Landscaping Guide For HomeownersLandscaping Guide For Homeowners

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Landscaping Guide For Homeowners

Hello, my name is Justin Malone and on this blog you'll find a lot of useful information about landscaping. When I moved into my newly built home, I didn't even have any grass in my yard, so I had to start from scratch. Before I tackled the project of landscaping my property, I did a large amount of research first. I learned how to plant grass seed, and when the grass started to grow, I researched planting trees. As my yard started taking shape, I planted shrubs and made flower beds. My next landscape project was building a fish pond and I completed it with ease after doing the research. I'm writing this blog as a guide for others who want to do their own landscaping and I hope that it helps you learn how to create a beautiful yard.

How To Trench Edge A Garden Bed

29 December 2016
 Categories: , Blog

A sharp edge around your flower gardens not only helps them look nicer, it also helps keep weeds and lawn grass from encroaching into the ornamental plantings. You don't need to install those vinyl and rubber edging products to create the perfect edge, either. Trench edging is a style of lawn edging that is immune to lawn mower and string trimmer damage, while also being easy to maintain. The following guide can help you create your own trench edging:

Step 1: Layout

Begin by laying out the shape of the flower bed on the lawn. You can do this with a garden hose or with twine and stakes. Keep in mind that you can be creative with the shape, if you like. Trench edging is just as easy to maintain whether it has curves or straight edges.

Step 2: The first cut

The first cut is straight down into the turf, right against the hose or twine that defines the edge. A flat spade works well, or you can use a half-moon edging spade. Push the blade about six inches down into the turf. Continue to cut along the perimeter of the laid out edge until you have worked completely around the bed.

Step 3: The second cut

For the second cut, which will make the trench, move the spade 4 inches in front of the first cut. Now push the spade into the turf at an angle, so it meets the bottom of the first cut. This should remove a V-shaped notch of turf. Continue to cut in this manner around the perimeter of the bed, then lift out the strip of sod so the trench is empty.

Step 4: Finish work

The edges of the trench will crumble if you don't finish them. To do this, mist the soil lightly so it is just damp. Then, use the flat of the spade blade to pack the edges of the soil down so it is less prone to crumbling.

Step 5: Ongoing maintenance

You will need to check the trench each time you mow to make sure the edges are still firm and that leaves and other debris aren't filling it. If you get in this habit, maintaining the trench will take nearly no additional time and it will remain functional for many years. You may need to re-dig or rebuild the edges occasionally, especially in spring when wet ground can lead to a collapse.

If you're really interested in making a go of adding trench edging to your own property, contact a landscape contractor for more ideas and information.