Best Landscape Edging Strips

These three stand out in the product table above for different budgets and needs.

Best overall: the Edge Right, around $130, is our first choice from the table.

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Best value: the 33ft. Galvanized Steel Landscape Edging, around $66, is the lowest priced of these three.

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Also great: the Flexible Brown Natural Lawn & Landscape Border Edging, around $115, is another strong option with a different set of features.

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Flexible plastic edging bends easily around curved bed shapes and costs less than rigid alternatives, though thinner versions can crack over time in cold climates. Steel or aluminum edging holds a crisp, straight line exceptionally well and resists cracking, making it a popular choice for modern, clean lined designs.

Stone or concrete edging offers a more traditional, permanent look but involves more labor to install and is harder to reconfigure later if bed shapes change.

Edging that extends at least four to six inches below grade blocks grass roots and rhizomes far more effectively than shallow strips that sit mostly on the surface. Above ground height matters too, since taller edging holds back mulch better and creates a more visible, defined border.

Choosing the best landscape edging strips depth for grass species known to spread aggressively, like certain running grasses, means prioritizing deeper root barriers over purely decorative shallow strips.

Flexible plastic or rubber edging conforms easily to curved, organic bed shapes without requiring cutting or special corner pieces. Rigid metal or stone edging works best for straight line borders and needs additional pieces or careful cutting to handle curves cleanly.

Match edging flexibility to your actual bed design rather than fighting a rigid material into curves it was not built to accommodate smoothly.

Stakes driven through pre punched holes at intervals along the edging hold it firmly in place against soil movement and lawn mower contact, so checking stake spacing and included hardware matters before buying. Some edging systems interlock at the ends for a continuous, gap free run along longer borders.

Properly anchored edging stays level and in place for years, while poorly secured edging tends to heave or shift within a season or two of freeze thaw cycles.

How deep should landscape edging be buried?

At least four to six inches below grade generally provides an effective root barrier against grass and spreading rhizomes, while shallower edging mainly serves a decorative rather than functional purpose.

Does landscape edging actually stop grass from spreading into beds?

A properly installed, adequately deep edging strip significantly reduces grass encroachment, though very aggressive spreading grass species may still occasionally find their way over or around shallow sections.

Is metal or plastic edging better for a straight lined modern design?

Metal or aluminum edging generally holds a crisper, straighter line and resists warping better than plastic, making it a common choice for clean, modern landscape designs.

Can landscape edging be installed without professional help?

Yes, most edging systems are designed for straightforward DIY installation using basic tools like a spade for the trench and a mallet for driving anchor stakes.

How do I install edging around curved bed shapes?

Flexible plastic or rubber edging conforms easily to curves without cutting, while rigid materials like metal or stone typically need special corner pieces or careful cutting for curved sections.

Will edging prevent mulch from washing into the lawn during rain?

Yes, edging with adequate above ground height helps contain mulch within the bed, reducing the amount that washes or blows onto the surrounding lawn during heavy rain or wind.

Quality edging strips solve grass encroachment permanently rather than requiring constant maintenance trimming. Match material and depth to your climate and bed shape, anchor it securely, and the clean border will hold for years with minimal upkeep.