Installing concrete edging blocks

Cut landscape fabric with scissors to match the width of the trench. Place the fabric in the trench to help block the growth of weeds. Shovel sand into the trench and spread to a depth of 3 inches with a trowel.

Set a concrete block against the lawn side of the trench. Level the block with a construction level. Place blocks end to end, making sure to check the level as you go. Sprinkle sand between the block ends, and between the block and lawn edge to seal any gaps and add stability to the blocks.

Back fill the blocks with soil removed from the trench. Tamp the soil down firmly to help set the blocks in place and prevent movement. Gently brush the sand into the cracks with an old paintbrush or soft hand broom. Fill the empty spaces in the trench with soil or some other stabilizing material like mulch or gravel. Now stand back and admire your work! This little bit of sweat equity rewards you with instant curb appeal.

Installing landscape edging is an easy DIY project that can add plenty of appeal and order to a landscape. Still have questions? See below for more information. The best way to install landscape edging bricks , blocks, and pavers is to follow the steps above. Some pavers have a longer front and shorter back. This might require turning every other block over to match the side edges, so be sure to get two-sided pavers that are the same on the top and bottom. Interlocking pavers have a lip on the bottom to help hold stacked pieces in place; unless you plan to make an edge of more than one row, avoid interlocking blocks.

In some cases, yes. If you want to keep grass from spreading into a flower bed , use a trench deeper than the grass roots or edging to separate the landscape elements. If you add a gravel or crushed rock path, edging keeps the rocks from mingling with nearby soil or mulch. Depending on the length you need to edge and the type of ground, you can use a hand trowel, hoe, or shovel to dig your trench.

While digging, follow the spray paint line consistently. If you start out digging from the line back toward the garden bed, for example, and later switch to digging equally on both sides of the line, you might throw off your landscape edging placement.

Once you understand the ins and outs of installing landscape edging, it is not difficult to tackle this project in a single weekend. With the right tools, a little prep, and just the right edging material, DIYers can add order and design elements to their yards with simple borders and edging. Disclosure: BobVila. Plastic and steel: Flexible plastic edging will conform to almost any curve. It's easy to install by anchoring it to the ground with spikes driven through integral lugs.

Use steel edge restraints for precast pavers and any time you want to restrain the edging material without the restraint being visible. Backfill the edges with topsoil to hide the stakes.

Stone: Both flagstone and cut stone make excellent edging, especially for wide walks. You can purchase precut stone or cut the pieces yourself from paving stones. When cutting your own, keep the width consistent so the stones don't look mismatched. Precast edging: Many manufacturers make precast edging or tiles to match paver patterns. They come in straight or curved shapes, many with sculpted designs. You can also use precast blocks by themselves as borders for planting beds.

Lay out the site and excavate it to the depth required for your materials. Drive 2x4 stakes every feet. Attach 2x forms to the stakes below ground level and spread the gravel base.

Then spread the sand base and tamp it. Install the brick edging, setting one or two rows of paving as you go. Then backfill the edges of the site. Build a Brick Patio or Pathway.