There are many different types of landscaping edging on the market. One that landscaping contractors often like to install is concrete edging. Concrete landscape edging often comes in sections, which your installer will place next to one another before partially burying them in the soil to keep them stable. Concrete landscape edging has a lot of advantages, but it has its own drawbacks, too. Here are both sides for you to consider.
Pro: Concrete edging can be colored to match your other concrete.
Many yards have concrete in other locations. You may, for example, have a concrete walkway or patio. Concrete edging comes in many colors and patterns, so you can easily purchase it to match your other concrete, creating a cohesive landscape design. If your concrete is a color that the landscaping company does not generally stock, they may be able to stamp or stain some plain concrete edging specifically for you.
Con: Concrete edging can be expensive.
Concrete edging does cost a bit more than plastic or steel landscape edging. It is usually similar in cost to brick or stone. Plain concrete tends to be less expensive than stained or stamped concrete, but the cost can still be a downside if you're on a tight budget.
Pro: Concrete edging is durable and long-lasting.
Installing landscaping edging is pretty demanding work. Even if you hire landscapers to do it rather than doing it yourself, you will be paying for their time. As such, you want your edging to last. Concrete edging is very durable and does outlast most other options. It's not easily damaged by water, and insects are not attracted to it. Spend a little more on concrete edging now, and it will be a long time before you need to replace it.
Con: Concrete edging can settle.
Because the concrete edging is so heavy when compared to the soil, it sometimes tends to compact the soil around it and sink a bit. You can correct this by pulling up the sunken segments of edging and placing some more soil beneath them. However, this is still work that some people don't want to do.
If you're willing to put up with some sinking and you have the budget to afford it, concrete landscape edging can give you attractive results that last for many years. Talk to some landscaping companies in your area to learn more about concrete landscape edging.