Here’s Why Edging Is Essential When Installing Synthetic Turf
February 22, 2024
Synthetic grass is one of the most aesthetically pleasing landscaping solutions on the market — that’s just one reason why it’s skyrocketed in popularity in the past few years. When Dallas, TX, homeowners opt for synthetic turf installation, they expect a neat and pristine lawn, and turf edging is a crucial factor in this.
While it may seem like a small detail, proper edging is essential for a successful and long-lasting artificial turf installation. If you’re a professional turf installer wanting to ensure the quality and longevity of your work, here’s everything you need to know about synthetic turf edging systems.
Benefits of Synthetic Grass Edging
Synthetic turf edging has many visual and practical benefits for property owners. One of the biggest benefits is the clean and polished look it gives to your lawn. Edging helps define the edges of your turf and creates a clean separation between the synthetic grass and other elements such as flower beds, walkways, or decking. This gives your lawn a professional and finished appearance that enhances your curb appeal and property value.
Beyond aesthetic appeal, edging also helps maintain the shape and structure of your lawn. It prevents the edges of your turf from shifting and moving, ensuring that your lawn always has an even surface and stays in place, even during heavy foot traffic and extreme weather. It also helps keep weeds at bay, acting as a barrier to prevent these unwanted plants from encroaching on your turf. Without proper edging, weeds and other plants can sometimes grow into your synthetic grass, compromising its beauty and functionality. With proper edging, however, you can enjoy a weed-free lawn without worrying about upkeep.
Different Types of Artificial Turf Edging
When choosing the right synthetic grass edging for your project, there are a range of materials to choose from. Most commonly, installers opt for plastic polyboard, metal edging, or concrete curbing.
Plastic’s pliability and affordability make it a popular choice for a variety of projects. It can be easily bent and curved to fit all of your landscaping needs with unbeatable durability. It’s generally waterproof, resistant to damage from lawn equipment, and resistant to cracking and splitting. Products like polyboard also mimic the appearance of other luxury materials like redwood while maintaining all the functional benefits of plastic.
Metal borders are another common choice. The thin, metal lines provided by these products create a clean, subtle division between your artificial grass and the surrounding landscaping, making them ideal for homeowners who want a modern or minimalistic appearance. They can be easily installed to match the unique shapes and contours of your landscape turf, and they’re ideal for separating flower beds from front lawns.
Concrete curbing is a permanent edging material that is perfect for homeowners who want their installation to stand the test of time. Concrete is designed to perform well for decades, and it’s an ideal option for any homeowner on a tight budget who wants a long-lasting solution. Unlike bricks, pavers, or stones, which are individual tiles built into a final shape, concrete curbing is typically one solid slab that is molded into a single shape or pattern. This makes them highly customizable as well as durable and long-lasting.
What To Consider When Choosing Artificial Grass Edging
While there are pros and cons to every type of artificial grass edging, the best option for your project will depend on a variety of unique factors. Firstly, you’ll need to consider your client’s budget. Pricing can vary widely depending on the material and quality, so it’s important to find an option that is durable and long-lasting while remaining within budget.
Another important factor to consider is the overall visual effect. Although edging is a more subtle aspect of your landscape design, it’s still crucial to choose an edging material that complements your outdoor space. More modern homes, for example, tend to opt for metal edging, while traditionalists prefer plastic or concrete.
Finally, consider the climate and how much maintenance the homeowner is willing to perform. Different edging materials may require different levels of upkeep, so consider which one will stand the test of time in the Dallas weather and how much maintenance will be required to keep it in its best condition.
How to Install Synthetic Turf Edging
Once you’ve found the right edging system for your project, it’s important to install it properly to ensure a high-quality final installation. Start by preparing the installation area, marking the desired boundary for your edging and where you want it to go. Use stakes and string to mark the boundary and ensure it’s straight and even. Then, dig a trench around the perimeter of your lawn where the boundary is marked. The depth and width of the trench will depend on the type of edging you choose.
Once the trench is dug, place the edging in the trench, making sure it’s level and straight. Use stakes or an adhesive, depending on your edging material, to hold the edging in place. When securing your material, ensure that there is a seamless connection between each piece of edging to prevent any gaps that may allow weeds to grow through. Once the edging is firmly in place, fill the rest of the trench with soil or gravel, packing it in tightly. Finally, secure your synthetic grass with nails or staples, and trim any turf blades that creep over the edging. You should have a neat and tidy synthetic grass installation that you’re homeowner is happy with.
If you need guidance in choosing the right artificial turf edging products, look no further than SGW Dallas. We can help you find the perfect synthetic grass products and turf installation accessories for your home or business. Synthetic Grass Warehouse has been an industry leader for more than 20 years, helping distributors, installers, and homeowners alike with all of their artificial grass installation needs. To find out more about our products or to receive guidance with your next artificial grass installation, contact your local Synthetic Grass Warehouse facility today.