Create clean, defined borders with expert edging installation. Metal, stone, and plastic options for beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes.
Call for FREE EstimateGarden bed edging is the defining detail that separates professional landscapes from amateur attempts. Proper edging creates clean visual separation, prevents grass invasion, and contains mulch where it belongs.
Without edging, even well-maintained beds look unfinished and require constant re-edging to maintain definition. Professional installation ensures lasting beauty and functional benefits.
Our 39 years installing edging throughout Ellicott City has taught us that proper technique—choosing appropriate materials, setting correct depth, and securing properly—makes the difference between borders that last years versus edging that fails within a season.
Grass encroachment: Lawn spreads into beds through rhizomes, requiring constant herbicide or hand-digging to control.
Mulch migration: Rain, wind, and mowers scatter mulch onto lawn and walkways without barriers to contain it.
Undefined borders: Fuzzy, imprecise edges blur into lawn, looking unprofessional and complicating mowing.
Constant re-edging: Cut edges require recutting every few weeks throughout the season—significant time investment.
Mower damage: Without clear edges, mowers scalp bed borders, damaging plants and creating ugly bare spots.
Clean, modern lines with exceptional durability. Nearly invisible profile creates professional appearance that lasts decades.
Best for: High-end landscapes, contemporary designs
Lifespan: 20+ yearsBudget-friendly option with good value. Quality plastic provides adequate barrier, easy installation, and flexibility for curves.
Best for: Budget-conscious projects, curved beds
Lifespan: 5-10 yearsTraditional edging with substantial visual presence. Adds character and works beautifully with cottage gardens and raised beds.
Best for: Traditional homes, visible borders
Lifespan: PermanentSubstantial borders for formal gardens. Creates mowing strip and integrates with patios and walkways using matching materials.
Best for: Formal gardens, extensive hardscaping
Lifespan: 20+ yearsTraditional approach using spade to create defined borders. No material cost but requires frequent re-edging throughout season.
Best for: Small areas, frequent maintenance lovers
Re-edge: Every 3-4 weeksProper edging installation requires technique and attention to detail. Here's our proven 5-step process.
Mark proposed edges with paint or stakes. Create smooth curves or precise lines for your approval before installation begins.
Cut clean trench along marked lines. Remove sod, create level base ensuring edging will sit properly for lasting installation.
Install material using best practices. Proper staking for metal/plastic, leveling for stone, consistent 1-inch height exposure.
Backfill and compact both sides. Anchor firmly, create clean transitions, ensure grass can grow to edge without gaps.
Grade soil for proper drainage, remove excess, add mulch if desired. Leave property clean with crisp borders ready to enjoy.
Even permanent edging benefits from quick annual pass on lawn side. Takes minutes rather than hours required without edging.
Maryland freeze-thaw cycles can loosen stakes. Annual inspection identifies issues before minor problems become major failures.
Stone borders need realignment every 2-3 years as frost heave and settling shift pieces. Manageable if addressed regularly.
Eliminates constant re-edging, grass control, and mulch redistribution. Save hours throughout the growing season.
Clean lines and defined borders transform landscape instantly. Most impactful single upgrade for many homeowners.
Blocks underground rhizomes and stolons preventing grass invasion. Proper 4-6 inch depth ensures lasting control.
Quality installation lasts years or decades depending on material. Upfront investment pays dividends in reduced maintenance.
Many homeowners start with high-visibility front beds and add back or side beds in subsequent years as budget allows. We provide detailed estimates after measuring your specific property.
For most Ellicott City properties, we recommend steel/aluminum for premium long-lasting results, or quality plastic for budget-friendly permanence. Metal lasts decades with minimal maintenance despite higher upfront cost. Plastic delivers 5-10 years of good service at lower initial investment. Stone works beautifully for traditional properties but requires more maintenance. We help evaluate your budget, longevity needs, and aesthetic preferences during consultation.
DIY is possible but achieving professional results requires proper tools and technique. Common problems include uneven height, inadequate staking, poor curves, and improper depth. Professional installation costs more but delivers results that last and look correct from day one. For homeowners without landscaping experience, professional installation often provides better value than struggling through DIY attempt that may need redoing.
Properly installed metal or plastic edging at 4-6 inches depth creates effective barrier blocking underground rhizomes and stolons. Reduces grass control effort by 80-90% compared to beds without barriers. No edging prevents airborne seeds or surface-spreading, but these are handled easily with annual re-edging and occasional weeding. Stone edging is less effective unless installed over fabric.
Metal and plastic edging should be 4-6 inches deep with 1 inch exposed above grade. This depth blocks grass roots while providing visual border and mulch containment. Deeper (6+ inches) is better when possible. Shallower (under 4 inches) often fails to control grass adequately. Proper depth is critical—skimping results in edging that doesn't perform its primary function.
Yes! We cut clean trench along desired border, install edging, and backfill without disturbing bed interior plants. Actually easier in established beds since layout is defined. Main consideration: installing edging locks in current bed shape permanently. We often suggest refining shapes during installation—smoothing curves, straightening lines—creating better long-term results.
Metal requires minimal maintenance—annual lawn-side trim (5-10 minutes), occasional stake inspection. Plastic needs similar care plus replacement after 5-10 years. Stone requires most maintenance—resetting every 2-3 years. All types need dramatically less effort than beds without permanent edging, which require constant re-edging and grass control throughout growing season.
Stop fighting grass encroachment and blurred borders. Expert edging installation delivers lasting beauty with dramatically reduced maintenance.
Call (410) 992-8680 for FREE Estimate