LANDSCAPE EDGING: 
In my eyes there are 4 main types of decorative landscape edging: black vinyl, segmental concrete, natural stone and boulder/rock. All are functional and add aesthetic value, some more than others.
BLACK VINAL EDGING, ”A.K.A. Black plastic” (Pictured below): Black edging is most commonly purchased in 20′ sections, from landscape supply stores. Try not to purchase the black edging that comes rolled up in a box from a box store, very hard to install. The sections of edge come with all needed stakes and connectors to install. INSTALLATION TIPS: If encountering roots along the edge path, undercut the edge to sit above, don’t cut the root. PROS: inexpensive to purchase, very pliable if left in the sun prior to handling, quick installation and connectors allow for smooth curved or hard cornered lines. CONS: The material can be cut easily by lawn maintenance equipment, curved areas along the edge have a tendency to heave over time and there is not much visual value other than the separation of surrounding material.
SEGMENTAL CONCRETE: ” Any variation of manufactured concrete pieces set end to end,” Segmental concrete edgers are great because of so many new varieties, bullet edgers (pictured to the left), half moons and natural stone look-a-like to name a few. Segmental edgers can be purchased from box store with success however visually inspect prior to installation for cracks and chipping. INSTALLATION TIPS: Cut into the ground as deep as desired, some like the top of the edger to be flush with the grade and some like the top of the edge to stick above the ground. PROS: Easily transportable, ease of lawn maintenance if installed properly, many colors and varieties available and can be replaced individually if damaged. CONS: Concrete will eventually breakdown over time.
NATURAL STONE: Material found naturally on the earth. When investing in landscape renovation a proportionate amount of resources need to be spent on the edge selection type, many times it is the edge selection that will set off the total project. There are many varieties of stone in the surrounding areas, I will list a few of my favorites: Limestone: Fond Du Lac, (Pictured to the left) an off-white stone from Wisconsin, works great with most surrounding materials. Chilton, a colorful stone from Wisconsin, works great in most applications. Desert Bronze, a mix of sandy brown tan and bronze colors, works great when brown tones are in surrounding environment. Granite: Carnelian is a grayish blue stone that always looks great. Sandstone: Sandy Creek, similar to desert bronze, NY Bluestone, blues and greys mostly dominate this stone, solid and sturdy in color. INSTALLATION TIPS: Cut into the ground as deep as desired, some like the top of the edger to be flush with the grade and some like the top of the edge to stick above the ground. PROS: Many varieties, great visual value, allow for fluent material blending, stays in place very well. CONS: Cost and weight of material.
BOULDER EDGE: This type of edging is mainly used in tough sites with exposed surface roots, large grade changes and woody environments. Very versatile with many sizes available. A boulder edge can retain a large amount of soil, almost becoming a retaining wall. INSTALLATION TIPS: Excavate as needed and set boulders into place. Try to maximize the linear distance of each boulder to cut down on overall material needs. PROS: very versatile installation, natural, may have on site and boulders cant really break. CONS: Tough to maintain turf grass up to the front of the boulders.
