Learning To Use Bender Board Edging In Landscaping

By Kathleen Wright


Landscaping is not only fun but improves the value of a home. The process seems easy at first while in the design phase but one the layout begins it can become daunting quickly. One area that is often misunderstood is how to handle the clean, round designs of sweeping green grass pressed up against the rock or flower beds. Knowing what is available and how to use bender board edging will make the process very simple.

There are two types of materials to use for this process. The first is made from recycled plastic. Because it is made from the recycled plastic it keeps the trash out of the landfill and provides a lifelong border between the grass and the beds. The other is a pressed or composite. Both have their advantages and disadvantages regarding lifetime and ease of use.

You will start by deciding where the borders will go and measure the distance. This is a very important step because you want to make sure you get the right amount and make the cuts where they need to be. The borders come in 20-foot sections and have varying widths so you can decide how wide you want it to be. Part of the decision at this time should be whether or not you want to have the border exposed or fully buried.

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.

Using the right materials and methods to landscape your lawn ends up as a beautiful project. With the edging in place, you end up with a nice, clean separation from flower beds and other landscaping areas with a stark contrast. Taking the time to do it right will make all the difference.




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