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10 July 2019

How To Properly Use Bender Board Edging Products

By Betty Turner


Taking the time to enhance your lawn takes a lot of patience and some experience. There are tips and materials that are used to make this happen in the best ways. The first step is to create a design. This step includes providing a layout of where everything will be. Most designs include round flower gardens, streams, and in some cases waterfalls. Using bender board edging makes it easy to create a clean break between the grassy areas and the landscaped sections.

The edges are made from two different materials. The first is wood. This is usually composite and uses one of the many types available. The natural look this gives is greatly desired. The second basic material is from recycled plastic that is made to look like wood. There are advantages to using either and your personal choice will be a factor in making the decision.

Choosing a wood composite is environmentally sound. Since it is made from wood, it will deteriorate over time and return to the soil. The problem here is that as it begins to break down it will not retain the beautiful look it once had. This is a concern for some that want to keep that look for years.

The plastics will not break down over time. They are recycled, which helps keep the plastic waste out of the landfill. Since they are synthetic, they can be made to look like their wood cousins but not have the issue of deteriorating over time. This keeps them looking great and they are definitely durable.

Expect to work hard to install them. The two hardest parts are measuring the length needed and digging the trench. The easiest way to accomplish the first task is to place a lot of stakes along the path needed for the material. Using a string that is stretched between them, you can then measure the string for the amount of material you will need. Use spray paint to mark where you are going to dig.

The trench needs to be six inches wide. The depth depends on your preference. Some may want to use it to keep weeds out and keep the turf back. In this case, they want to dig the hole deep enough to bury the material. For those that prefer to have the top above the turf to create the clean separation look, dig it just deep enough to allow about an inch above the turf.

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.

Finally, push the dirt back into the trench. This is the downhill side of the project and will feel good reaching this point. Pack the dirt in tight whether it buries the border or not. This keeps you from having to go back later and fill in more. If you bury the material, you'll need to use decorative rocks to keep that look of separation.

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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