Mowstrips and edging are among the less glamorous elements of landscape construction, but they play an important role in creating a neat and well-maintained garden. One of the hallmarks of a landscape designed and built by Details Landscape Art is attention to detail. Whether the project includes lawns, decomposed granite pathways, gravel areas, or planting beds, we like to clearly define the boundaries between different landscape elements.
We believe it is unsightly to see lawn grass gradually creeping into bark or groundcover areas, or decomposed granite spreading into adjacent planting beds. Proper edging helps keep everything where it belongs.
Throughout Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties, we install landscapes that are both natural looking and meticulously maintained. Mowstrips and edging help achieve that balance.
Mowstrips and Edging Around Lawns
Despite ongoing concerns about water use, many homeowners still choose to include lawn areas in their landscapes. When a lawn is part of the design, we almost always recommend some type of border treatment.
Mowstrips and edging around lawn
Without a defined edge, lawn grass gradually spreads beyond its intended area. The result is a fuzzy, unkempt appearance that detracts from the overall design.
Several edging materials are available, each with its own advantages.
Benderboard
Synthetic benderboard is one of the most economical options.
The material is installed vertically in a narrow trench, with the top edge positioned near the base of the grass blades. Multiple sections can be connected together, allowing the edging to follow straight lines or gentle curves.
Benderboard effectively contains the lawn while remaining relatively unobtrusive.
Steel Headers
Steel headers create a very clean, crisp edge.
Because the material is much thinner than benderboard, it is less visible once installed. Steel edging works particularly well where a contemporary or formal appearance is desired.
The downside is that steel headers provide little room for the wheel of a lawn mower, making mowing slightly more difficult.
Concrete Mowstrips
Concrete mowstrips are the premium option.
Typically six inches wide, they provide a generous surface for the wheel of a lawn mower, making maintenance easier. In addition to being highly functional, concrete mowstrips can become an attractive design feature in their own right.
We can construct mowstrips using:
- Stamped concrete
- Exposed aggregate
- Brick
- Flagstone
Mowstrips and edging around lawn using flagstone
The material is often selected to coordinate with nearby patios, pathways, or driveways.
Edging for Gravel and Decomposed Granite
Edging is equally important in areas that do not contain lawn.
Decomposed granite, decorative gravel, and rock mulch all tend to migrate over time. Foot traffic, irrigation, pets, and routine maintenance gradually move these materials beyond their intended boundaries.
Both benderboard and steel headers work well for containing these materials. Since lawn mower access is not a consideration, the narrow profile of steel edging often works particularly well.
For decomposed granite pathways, edging helps preserve clean lines and prevents the pathway from gradually widening.
(Internal link opportunity: Decomposed Granite)
Mowstrips and Edging – The Importance of Clean Lines
Good landscape design often comes down to details.
While homeowners tend to focus on patios, water features, trees, and colorful plantings, it is often the smaller construction details that make a garden feel complete. Clean transitions between lawn, bark, pathways, and planting beds contribute significantly to the overall appearance of a landscape.
At Details Landscape Art, we strive to create gardens that feel natural while remaining neat and organized. Properly installed mowstrips and edging help maintain that appearance for years to come.
A beautiful garden is more enjoyable when every element has its place.