Landscape edging is a simple method to quickly establish a distinct border between the portions of your garden that you wish to keep separate from your grass while building garden beds, walks, and other landscape elements. Its subtlety allows flowers, plants, and other natural components to stand out, making it one of the most economical and understated solutions. Steel garden edgings come in a variety of forms, each with unique features like:
Galvanized steel
Galvanised metal is recommended due to its flexibility and corrosion resistance. Metal that has undergone the “galvanization” process over time is called “galvanized metal.” It is a chemical process that covers the metal in zinc oxide layers, making the floor significantly more robust, rust-resistant, and scratch-resistant.
Corten steel
Corten steel, commonly known as weathering steel, was developed for its durability. Steel doesn’t need to be painted or protected since this controlled corrosion only develops on the surface.
Aluminum
A suitable material for garden edging is aluminum. It is highly lightweight and malleable, making it simple to handle and form into the proper shape. Aluminum is one of the most prevalent, easily accessible, and reasonably priced elements.
Although installing steel garden edging is quite simple, you can use a few methods and ideas to simplify it and ensure you get the best edge for your landscape features.
Identify utility lines
Identify the utility lines that run beneath your property before you begin any excavation activity or install any edging, so you don’t strike them by mistake. Before installing your steel garden edgings, call your utility provider and let them know where you want to dig. Install edges on cables, pipelines, and electricity wires underground safely.
When installing steel edges, have a plan.
Their flexibility makes steel borders appropriate for curving and straight landscape areas. To accurately locate the trench and determine how to connect the edging, it is necessary to prepare beforehand. Use a garden hose to create the groove lines with contour lines or bends. Straight lines and correct angles are quickly drawn on wooden boards. After you’ve lined the edges, carve tiny grooves into the tube and board with a pointed spade.
Acquire the right height
The trench depth is crucial when creating steel edge trenches because it determines how high the edge will rise above the earth. According to The Family Handyman, shelving should ideally be positioned so its top edge is about 12 inches above the ground. This height effectively establishes a barrier between the grass and the garden bed to prevent roots from spreading over the edge. The ability to mow beyond makes it simpler to mow.
Safety-enhancing rounded edges
If you walk on the top edge of the steel edging with bare feet, you might suffer an injury because it is pretty sharp. If you mount it with the borders barely visible, this is a simple scenario that can occur. To prevent harming your family and pets, round the top edge of the steel and smooth the hazardous spots. Before mounting the metal edge, use a file to remove any rough or pointed edges.
Bends at clipped corners
It’s not too difficult to bend steel edges into curves. Create crisp, square edges with care, though. However, drawing lines inside curved or angled borders will make the task easier. The line you marked should be scored with a hacksaw, and the same line should be cut 1 inch from the bottom. Sharp corners are simpler to shape by hand thanks to these incisions’ weakening of the steel at its bending points.
