Lawn Edging provides a barrier between a lawn and a bed area, or between two beds. When used next to grass it keeps the grass from creeping into a bed, thus reducing maintenance. The most important factor to consider when purchasing an edging is whether the edging will stay in place over time. In Michigan, the cycle of freezing and thawing causes the ground to shift, if a poor quality edging is used it will pop out of the ground. The best advice would be to buy good edging the first time - cheap edging doesn't work well over time.

Cobra Hi-Test Poly

Cobra Hi-test is the best plastic edging on the market. When installed properly it will stay in place even in our climate. We have been selling this product for many years, and this stuff works! It is an excellent lower-cost alternative to the aluminum or steel edging.

 

Hi-Test Poly Connector	Hi-Test Poly Corner

 

Cobra Professional

Cobra Professional is a slightly lighter grade than the Hightest - not a bad even lower-cost alternative for those looking to spend the absolute minimum.

There are cheaper edgings on the market than the Cobra brand, but as I stated earlier you will not be happy with the results.

Edging needs to be heavy duty enough to keep a nice form and a good design to stay in the ground. One of the main problems with cheaper edging is that when the ground freezes and then unthaws, it shifts. This process is what will make edging pop out of the ground if it is not a good design.

 

Border Concepts Steel Edging

The steel edging comes in strips 16' long by 4" high by 1/8" thick. Each strip is dark green in color and comes with 6, 15" stakes. This edging has been used for years and is considered the "Cadillac" of edging. Many landscape designers like it because it blends into the landscape nicely and is very permanent.

Border Concepts Steel Edging Stakes

 

Curv-Rite 1/8" Aluminum Edging

The Curv-Rite Aluminum Edging also comes in strips 16' long by 4" high by 1/8" thick, or 8' long by 4" high by 1/8" thick. Each strip comes with 4 stakes for 16 footers, and 2 stakes for 8 footers. It is natural silver in color. This is also a very permanent product. It functions the same as steel edging but has a much different look to it. It is more noticeable in the landscape because of its bright appearance. This can be good or bad depending on individual tastes. See http://www.curv-rite.com/ for more information.

Curv-Rite Aluminum Stake

 

Curv-Rite Aluminum Brick Edging

The Curv-Rite Stable Edge is an L shaped aluminum paver restraint in 8' long sections. The edging base has holes every 4" through which a 3/8" by 10" spiral steel spike is run. For patios walkways and entryways, spike the strip every 16". The edging also comes with a 3" aluminum splicer inserted 1 ½" into each adjoining section to create a continuous strip. This product is designed to effectively retain pavers without being visible from the surface. It is flexible enough to create a 30" diameter circle. The durable aluminum construction resists cracking and rusting.

Stone 4” – 8”

Stones can be used for bed borders also. The 4” to 8” stone is a good-sized stone for using around beds. One consideration when using stone as a boarder is that it leaves an irregular edge on the lawn side. This edge will need to be trimmed manually if it is left that way. If you like the look of the stone border edging it makes it real nice to use a plastic steel or aluminum edging on the lawn side of the border stones. If you leave a 1 foot-ish gap with mulch in it between the outside of the rock border and the edging it will be much easier to maintain and will give the bed a more featured look.

Landscape Timbers

Landscape timbers can be used for borders also. Timbers are limited to a more linear or less organic look. These still provide a good solution in many instances such as delineating play areas or relaxation areas. In general avoid using the small 3” x 5” rounded edge landscape timbers since they are usually made out of inferior wood, tend to warp, decay and move around during the seasonal freeze thaw cycle. A longer term edging solution can be to a more substantial 5” x 5” x 8’ or 6” x 6”x 8’.

In Summary

Many things are used as edging: bricks, stones, timbers, etc. It is hard, however, to beat the design flexibility of purpose-built quality edging. It stays in the ground and you can make nice curves. The Cobra Hi-Test is an excellent product for the money and when installed correctly will provide a functional long-term solution. The steel and aluminum offer a more upscale option at an additional cost.