Different Border Options for Landscaping

Landscaping Edging

When it comes to landscaping, many times the little details can make a big difference. Sometimes, these small pieces can catch your eye. In other circumstances, they heighten the overall aesthetic quality of larger pieces. One area you may want to consider for your landscape edging is borders.

Some borders are bold and extravagant, making a focal point for your design. Other simple barriers help keep a clean line but may not be noticeable on their own. Landscaping borders are like the mating and frame of a picture or artwork — the right combination will be worth the effort.

What is a Landscaping Border?

A landscaping border is both aesthetic and functional. You place it in between two different landscaping ideas. One common place to use a border is to divide where the grass meets a flower garden or plants. While it is visually pleasing to have clear defined breaks between ideas, there is also a tangible reason. The border helps to keep the grass from growing into your flowerbed, making it much easier to maintain.

If you like the idea of adding landscaping borders, you may want to select one of the following options:

Rock Borders

One of the best features about using rock is the variety. You can use large or small rocks, colorful or muted stones, or any combination to make your specific border. A rock border takes little skill to install. To prepare the area for the border, remove all grass, weeds, sticks, and other debris. Lay a weed barrier down and stake it in place before laying your rocks. Using a wheel barrel, transport the rocks to the border area. Distribute them evenly with a metal rake and shovel.



Concrete Borders

You have several options for landscape borders if you want to use one made from concrete. One great thing about these dividers is that each piece within a specific style will be exactly the same. This makes it very easy the keep a uniform look when installing the edging. Most concrete borders offer a tall division for a dramatic edge. For most of these, you will want to dig a small trench (1 to 2 inches deep depending on the height of the border) to help keep the border in place and to keep the two sections divided.



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Wood Borders


Wood offers a wide variety of options, too. You can simply lay medium-sized branches in a row for a simple visual division that is both natural and easy. Or, you can stack them for a more intricate piece. Unless you use treated wood, most wood will root and decay, especially if it gets wet often. Even without treatment, it is possible to have the border last for decades without needing to replace it. If you decide not to seal of treat your wood, cedar is a great option since it resists rot and insects naturally.

Another option is to cut wood into specific lengths. These pieces can be set into the ground standing up, showing off the beautiful rings of the wood. You may decide to make very short pieces (as thin as ¼ of an inch) or long pieces (as tall as a small fence). Some people like having a border with mixed heights.



Plastic Borders

This option is probably the most cost effective one. While many plastic dividers are basic and not very visually appealing on their own, they do keep areas separated. This will increase the overall appeal of your landscaping design. You can also find plastic edging that comes with a design or pattern. These are a little more expensive but still cost less than other options.



Brick Borders

Brick has been used for a lot of different applications. Old roads and demolished houses have made for the availability of using reclaimed bricks for your landscaping design. The patina and color fits well with landscaping, and the solid material works well as a barrier. New bricks can offer a different style, as well. The clean lines and uniform color may be perfect for you. You may wish to dig a small trench for these, but you can also stack them for a small barrier wall using mortar.



Reusing Materials

The opportunity to recycle materials for landscaping borders is almost endless. You can use old windowpanes to section of a garden or cut old tires to border a playground. Reusing materials not only helps to reduce the landfills and lower your carbon footprint, it can also be easier on your wallet. Use your imagination for a one-of-a-kind landscaping design.

Borders are important in the look of your overall yard. They are the finishing touches that really give your yard a professional look. Even small and simple yard will benefit from a great border. For more landscaping ideas, check out our DIY blog.