Concrete edging defines your garden space with a durable border, but proper preparation is key to a quality finish. Without a level trench at the proper depth, the concrete edge material appears uneven and may shift out of position. The process requires a few basic tools and the physical exertion to bend, dig and level the area. The extra effort upfront to create a solid base for the landscape edging pays off with improved curb appeal and durability in the future.
Mark the path of the concrete edging as a guide for digging. Place a garden hose on the ground as a marker, or place wooden stakes at the corners and connect them with strings.
Measure the height of the concrete edging. Determine how much of the edging you want to stick up above the soil line to calculate how deep to dig the trench. For example, if the edging is 6 inches high and you want 2 inches to show above the soil, the trench needs to be at least 4 inches deep. Add another 2 inches to the depth to account for a sand layer at the base of the trench. In this example, you would dig the trench 6 inches deep.
Measure from the front to the back of the concrete edging. Add 1 inch to this measurement to determine the width of the trench. For example, if the edging is 3 inches, make the trench about 4 inches wide. The extra inch allows you to backfill to hold the edging in place.
Cut a straight line in the grass at the front edge of the trench with a square spade. Work along the length of the trench to establish the shape. Cut the back edge of the trench based on the width measurement you took.
Dig out the grass and soil within the trench. Dig down to the calculated depth that allows enough room for the sand base and edging. Use a garden trowel to smooth out the edges so the trench sides and bottom are straight and even.
Measure the width of the trench at several points to ensure it is even. Cut out more soil as needed.
Place a level in the bottom of the trench. Move the level down the entire length of the trench to ensure it is level the entire way. Dig out small amounts of soil as needed to make the soil level.
Compact the soil in the trench by hitting it with a hand tamper. Check the bottom with the level again.
Things You Will Need
- Garden hose
- Wooden stakes
- Square spade
- Garden trowel
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