I feel the earth move under my feet—even under the turf
Artificial grass needs edging to help it maintain structure and prevent ground erosion.
Edging for artificial turf can be practical and decorative.
Flexible edging is budget-friendly and easy to install but can wear down.
Both timber and stone edging are attractive and durable options.
You might wonder why artificial grass needs containing. After all, it doesn’t contain seeds that will spread beyond its designated area in the yard. But artificial grass edging is essential for preserving the turf structure and keeping your family safe.
Without edging for artificial grass, the soil under the turf can erode. Over time, the nails or spikes holding the turf down can become exposed, which can be dangerous for pets or little ones running around the yard.
Your local artificial grass company can recommend a product for your project. You can also read about options for synthetic grass edging that will help protect your low-maintenance landscaping investment.
Flexible edging is among the more wallet-friendly options at less than $1 per linear foot. It’s quick to install and can easily curve around your landscaping obstacles. You can get it in plastic, rubber, composite, and steel.
The downside of flexible edging is that it lacks strength. The plastic versions can crack in cold weather or when nicked with gardening tools. The material can be flimsy and can wear down easily.
Polyboard consists of recycled plastic. Like flexible edging, polyboard can bend around curves, and it’s inexpensive at about $2 per linear foot. It’s also a strong and durable product that looks like hardwood but doesn’t rot, making it a good choice for outdoor uses.
A variety of tree species make up the timber edging options. Timber comes as long boards or on a roll that resembles a miniature fence. Either way, timber provides structure for your artificial grass.
Timber edging starts at around $1 per linear foot, depending on the variety you choose. The timbers themselves aren’t flexible, but the roll offers some give to go around edges.
Keep in mind that wood is prone to moisture and will eventually rot, so timber edging will show its age and may need replacing after about 10 years. For a longer life span, consider species like cedar that are naturally resistant to insects and rot.
Another artificial grass edging option is stone bricks or pavers. Long-lasting, durable stones can create a walkway along the artificial grass. You can also stack them to create a wall to keep everything where it’s supposed to be.
Stones come in a variety of shapes and colors. Expect to spend $3 to $5 per linear foot for a stone border.
Also known as sleepers, railroad ties are pieces of lumber cut into long rectangles. They’re pressure treated and can also be used for retaining walls, raised gardens, or to support railroad tracks. They’re durable and rot-resistant. You can cut them to length, but they’re stacked straight and won’t bend around other design elements in your yard.
Railroad ties are also a relatively expensive edging option at about $5 per linear foot. Railroad ties retaining walls cost $25 to $30 per square foot. You might even be able to find reclaimed railroad ties from actual railroads.
Composites are recycled plastic materials, and there are composite edging options that look like wooden railroad ties. The product is solid and durable and will withstand harsh weather and pests. However, it comes with a cost; composite edging can cost about $15 per linear foot.
