How to Install Edging Pavers

edging pavers

12 inch long paver

transporting the pavers

laying out the design

breaking the sod

shaking out the sod

trenching the soil

laying the pavers

tamping down the pavers

firming the soil

Edging pavers add an elegant finishing touch to your landscape design. The time and effort put into this DIY project will quickly be paid back with reduced lawn and garden maintenance. Pavers will not heave out in the winter or get caught in a lawnmower like plastic edging and are easily rearranged if the design of your garden changes.

Make a plan. Edging pavers interlock to easily create gentle curves and flowing lines. Consider your mowing pattern. Installed level with the sod, you can run your lawnmower wheel right on top of the paver and eliminate the task of trimming the edge.

Measure your project. You can use a hose and lay out the line as a visual tool or pace it off to get an approximate measurement.

Go to your home improvement store and check out your options. Edging pavers come in several color choices, pick one that blends in with your local environment. Crescent moon shaped pavers can be used to make tight circles while the 12” long style reduces places where the lawn can creep between the cracks.

Bring gloves and a tarp to project your car or truck bed. Pavers are formed from concrete and have sharp edges. Stack carefully in your vehicle to prevent sliding as they weigh about 10 # each.

Lay the pavers on the ground before digging to get a general placement. It may be helpful to leave them there for a few days to check views from various locations. When you are satisfied with the design you can begin to install.

Move the first few pavers away and dig a line with your shovel to cut and remove the sod. If you are edging an existing garden, push back the mulch for reuse.

Shake the soil from the sod. A child’s sled works great as a dirt catcher, a tarp or wheelbarrow works too.

Use your garden trowel to even out the sides of the trench and level the bottom.

Work your way down the line, placing a couple of pavers at a time. The pavers have a beveled top and square bottom. Step back occasionally, view your work and adjust as needed.

Press each paver into the leveled soil with your foot across the seam between pavers. If it is not level or the interlocking parts have a gap, take it out and adjust the soil level.

Once you are satisfied with your placement, go back and fill in the soil. Press the soil firmly on both sides of the paver.

Enjoy your beautiful new edging. Mowing your lawn and garden edge maintenance will be a breeze!

Tips:

Take breaks. On average, it takes about an hour to install 20 pavers in existing sod.

It is easiest to break sod and work in damp soil. If it hasn't rained for a while water lightly several hours before beginning your work.

Remove weeds like dandelion or creeping Charlie before putting the sod into your compost pile.

Wear gloves. The pavers have rough edges.

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