates that receive a lot of rain or that are near the coastline. Aluminum edging is better for use in these wetter climates since it does not rust and is also very durable and easy to work with. Both of these types of metal landscape edging come in different colors such as black, brown or a silver color to match different landscape designs.

In order to install metal landscape edging, individuals must first buy the edging, which is sold in ten foot lengths so that they have enough for the area that they want to edge. They will also need a hacksaw so that if they need to cut the metal landscape edging during implementation they are able to do so. Once they have the materials, they will need to use a shovel to dig a small trench that is five inches deep around the area to be edged in order to accommodate the four inch edging. Once the trench is dug, the metal landscape edging can be placed into the trench so that the top, rounded edge is facing up. The edging should be connected together ahead of time to make it easier to fit it to the curves of the landscape design.

Once the metal landscape edging is in place, then the metal stakes are used to hold it in place at about two foot increments. There are pockets in the edging to accommodate the stakes and hold the edging securely for years to come. Once that is done, the edging is covered up with the dirt that had been dug out, tamped down, and the topsoil is placed over the top to finish the work.