How To Properly Use Bender Board Edging Products

By Betty Turner


Making your lawn look great takes time and patience and a bit of experience. The landscaping process starts with a design. Once this is completed, the next step is to start figuring out how and what tools to use in order to accomplish the new design. Since lawn designs are usually sweeping and not geometric, there is a special set of equipment used to protect areas from weeds. Using bender board edging products accomplishes this by putting the material in place that will fit the sweeping design and dampen weeds at the same time. It also provides a clean separation between flower gardens and turf.

The products are made from two basic types of material. The wood composites are very popular because they are really natural and can be found in the various types and colors of wood available. The recycled plastics look like wood but will last much longer than the composite versions. There are definite advantages to either choice and your own preferences will play a role here.

The wood version is environmentally friendly. Since it is made from natural materials it will eventually splinter and return to the earth. That is one factor that causes a pause in choosing the material. It will still last for years, so you won't need to replace it for quite a while. It looks nice and is natural so those two factors are reasons alone to use this material.

Using the plastic version is a great long term option. It can be said that it is also environmentally sound because the plastic waste may have ended up in a landfill if not used for this purpose. The biggest factor is that it will not break down over time. Since it can be made to look like wood adds to the desirability of the product.

Installing them is labor-intensive and requires the ability to properly measure. Marking the area it will go starts by putting stakes in the ground along the edge. Pull a string along this line and then measure the length of the string to get a more accurate measure. Using spray paint to mark the line is helpful to keep track of where to dig.

Dig a six-inch-wide trench. This provides enough space for the product to be placed and have stakes in the ground to attach them to. The stakes should be put in away from the turf. You can put the material below the turf line and use rocks to decorate since the material will also keep weeds from growing up. Most will keep it about an inch above the turf to keep the grass out and have a nice wood looking border.

The stakes go in the ground to hold the material in place. These need to be rather sturdy stakes. Some products come with them and others just suggest a certain type. The material will actually be attached to it so it needs to be strong enough to hold it in place. When putting in the material, add a stake at a section break so both ends can be held in place.

Put the dirt back in. You probably won't use it all, but before you discard any, be sure to pack the dirt in. This keeps it from settling later on or washing away when it rains. If you do cover the material, be sure to put your stones in place to keep it from washing away.

Using edging is a popular way to provide a break between grass and flowerbeds or installed streams and waterfalls. This keeps the grass from growing over into the wrong area. The clean break also looks great and makes the landscaping really stand out.




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