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Quick Answer
The best edging for a slope garden depends on several factors, including:
– Level of steepness – Steeper slopes require more durable edging to prevent erosion. Stone, concrete, and metal work well on steeper slopes.
– Soil type – Loose or sandy soil requires stronger edging to hold it in place. Heavy clay soil may allow flexible plastic or wood edging.
– Budget – Materials like stone, concrete, and metal are longer-lasting but more expensive options. Less expensive choices include plastic lumber, wood boards, vinyl, or aluminum.
– Aesthetics – Choices range from formal (stone, concrete) to natural (wood). Curved edges have a softer look.
– Lawn or garden bed – Lawn areas need an edge to prevent grass from creeping in. Gardens also benefit from edging to keep mulch contained.
Many experts recommend installing durable, heavy-duty edging, especially for steeper slopes. This prevents erosion and contains the garden bed or lawn. Concrete, stone, metal, and plastic lumber are top choices for effectiveness and longevity.
What Types of Edging Are Available?
There are many types of edging materials to choose from for a sloped garden bed or lawn area. Each has pros and cons to consider.
Stone
Stone makes an elegant and natural-looking edge. Options include quarried stone, fieldstone, bluestone, and cut flagstone. Stone is durable, long-lasting, and works well on slopes. However, it usually requires mortar to install. It’s one of the more expensive edging choices but adds value to the landscape.
Concrete
Poured concrete edges have a clean, modern look. Pre-cast concrete pavers are another option. Concrete is sturdy, prevents erosion, and installs easily on slopes, making it a good choice. Over time it can crack and heave from freeze-thaw cycles. Painted or stained concrete adds color options.
Metal
Aluminum, steel, and copper are used for edging, providing a sharp, modern look. Metal is durable and neat-looking but can have a high initial cost. It may bend or warp on slopes over time. Stainless steel has the longest life but is expensive.
Plastic Lumber
Plastic composite lumber, PVC, vinyl, and recycled plastic boards make long-lasting, low maintenance edging. Colors and styles give a wood-like appearance without rotting. Easy DIY installation and affordability make plastic lumber edging popular.
Wood
Natural cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine boards create a casual, rustic edge. Wood is affordable and can be cut into custom curves. But it needs regular maintenance and may rot over time. Using landscape screws provides stability on slopes.
Aluminum
Flexible aluminum edging strips that snap together are very lightweight. They won’t rot or crack and are easy to install. But they can bend on slopes and may not adequately contain the lawn or garden bed. More rigid aluminum edging is available.
Vinyl
Flexible vinyl strips are very low cost but not very durable for slopes. They can pull out of the ground easily. But they create neat-looking curves and come in various colors. Better quality vinyl edging is thicker and more rigid.
Key Considerations for Edging on Slopes
When selecting an edging for a garden on a hillside or slope, keep these factors in mind:
Steepness of Slope
The steeper the slope, the more durable the edging needs to be. Heavy materials like stone, concrete, or metal are best for slopes above 30%. Flexible vinyl or aluminum is not a good choice for steep hills where they can easily pop out of the ground.
Water Runoff
Slopes require edging that blocks water runoff and contains the soil. Permeable edging that allows water to seep through, like flexible aluminum, won’t control erosion. Impermeable materials like plastic lumber or steel are better for blocking runoff.
Weight and Anchoring
Look for heavier materials not affected by wind or flooding rains to stay put on slopes. Stone, concrete, and steel can be inset or anchored with stakes and withstand weather and gravitation pull. Vinyl is too lightweight unless well-anchored.
Inside Curves vs. Outside Curves
On the inside curve at the top of a slope, water pressure pushes out so edging needs strong staking. On an outside curve at the bottom, water pressure pushes in and could undermine poorly anchored edging.
Appearance
Curved slopes look best with curved edging for a natural effect. Straight edges can appear stark and angular on contours. Freeform stone or plastic lumber conform to slopes.
Best Edging Options by Slope Steepness
The steeper the slope, the more reinforcement the edging needs. Here are top options for various steepness levels:
Gentle Slope—Under 10% Grade
– Wood boards
– Aluminum edging
– Vinyl
– Fieldstone
Moderate Slope—10% to 30% Grade
– Plastic lumber
– Concrete pavers
– Stone, mortared
– Steel
Steep Slope—Over 30% Grade
– Poured concrete
– Stone, mortared
– Steel
– Concrete blocks
On flat ground or gentle slopes, lightweight wood or vinyl edging should contain the lawn or garden. On steeper slopes, the edging needs to withstand erosion, slipping, and weather. Heavier concrete, stone, metal, and plastic lumber perform best.
Installation Tips for Slope Edging
Proper installation of edging is crucial to ensure it stays put on slopes. Here are some tips:
– Dig a trench and secure edging at least 6 inches into the ground.
– Stake sections together and anchor the ends with metal landscape stakes.
– On steep slopes, backfill behind edging with gravel and compact it to shore up the edge.
– Overlap pieces and use connectors to form a continuous edge.
– For pavers or stone, use mortar and set edging on a gravel base for good drainage.
– Follow any manufacturer’s specific instructions for best results.
– Make sure edging follows the contour of the slope for looks and performance.
Edging Installation Steps
| 1 | Mark layout of edging with string following slope contour. |
| 2 | Dig 6+ inch deep trench along layout line. |
| 3 | Backfill bottom 2 inches with gravel for drainage. |
| 4 | Position edging in trench, overlapping pieces. |
| 5 | Stake in place using landscape spikes or rebar. |
| 6 | Backfill with soil and gravel and compact. |
| 7 | End with top of edging 1/2 inch above ground level. |
Proper installation will keep the edging anchored securely in place for best performance on slopes.
5 Best Edging Choices for Sloped Gardens
Based on aesthetics, durability, and ease of installation, here are 5 recommended edging options for hillside landscaping:
1. Stone
Natural stone like fieldstone provides an attractive, long-lasting edge that’s effective at containing slopes. Granite cobblestones or bluestone also work well. Stone requires mortaring for best stability.
2. Concrete
Poured concrete seamlessly follows contours and prevents erosion. Pre-cast concrete pavers or blocks offer simplicity. Use deeper blocks on steeper areas. Paint or stain can add color.
3. Steel
Galvanized steel is strong, durable, and resists weather and wear. Corten steel has a rustic, weathered look. Use rebar or stakes to anchor metal edging into the slope.
4. Plastic Lumber
Recycled plastic or composite boards are sturdy yet flexible to shape. They won’t rot, split, or crack and require no maintenance. Timberlook plastic lumber mimics real wood.
5. Aluminum
Heavy-duty aluminum edging is rigid enough for slopes, while flexible aluminum won’t work. Black aluminum has a subtle modern look. Match slope’s shape.
These types of edging can all withstand the stresses of ground movement and erosion on slopes while giving an attractive border.
Conclusion
The ideal edging for a slope garden provides strong containment, prevents erosion, and withstands the downhill forces of gravity and rain. Durable materials that anchor securely into the hillside are best. Choices like stone, concrete, metal, and plastic lumber not only define the garden edge but also stabilize the landscape bed itself. With proper installation that follows the contour of the slope, the edging will maintain the beauty of the garden for many years. Careful selection ensures both form and function for the optimal slope garden edge.