Types of Edging for Artificial Grass: A Complete Guide

When installing artificial grass, it is important to choose an appropriate form of edging. One that can be installed within your budget and that complements your space.

Edging is crucial to the aesthetics of your garden, defining boundaries and creating a neat and unified look. The right edging will ensure that your artificial grass remains secure for years as the edging will provide anchoring points for your lawn while keeping the aggregate on which it is laid contained. Your synthetic turf won’t lift, shift or fray over time and your substrate won’t move.

There are several types of edging to consider:

• Timber edging
  Timber edging has been typically used in artificial grass installation. However, it is not the best material to use because its the edging that holds the whole system together and within a few years you will find it rots away and fall apart. This form of edging is unsuitable for curved or freeform lawns.
• Pressure-treated edging sleepers
  Sleepers are visually appealing choices for edging that can also be stacked to create raised beds and other features. As such, they enable you to benefit from seamless and unified transitions between your lawn, beds and other elements of your outside space. But timber sleepers, especially any exposed ends, must be well-maintained to delay rotting and this type of edging will not provide the longevity of steel. In addition, sleepers are unsuitable for edging curved lawns.
• Metal edging
  Metal edging, often made from aluminium or steel, is an excellent option if you are seeking a sleek, minimalist boundary for your artificial grass. This type of edging is extremely durable and provides a clean, sharp line that can be barely noticeable from a distance. Metal edging is resistant to corrosion and weathering, making it ideal for long-lasting installations. This type of edging is best suited to contemporary gardens. It is harder to cut and work with than timber and it is more costly. However, it can be bent and shaped to suit your needs and will last up to 50 years.

• Composite plastic edging
  Quick and easy to install, composite plastic edging won’t rot and so is a long-lasting solution. It is designed to look like timber and so can give you a pleasing aesthetic and is almost maintenance-free. However, composite edging can cost up to four times more than timber alternatives. You will have a greater up front investment but courtesy of its lifespan, composite edging is cost effective in the long run. It’s worth considering whether you intend to move house in the future when weighing up the pros and cons of purchasing expensive composite edging.
• Granite and Cobbles
  Granite and cobbles set in concrete with a concrete haunch is by far the best and most stylish looks and striking contrasts. You can choose from a wide variety of setts and materials that matches the other features in your garden, including patios and paths, to give you a unified look. Better still, you can install the edging to whatever height you wish. This means that you can have raised edging or edging that is flush with your artificial grass. The cost of granites and cobble varies but all edging will be long-lasting and so will deliver excellent value. It is suitable for most gardens including both traditional and contemporary spaces. You should bear in mind that laying granite and cobbled edging is labour intensive.

Conclusions

The right choice of edging will depend on the nature of your garden, your personal taste and your budget. It is certainly worth thinking about how long you intend to stay at your current home as the most expensive options are also the most durable ones and so will last for longer. Will you be living at the property for long enough to reap the long-term financial benefits of those costly edges?

Each edging material has its advantages and disadvantages and so you will need to weigh up your priorities. If you are struggling to make your decision, we are always here to give you expert advice. The team at Kennedy Landscapes & Gardens can install your chosen artificial lawn and edging to create a stylish and professional look while ensuring that your lawn is perfectly secured.