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What is Flexible Plastic Lawn Edging?
Flexible plastic lawn edging is a popular choice for UK gardeners seeking a neat and tidy finish to their lawns. Unlike traditional materials like wood or metal, plastic edging offers a blend of affordability, durability, and ease of installation. The increasing demand for low-maintenance garden features has fuelled its popularity; today’s gardeners want attractive outdoor spaces without hours of upkeep. It’s designed to create a clear separation between lawn areas and flowerbeds, gravel paths, or patios, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your garden. The ‘flexible’ aspect is key, allowing it to be easily shaped to accommodate curves and contours, a common feature in British gardens.
Benefits of Using Flexible Plastic Lawn Edging
- Cost-Effectiveness: Generally much cheaper than metal or stone edging.
- Ease of Installation: DIY-friendly – requires minimal tools and skills.
- Durability: Resistant to rot, rust, and insect damage, offering a long lifespan.
- Weather Resistance: Handles the often unpredictable UK weather conditions well.
- Flexibility: Easily moulded to create curved borders and follow garden contours.
- Low Maintenance: Requires only occasional cleaning and doesn’t need painting or treating.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a range of colours to complement your garden design.
Types of Flexible Plastic Lawn Edging Available in the UK
The UK market offers a diverse range of flexible plastic lawn edging. Here’s a breakdown of the common types:
- Ribbed Edging: Features a ribbed surface for added rigidity and visual texture. Often slightly more expensive than smooth edging.
- Smooth Edging: A simpler, cleaner look with a flat surface. Generally more affordable.
- Height Variations: Available in heights from 25mm to 75mm, allowing you to choose the level of containment you need. Higher edging is better for containing gravel or mulch.
- Colour Options: Black, brown, and green are the most common colours. Black provides a strong contrast, while brown and green blend more subtly with the surrounding landscape.
- Recycled Plastic Options: Increasingly popular for eco-conscious gardeners. Made from recycled materials, these options offer a sustainable alternative. Performance is generally comparable to virgin plastic.
Performance differences between these types are mainly aesthetic and related to rigidity. Ribbed and taller edgings offer more support, while recycled options contribute to environmental sustainability.
Top 5 Flexible Plastic Lawn Edging Products (UK 2026)
1. Everedge Pro 50mm Black Plastic Lawn Edging – 5m Roll
Price: £24.99
Pros: Durable, good height for containing borders, sleek black finish, easy to install.
Cons: More expensive than some alternatives, can feel a little rigid for very tight curves.
Everedge Pro is a well-regarded brand known for its quality. This 5m roll offers excellent value for money and is ideal for medium-sized gardens.
2. Gardman 10m Flexible Lawn Edging – Brown
Price: £19.99
Pros: Long roll offers excellent coverage, brown colour blends well with natural gardens, good value.
Cons: Slightly less durable than Everedge Pro, colour may fade over time.
Gardman is a trusted name in gardening. This brown edging is perfect for creating a natural, rustic look.
3. Forest Garden Flexible Lawn Edging – 10m Roll – Green
Price: £17.50
Pros: Most affordable option, green colour blends seamlessly with lawns, long roll.
Cons: Least durable option, may become brittle in extreme cold, basic aesthetic.
Forest Garden provides a budget-friendly solution for smaller gardens or projects where cost is a primary concern.
4. Hozelock Lawn Edging 10m Roll – Black
Price: £22.00
Pros: From a reputable brand, easy to cut and shape, black colour provides a strong definition.
Cons: Can be slightly difficult to push into hard ground, mid-range price.
Hozelock is known for its quality garden products. This black edging is a reliable choice for a variety of garden styles.
5. Eco Border 5m Recycled Plastic Lawn Edging – Black
Price: £35.00
Pros: Made from 100% recycled plastic, environmentally friendly, durable and weather-resistant.
Cons: Most expensive option, shorter roll length compared to others.
Eco Border is the ideal choice for environmentally conscious gardeners who want a sustainable and high-quality edging solution.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Price (GBP) | Length (m) | Colour | Material | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everedge Pro | £24.99 | 5 | Black | Plastic | High |
| Gardman | £19.99 | 10 | Brown | Plastic | Medium |
| Forest Garden | £17.50 | 10 | Green | Plastic | Low |
| Hozelock | £22.00 | 10 | Black | Plastic | Medium-High |
| Eco Border | £35.00 | 5 | Black | Recycled Plastic | High |
How to Measure for & Install Flexible Plastic Lawn Edging: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Measure: Accurately measure the length of the border you need to edge. Add 10% extra for cuts and curves.
- Prepare the Ground: Clear the area of grass, weeds, and debris. Dig a shallow trench (approximately 5-10cm deep) along the desired border line.
- Install the Edging: Unroll the edging and carefully shape it to follow the contours of your garden.
- Secure the Edging: Use edging pins (typically sold separately) to secure the edging in place. Space the pins every 30-50cm.
- Backfill: Backfill the trench with soil, ensuring the edging is firmly supported.
Tip: For slopes, angle the edging slightly downwards to provide better stability. A rubber mallet can be helpful for gently tapping the edging into place.
Maintaining Your Plastic Lawn Edging
Plastic lawn edging is remarkably low maintenance. Regularly sweep or hose down the edging to remove dirt and debris. Minor damage, such as small cracks, can be repaired with waterproof adhesive. Over time, the colour may fade slightly due to UV exposure. Applying a plastic protectorant can help to prolong the colour and prevent brittleness.
Where to Buy Flexible Plastic Lawn Edging in the UK
- B&Q: https://www.diy.com/
- Wickes: https://www.wickes.co.uk/
- Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/
- Garden Centres: Local garden centres often stock a range of edging options.
- Online Specialists: Numerous online retailers specialise in garden landscaping products.
Flexible Plastic Lawn Edging vs. Alternatives: Which is Right for You?
| Material | Cost | Durability | Aesthetics | Installation Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Low | Medium-High | Variable | Easy |
| Metal | High | Very High | Modern, Sleek | Medium |
| Wood | Medium | Low-Medium | Natural, Rustic | Medium |
| Stone | Very High | Very High | Classic, Elegant | Difficult |
| Brick | High | Very High | Traditional | Difficult |
Future Trends in Lawn Edging (UK 2026)
The lawn edging market in the UK is evolving. We’re seeing a growing demand for eco-friendly materials, with more options made from recycled plastics and sustainable sources. Smart edging systems, incorporating integrated LED lighting for nighttime illumination, are gaining traction. New colour options beyond the traditional black, brown, and green are also emerging, allowing for greater design flexibility and allowing gardens to really stand out.
FAQ
What is the best way to cut flexible plastic lawn edging?
A sharp utility knife or heavy-duty scissors are the best tools for cutting flexible plastic lawn edging. Make clean, straight cuts for a professional finish.
Can I use flexible plastic lawn edging on a steep slope?
While flexible edging can be used on slopes, it’s best suited for gentle inclines. For steep slopes, consider using more robust edging materials like metal or stone.
How long will plastic lawn edging last?
The lifespan of plastic lawn edging varies depending on the quality of the material and exposure to the elements. Typically, it lasts between 5-10 years, with recycled plastic options potentially having a slightly shorter lifespan.
Do I need to use edging pins?
Yes, edging pins are highly recommended to secure the edging in place and prevent it from shifting or lifting. They also help to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
What is the best colour for lawn edging?
The best colour depends on your garden’s aesthetic. Black provides a strong contrast, brown and green blend more naturally, and grey offers a modern look. Consider the colours of your plants, paving, and other garden features when making your choice.