Definition
Landscape edging involves the use of physical materials and techniques to create visible, intentional boundaries between different areas within an outdoor landscape.
People use landscape edging to enhance aesthetics, simplify maintenance, and control unwanted spread.
Typical uses include:
- separating lawns from driveways, sidewalks, or paths;
- defining walkways and garden edges;
- outlining flower beds, shrub zones, or tree bases;
- delineating transitions between ground covers (e.g. grass to gravel or sidewalk to mulch); and
- preventing mulch or soil from spilling onto adjacent surfaces.
In essence, landscape edging helps structure the outdoor environment and makes maintenance easier.
Related terms: Garden Borders, Garden Edging.
๐ฅ More On Video
An overview of what landscape edging is, how it functions, and its practical use in garden/yard design from the point of view of a landscaping professional.
Historical Background
Although the modern notion of manufactured landscape edging is newer, the concept of defining landscape boundaries is long-standing:
- In classical and Renaissance gardens, edges were defined via hedges, low walls, and formal "parterres" - geometric patterns that create compartments and visual order.
- The English garden movement (18th - 19th centuries) emphasized trimmed edges, borders, and clean transitions between planting beds and lawns.
- In the 20th century, industrial manufacturing introduced new materials (wood planks, metal strips, plastic) making the concept and approaches to edging more accessible to homeowners.
These early practices laid the foundation for todayโs landscape edging systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is landscape edging?
Landscape edging refers to any material - metal, wood, stone, plastic, concrete - used to define sections of a landscape. Once installed, landscape edging can help to manage grass/lawn growth, distinguish spaces, and contain materials like mulch or gravel.
Why would I install landscape edging?
People install landscape edging to:
- prevent grass from invading garden beds;
- keep mulch, soil, or gravel contained;
- reduce weeding and simplify lawn mowing;
- give planting beds clean, crisp lines; and
- add curb appeal by creating a clean, tidy structure.
What is the difference between landscape edging and garden edging?
Landscape edging is a broader term that refers to edging materials used across an entire landscape. This includes both garden and non-garden areas such as edging for driveways, gravel paths, and patios. Garden edging is centered on the garden area and uses in the garden such as containing mulch, compost, or soil on garden beds (flower beds, specimen beds, vegetable beds, etc.).
References
Better Homes & Gardens โ Overview of edging types and benefits
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/using-landscape-edging/
University of Florida IFAS Extension โ Landscape edging materials
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/lakeco/2020/09/22/landscape-edging-materials/
University of Illinois Extension โ Edging and mulching tips
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/over-garden-fence/2018-05-21-edging-and-mulching-landscape-beds
Garden design history โ Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/art/garden-and-landscape-design/Historical-development