Rubber lawn edging is a popular option for creating crisp, clean lines along garden beds, driveways, and lawns. It provides a durable border that helps keep gravel, mulch, and grass in place. But is rubber lawn edging the best choice for your landscape? Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of rubber lawn edging to help you decide if it’s right for your yard.
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What is rubber lawn edging?
Rubber lawn edging, also called landscape edging, is a long strip of durable, flexible rubber that is installed along the edges of lawns, gardens, pathways, and driveways. It creates a sturdy border between different areas in the landscape.
Rubber lawn edging is available in long rolls that can be cut to the desired length. It has spikes or stakes on the bottom edge which anchor the edging into the ground. The top edge remains visible after installation, creating a clean divide between surfaces.
Rubber edging comes in various colors, heights, and thicknesses. Shorter edging 2-4 inches high works well between lawn and garden beds. Taller 8-10 inch edging is ideal for separating gravel driveways or patios from the lawn. Thicker edging is more durable.
Pros of rubber lawn edging
There are many benefits that make rubber lawn edging a popular choice:
It’s durable and long-lasting
Rubber edging is very tough and durable, lasting for many years. It won’t rot, crack or warp like plastic or wood edging can. Quality rubber lawn edging can last up to 20-25 years in the landscape. This makes it a good long-term investment that doesn’t need frequent replacing.
It’s flexible and easy to install
Rubber edging comes in flexible coils or rolls that are easy to work with and contour to curved beds or borders. The flexibility also allows it to conform to the natural movements of the ground over time without buckling. Most rubber edging styles simply spike into the ground for quick and easy DIY installation. No special tools are required.
It provides a clean, defined edge
The thickness and height of rubber edging creates a bold, straight edge between lawn and garden. This gives landscape beds a neat, finished look. The defined edge also acts as a barrier to keep mulch, gravel and sod in place in their designated areas.
It’s low maintenance
Once installed properly, rubber lawn edging requires very little ongoing maintenance compared to metal, wood or plastic edging. You don’t have to repaint or stain it like wood. It won’t rust or corrode like metal can. And it won’t become brittle and crack like plastic edging. An occasional re-spiking is all that’s needed if the edging becomes loose.
It works well on curves and slopes
Rubber edging has enough flexibility to bend smoothly around curved landscape beds or tree rings without kinking. Its durability also allows it to stay put on hills and slopes where other edging might become dislodged. This makes it ideal for winding, organic-shaped beds.
It comes in various colors
Rubber edging is available in basic black as well as neutral brown and tan shades that blend into landscape beds. For a more decorative flair, you can find it in bright accent colors like red, blue, green and yellow to add a pop of color.
It’s affordable
Quality rubber lawn edging provides durability and longevity at a lower cost than metal, brick or stone edging. It’s competitively priced with plastic edging but tends to last much longer. The ease of DIY installation also saves on professional labor costs.
Cons of rubber lawn edging
While having many positives, there are some potential downsides to consider with rubber lawn edging:
It can be damaged by string trimmers
The biggest drawback of rubber edging is it’s susceptibility to damage from string trimmers and weed whips. If the trimmer line hits the edging, it can gouge out chunks leaving unsightly gashes and nicks. Care must be taken when trimming along the border to avoid this.
The stakes may loosen over time
While rubber edging is quite durable, the metal or plastic stakes used to secure it can sometimes loosen up over time. This allows the edging to shift and move out of place. Periodically checking and re-seating the stakes is necessary.
It may need to be replaced eventually
Although quality rubber edging can last 20+ years, it will eventually need to be replaced once it starts to show signs of aging and deterioration. Pieces may become brittle and cracked. At that point, new edging will be required if you want to maintain a crisp defined edge.
It can pop up in frozen ground
In very cold climates, the freeze-thaw cycles of winter and spring can push rubber edging up out of the ground. This mainly occurs if the edging wasn’t installed deep enough. Keeping it well-anchored below the frost line prevents this problem.
It works best on soft, moist ground
For best results, rubber edging should be installed in softer, moister soil that allows the stakes to penetrate deeply. Very hard, dry or compacted soil may not allow proper stake depth and stability.
It requires periodic cleaning
Although low maintenance, rubber edging will need occasional cleaning like any other landscape edging. Debris from lawns and garden beds can accumulate along the edge. A quick hosing keeps it looking fresh.
Dark colors show scuffs
Solid black rubber edging can start to show white scuff marks and scratches after a while. These are more visible on the darker colors. Lighter brown shades help minimize the appearance of scuffs.
Best uses for rubber lawn edging
Taking its pros and cons into account, here are the best uses for rubber landscape edging:
Between lawn and garden beds
Rubber edging provides a crisp, clean divide between lawns and planting beds. Its flexibility allows smooth curves along the bed line. The defined edge keeps mulch from spilling onto the grass.
Around tree rings and ornamental beds
Winding rubber edging around tree rings, ornamental grasses and island planting beds creates a neat finish. It contains mulch and prevents grass from invading the bed.
Along driveways and walkways
Thick rubber edging maintains a barrier between gravel driveways, mulch beds and lawns. It keeps gravel from straying into lawn areas.
Around patios and decks
Installing rubber edging around patios and decks provides a smooth transition between surfaces while preventing grass and weeds from creeping in.
Down retaining walls
Running rubber edging along the top of retaining walls and slopes helps confine gravel and direct runoff water. The flexibility allows smooth bends.
To divide gravel and mulch areas
Rubber edging keeps different types of ground cover separated, such as gravel pathways dividing mulch beds.
Conclusion
Overall, rubber lawn edging provides a durable, low maintenance solution for creating crisp edges in the landscape. Its longevity, ease of installation and defined border make it a great choice for most edging needs. Just take care when using string trimmers and periodically check stakes to prevent loosening. With proper installation and care, quality rubber edging can provide up to two decades of reliable service, making it a worthwhile investment for a polished, finished look in your yard.
Related questions
What are the best materials for landscape edging?
Some top options for durable, long-lasting landscape edging include:
- Rubber – Flexible, easy to install, long lasting up to 20-25 years.
- Aluminum – Sturdy, provides a crisp edge, rust-resistant.
- Steel – Very strong, stands up to freezing and thawing.
- Plastic – Affordable, easy to install, low maintenance.
- Brick or stone – Attractive, very durable but more costly.
- Concrete – Can be poured into custom shapes but requires more labor.
Should lawn edging be used to separate a gravel driveway from grass?
Yes, installing sturdy lawn edging between a gravel driveway and adjacent lawn areas is highly recommended. The edging contains the gravel and provides a clear border between the two surfaces. Without a physical barrier, gravel can easily stray from the driveway onto the lawn, creating a mess. Taller edging, 8 inches or more, works best for driveways. Rubber, aluminum, steel, brick or concrete edging are good driveway options.
How deep should landscape edging be installed?
For proper stability, most types of lawn edging should be installed 4-6 inches deep. However, in colder climates prone to frost heaving, a deeper installation about 8-12 inches below the frost line is better. Digging a trench, installing the edging at the proper depth, and backfilling ensures the edging stays put. Proper depth is key to prevent edging from popping up through freeze-thaw cycles.
Should lawn edging be used on sloped yards?
Yes, edging is especially helpful on sloped lawns or yards with hilly terrain. The edging helps secure loose materials like gravel, mulch or stones on slopes to prevent washout. It also acts as a mini retaining wall, holding the shape of planting beds and preventing soil erosion. For best results on slopes, flexible rubber edging that can mold to the terrain is recommended.
How can you improve the look of old, faded rubber lawn edging?
If your rubber lawn edging has become faded or discolored over time, there are a few options to improve its appearance:
- Clean it thoroughly with a degreaser or power washer to remove dirt.
- Use Krylon Fusion spray paint to refresh the color with a fresh coat of black or brown paint suited for plastic and rubber.
- Coat over the old edging with a Plasti Dip rubber coating available in various colors.
- Install new edging in front of the old for a layered, decorative look.
- Dig up and replace older edging that is cracked or misshapen.
Proper cleaning and occasional touch up can extend the life of quality rubber edging for many years before full replacement is needed.