How To Use Bender Board Edging In Landscaping

By Kathleen Wright


Landscaping can be both fun and financially productive. A beautifully landscaped lawn greatly improves the value of a home. It is an easy process to start but once the layout begins it can quickly get intimidating. Making those clean, round curves where the grass and flower beds meet is easy when you use bender board edging. Learning how to use the tools and materials that the professionals use will make the job easier and the results much better. Taking time to plan out the landscaping is the best first step.

Two main types of the bendable border are available for the process. One is made from recycled plastic. The other is made with a wood composite. Both are flexible and easy to use when you know how. The plastic versions use 100% recycled plastic and can last a lifetime. The wood version will degrade over time, but lasts a very long time. There are advantages to using either material.

Begin by measuring the distance of the borders. This is an important step to make sure you have enough material and will know where to cut. Most edging material comes in varying lengths up to 20 feet. There are also several different widths to allow for larger or smaller borders between the turf and beds. You will want to decide whether or not you want to completely bury the material or use it as part of the decorative landscape.

Dig a 6-inch wide trench as your border. Keep the dirt close by because it will be used later to fill in the trench or cover the material being used. The depth should be deep enough to bury the board after it is placed in the trench. Once this is done, you are ready to move on to the next stage.

Stakes should be placed at varying intervals in the trench. You will want to have a rubber mallet in order to pound them in the ground. The border should be facing the grass turf, so place the stakes in the trench away from the grass. Extra stakes will be used to help secure areas where the sections connect.

Next you need to cut the material to the right length. The wood will need to be soaked before cutting and placing to make it more flexible. Once the cutting is complete, put the border into the trench closer to the grass. Use screws or nails to secure it to the stakes. Once this is done, use a level to make sure it is even and pound specific stakes in a bit more to make it so.

The last step is to fill in the dirt. Once everything is in place and the border is secured to the stakes it is time to use the dirt that was removed. Fill it back into the trench burying the stakes and material. If your material is intended to be decorative you can leave an inch or less above the dirt. This makes a nice clean break between the grass turf and the flower beds or other landscaping.

With the right methods and materials, you can create a beautiful lawn through planned landscaping. Using edging to separate the green lawn from flower beds, the look will be spectacular. Since edging comes in different styles, you can decide if you want it exposed or buried. An exposed edging is often desired. Spending time doing it well will leave you with an enjoyable lawn for years.




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