Lawn edging, a pivotal component of landscape aesthetics, serves as a defining line that accentuates the beauty and health of your green spaces. By crafting clear distinctions between your lush lawn and adjacent areas like flower beds, pathways, or driveways, garden edging brings structure and elegance to your outdoor environment. Various materials can achieve this delineation, from bricks and stones to plastic and metal.
However, a common problem many homeowners need help with is the decision to embark on a DIY lawn edging venture or enlist a professional’s expertise. This article will compare the DIY approach against professional lawn edging services. We aim to shed light on each method’s advantages and potential disadvantages, providing the insights necessary to determine your project’s best course of action.
Lawn Edging At A Glance
Lawn edging is the process of creating a boundary between your lawn and other surfaces. The purpose of lawn edging is to keep the grass from spreading into flower beds, sidewalks, or driveways. There are many benefits to lawn edging, including:
- Defined Borders: Lawn edging creates a clear separation between your lawn and adjacent areas like flower beds, walkways, or driveways using various materials like corten steel, concrete, plastic, and more.
- Visual Appeal: It gives your yard a neat, polished, and organised look. Here are some tips on How to Transform Your Outdoor Space with Creative Edging Ideas
- Protection for Plantings: The edging is a barrier that prevents grass from creeping into flower beds or other plantings.
- Property Value Boost: A well-edged and maintained lawn can enhance the overall value of your property, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
- Erosion Prevention: Edging helps maintain the soil’s integrity, reducing the chances of erosion and ensuring a healthy lawn.
Read more on the benefits of lawn edging here.
Everything You Need To Know About DIY Lawn Edging
Lawn edging is a fantastic way to elevate the look of your garden, and doing it yourself can be both rewarding and economical. Before you dive in, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and potential challenges of DIY lawn edging.
Advantages of DIY Lawn Edging:
- Cost Savings: Opting for a DIY approach can significantly reduce labour expenses, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere.
- Sense of Achievement: There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing a project through from start to finish, especially when the results enhance your outdoor space.
- Design Autonomy: DIY means you’re in the driver’s seat. You can decide on the design, materials, and overall look, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your vision.
Challenges to Consider
- Time Investment: DIY edging can be time-intensive, especially for those new to the process or with expansive lawns.
- Risk of Errors: Without prior experience, mistakes can be made, affecting the outcome or damaging your lawn.
- Tool Acquisition: The project might necessitate buying or renting specific tools, which could offset some cost savings.
Essential Tools for the Job
- Shovel: For digging trenches and removing sod.
- Garden Hose or String: Useful for marking your edging path precisely.
- Edging Tool: A specialised tool that helps create clean, defined edges.
- Level: To ensure your edging lies flat and even.
- Weed Barrier Fabric: This prevents unwanted growth from creeping into your edged areas.
- Sand or Gravel: Acts as a base or filler for certain edging styles.
DIY Lawn Edging in 7 Steps
- Design Selection: Start by visualising and deciding on the design and materials that resonate with your garden’s aesthetic.
- Marking: Use a garden hose or string to outline the area you want to edge, ensuring it follows your desired path.
- Trench Creation: Dig a trench along the marked line with your shovel. This will act as the foundation for your edging.
- Edge Shaping: Utilize the edging tool to refine the trench, achieving your desired edge design.
- Levelling: As you progress, consistently check with a level to ensure your edging remains even.
- Barrier Installation: Lay down the weed barrier fabric within the trench to deter any unwanted plant growth.
- Filling: Conclude by filling the trench with your chosen material, be it sand, gravel, or even mulch, to secure your edging in place.
READ: Steel Garden Edging: A Comprehensive Guide to Installation and Maintenance
Professional Lawn Edging
Lawn or garden edging can transform the aesthetics of your garden, and while many opt for a DIY approach, hiring professionals offers its advantages and challenges. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help you make an informed decision:
Advantages of Hiring Professional Lawn Edgers
- Skill and Know-how: Professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring that the edging is executed flawlessly, enhancing the overall look of your garden.
- Efficiency: One of the significant perks of hiring experts is the time you save. They have the tools and techniques to complete the job efficiently, freeing you from the hassle and manual labour.
- Assured Quality: With their reputation on the line, professionals often guarantee the quality of their work, ensuring you get the desired outcome.
Potential Drawbacks
- Higher Costs: Quality comes at a price. Engaging professionals might be pricier than if you were to undertake the project yourself.
- Limited Design Control: While professionals will consider your preferences, you might have less autonomy over the design and material choices than a DIY approach.
Setting Expectations
When you decide to engage a professional lawn edging service, here’s a general idea of the process:
- Lawn Evaluation: The experts will first assess the specifics of your lawn, considering its size, shape, and existing design elements.
- Tailored Recommendations: Based on their assessment, they’ll suggest suitable edging designs and materials that complement your garden.
- Transparent Quotation: Before commencing, they’ll provide a detailed cost estimate, ensuring there are no surprises later on.
- Timely Execution: Professionals value your time. Once terms are agreed upon, they’ll set a timeline and strive to complete the project within that frame.
Tax Deductibility of Lawn Edging
An often overlooked aspect of lawn edging, particularly when hiring professionals, is its potential tax implications. In some cases, landscaping expenses, including lawn edging, may be considered tax deductible.
This is particularly relevant if you’re using landscaping to improve the curb appeal for a home sale or as part of a home office setup. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand if your lawn edging project qualifies for such benefits and how to claim it on your taxes appropriately.
Budgeting for Professional Lawn Edging
The investment required for professional lawn edging can fluctuate based on various determinants. Factors like your lawn’s dimensions, the intricacy of the desired design, and the materials chosen play a role in the final cost.
It’s always a good idea to obtain multiple quotes to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between DIY and Professional
Choosing between a DIY approach and hiring professionals for lawn edging can be pivotal. Here are some key factors to contemplate as you decide which route aligns best with your needs:
- Financial Considerations: Begin by setting a clear budget for the project. How much are you prepared to allocate? Remember, while DIY might seem cost-effective initially, unexpected expenses can arise. Conversely, professionals might have a higher upfront cost but could offer value in quality and durability. Here are some tips on how to do Lawn Edging on a Budget
- Time Commitment: Assess your schedule. If you opt for DIY, do you have ample time to dedicate to the project from start to finish? Professionals might swiftly complete the task with their expertise, allowing you to focus on other commitments.
- Vision for the Outcome: Envision the final look you desire for your lawn. Are you aiming for a simple, functional edge or a more intricate design? Your aspirations can guide whether a DIY approach will suffice or if the expertise of professionals is warranted.
- Assessing Your Capabilities: Honestly evaluate your skill set. Lawn edging might seem straightforward, but it requires a certain level of knowledge and finesse. DIY could be a viable option if you’re confident in your abilities and have prior experience. However, seeking professional assistance might be the wiser choice if you need more time or tools.
Final Thoughts
Both DIY and professional options have their benefits and drawbacks. Consider your budget, time availability, desired results, and skill level when deciding which option is best for your lawn. Remember that a well-maintained lawn with proper edging can increase your property’s value and aesthetic appeal.
