Attractive front yard landscape edging increases curb appeal and keeps burmuda grass out of the bushes and flower beds.

Edging in the garden can make your life easier and your garden more attractive.

Edging is about creating distinctions between two different surfaces. Maintaining a sharp line between them can give a cared-for look. Edging is most often used to separate lawn from a garden bed. This can be accomplished by the traditional method of using a hand or power edger. However, burmuda grass never stays put, so a strong edge not only gives a neat look, but it also controls the lawn. The edging can serve as a mowing strip, providing a place for the mower wheel to run.

Edging materials

The most common and inexpensive edging is either 8 foot green steel strips or black plastic edging. The biggest drawback to these edging products is they often do not keep the burmuda grass out of landscape. The green painted steel edging is usually rusting at the store and only continues to rust unless you paint it prior to installation with a rustoleum type paint. The often jagged rusty top edge is an ongoing cutting hazard for both people and pets. I have yet to see nice green metal edging that adds to the curb appeal.

There are a variety of materials that will create the desired curb appeal edge. Pavestone has become the most popular choice in recent years; just be sure to dig down the first course. Natural Texas stone has a popular classic look. There are many new man-made composite stones which offer a uniform size. Cobblestones create a wonderful pattern.

Brick gives a traditional look, and if the house is brick, it ties the garden and house together. However, with the movement of our clay soil, the brick mortar may crack and gap over a short period of time.

Concrete pavers, like Pavestone, are typically used instead of brick and will have a similar look if brick-shaped pavers are chosen. Concrete pavers come in a range of sizes and colors and can add a contemporary touch.

To lay stones or bricks as an edging, use a gravel base so they stay firm over time. Dig out the soil in the bed next to the lawn equal to the depth of the stone or brick, plus 4 inches. Place 4 inches of crushed rock into the trench. Use regular driveway gravel, called 5/8-inch minus. This type of gravel has sizes of crushed rock from 5/8-inch down to sand-size pieces and packs down well.

Place the stones or bricks on this compacted base, and use sand or additional crushed rock to make them level to the top of the lawn as you go.

If you like a full garden look, make the edging wide enough so the plants can flop over and not get cut off by the lawn mower.

Wood can also serve as an edging, but even treated landscape timbers begin to rot in a few years when in contact with wet soil.

Plastic lumber, made from recycled materials, is a more durable product. It comes in many shapes, including one thin enough to go around curves. Our Texas sun and heat will take it's toll on outdoor plastics so buy a quality product.

Another choice is concrete, made by building a form and pouring concrete into it or by hiring a professional concrete-edging company with machinery to pour continuous concrete edging without forms. These companies can work with the concrete to make it resemble stone or brick. Before choosing concrete edging, consider whether a continuous ribbon of concrete around the lawn may call too much attention to the edge and overwhelm the garden's design.

Contact Mark Hitz, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty today for your Real Estate Needs. If you are thinking of buying a home, selling a home, or want to talk with an expert Real Estate Agent with detailed knowledge of local Real Estate, please feel free to contact us. Simply call Mark Hitz at 214-514-1800, or e-mail us. We'll be glad to talk with you, and help you in all of your Real Estate needs.