When it comes to edging artificial grass, there are several options to choose from. Choosing the best edging for your project really depends on your preference and budget. There will always be a cheap and expensive option. However, there is only one way to do things right!
If you’re in South Florida, let the pros at Big Dogs Artificial Turf help you choose the right edging for your project.
What is Artificial Grass Edging?
Artificial grass edging refers to the boundary or border materials used to neatly finish and secure the edges of artificial turf installations. The purpose of edging is:
- Secures the Turf – Proper edging ensures artificial grass edges are held securely in place, preventing them from lifting or becoming uneven over time.
- Enhances Durability – By holding the turf in place, edging can enhance the longevity and durability of the installation, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or dogs.
- Aesthetics – Edging provides a clean and neat finish, creating a seamless transition between the turf and other areas of the landscape, such as flower beds, trees, or property lines.
- Prevents Contamination – A good edging system can prevent soil or mulch, from getting onto the artificial grass, which often leads to weed growth.
When you work with Big Dogs Artificial Turf, we almost always recommend the use of edging. If you want a clean, professional look that will out last other inferior artificial grass installation methods, have your installers use edging!
Types of Artificial Grass Edging
In South Florida, there are only a few types of artificial grass edging options worth mentioning. They are as follows:
- Aluminum Edging: The most dependable and longest lasting edging product. We recommend aluminum edging above all other types of artificial turf edging options.
- Flexible Paver Edging: A durable plastic edging solution for clean lines. Artificial grass can be nailed, glued or stapled to paver edging.
- Bender Board: A versatile edging solution made of composite materials. Can be used as a hard transition line or wrapped with artificial grass and stapled as a more natural transition.
- Wonderedge: A unique plastic edging system that allows poorly cut artificial turf edges to be tucked and hidden, creating clean transitions.
In other parts of the country, bricks, paver stones, and even wood can be used as edging, but in South Florida we generally find it best to use one of the options above. When selecting artificial grass edging, think about your landscape design, how you’ll use the turf, its durability, and your budget. Choosing the the correct edging for your project is a critical step in your project.
Common Edging Mistakes & Failures
If you took the cheap route, or hired just a “guy” to install your synthetic lawn, you’re more than likely going to experience failing turf. We’ve seen some pretty unsightly installs, especially those that lacked the use of proper edging.
No Edging At All
Some installations we’ve see didn’t use edging at all. While this is acceptable in some instances, other times we’ve seen it done flat out wrong. When this is the case, its pretty common to have erosion, weeds, and a overall unprofessional appearance.
When areas without edging fail, the turf will need to be pulled back (nails and seams removed) in order to add more base material and recreate the proper slope. This process can be 2x more expensive because not only do they have to peel back the turf, they will also have to re-lay the turf.
Cheap Plastic Edging
Some installers try to cut down costs by installing cheap plastic edging from home depot or lowes. This type of edging is something you might see in grandma’s overgrown garden.
If your installer is suggesting some sort of cheap plastic edging as a way to save you money, run for the hills! Never use cheap plastic edging materials as they degrade rapidly and your artificial grass installation will fail.
Artificial Grass Edging Done Right
At Big Dogs Artificial Turf, we know exactly when and where to use the right edging. In an effort to maintain excellence and professionalism, we never will suggest using an inferior edging material just to save money. We know in the long run, it’s always best to install the best artificial turf edging, the right way, the first time.
Contact Big Dogs Artificial Turf for a free estimate, call now (561) 556-5018!
