Professional landscapers primarily use high-grade metal (aluminum or steel), commercial-grade rigid plastic, or natural trenched "live" edges. The choice depends on the desired look, budget, and durability.
Manual Lawn Edgers
Equipped with a sharp, powder-coated carbon steel blade, it easily cuts through grass, roots, and soil with a simple step on the blade. Manual edgers are popular among DIYers and professionals alike for their straightforward operation and ability to pivot smoothly when working on curved edges.
The "rule of 3" in landscaping is a design principle stating that grouping elements in odd numbers—specifically threes—creates a more natural, balanced, and visually appealing space than pairs or even-numbered arrangements.
The best landscape edging depends on your goals: metal (steel or aluminum) is best for crisp, modern curves; concrete or stone is ideal for permanent borders and "mow strips"; and plastic is perfect for budget-friendly, DIY installations.
The longest-lasting landscape edging materials are concrete, natural stone, and metal. These options will last 20 to 50+ years and require almost no maintenance. In contrast, plastic and rubber edging typically degrade from UV exposure and require replacement every 5 to 10 years.
What are the common lawn edging mistakes?
The easiest landscape edging to install is no-dig plastic or rubber edging. These materials come in flexible rolls and are secured to the ground with heavy-duty anchoring spikes, meaning you can create clean garden beds and curves without the back-breaking labor of digging a deep trench.
Landscape edging alternatives range from practical, modern metal and composite strips to rustic, natural materials like stone, brick, and wood. The best choice depends on your budget, landscape style, and maintenance preferences:
Flexible plastic or HDPE edging is generally the most affordable option. It has the lowest upfront price per metre, it's easy to install without special tools and labour costs stay close to zero because almost anyone can fit it with just stakes and a mallet.
Classic Wood & Natural Options
Wood chip mulch is one of the most inexpensive ways to create a soft, natural border between your lawn and garden beds. It also helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. If you're aiming for a more rustic feel, arranging logs can create a charming, cabin-inspired edge.
Common landscaping mistakes often stem from skipping the planning phase or prioritizing aesthetics over long-term maintenance. The biggest pitfalls to avoid include ignoring your yard's drainage patterns, planting without accounting for mature plant sizes, and choosing the wrong plants for your specific climate and light conditions.
50/50 Lawn Mix consists of a half-and-half mix of compost and screened sand. It is meant for lawns that need extra drainage as it contains a higher sand content than our 70/30 mix. Many landscaping companies will also use this for sod application. Lawn mixes are best for a minimum depth of 2-3 inches. Calculations.
The 3-5-7 rule is a design principle that dictates grouping decorative objects, furniture, or art in odd numbers (specifically 3, 5, or 7). It breaks rigid, perfectly symmetrical pairings to create natural, eye-catching visual movement.
The best lawn edgers depend on your yard's size and your power preferences. For most homeowners, the ECHO PE-225 Gas Lawn Edger is the best overall pick for its durability. If you prefer cordless options, the Toro 60V Max Brushless Edger offers commercial-grade power without the maintenance.
The best landscape edging depends on your budget and aesthetic goals, but metal (aluminum/steel) and stone/concrete are widely considered the best overall for durability. If you are looking for an easier DIY option, premium plastic serves as a great, cost-effective alternative.
Common Landscaping Mistakes for Homeowners to Avoid:
Our best overall pick, the EasyFlex No-Dig Landscape Edging Kit, is made of plastic and is a very versatile option for most needs. Metal: Strong and long-lasting, this is one of the most durable options on the market. While it offers a sleek look, it can be more expensive and may rust.
Regardless of your reasons for creating borders, we would highly recommend opting for metal edging, preferably made of steel. This is because it's far more durable than wooden edging options, which can weaken and wobble over time, in addition to suffering from weather damage, mould and rot.
Landscape edging is not strictly necessary for plants to grow, but it is highly recommended. It saves significant maintenance time by preventing invasive turf grass from creeping into your flower beds, and it keeps your mulch or gravel neatly contained.
A visually dynamic material that can make a great flower bed border is natural rock. Choose rocks that are similar in size and shape, then line them up next to each other to create a natural border. You can also paint them if you're looking to have a stand out garden space.
It is generally better to edge your lawn when the soil is slightly damp (dry to the touch on top, but moist underneath). This provides the perfect balance of ease and precision.