Table of Contents
Creating a beautiful and functional landscape often involves more than just planting trees and shrubs. For homeowners with an arborvitae hedge, adding decorative edging can significantly enhance the visual appeal and define the space more clearly. This guide explores various options and tips for enhancing your arborvitae hedge with decorative edging.
Why Add Decorative Edging?
Decorative edging serves multiple purposes. It creates a clean boundary between your hedge and the surrounding lawn or garden beds, preventing grass and weeds from encroaching. Additionally, it adds aesthetic value, making your landscape look more polished and intentional. Proper edging can also protect the roots of your arborvitae from lawn equipment damage and foot traffic.
Popular Edging Materials
- Brick: Classic and durable, brick edging offers a timeless look that complements many garden styles.
- Stone: Natural stones like flagstone or river rock provide a rustic appearance and blend well with outdoor environments.
- Plastic or Rubber: Flexible and easy to install, these materials are low-maintenance options suitable for DIY projects.
- Metal: Aluminum or steel edging offers a sleek, modern look and long-lasting performance.
- Wood: Wooden borders, such as landscape timbers, add warmth and a natural feel to garden beds.
Design Tips for Decorative Edging
When planning your decorative edging, consider the overall style of your landscape. For a formal garden, symmetrical and uniform edging like brick or stone works well. For a more natural or cottage-style garden, irregular stones or wooden borders can create a charming look. Think about the height and width of the edging to ensure it complements the size of your arborvitae hedge.
Color and Texture
Choose colors and textures that contrast or harmonize with your hedge. Light-colored bricks or stones can brighten the area, while darker materials add depth. Textured surfaces can add interest and dimension to your landscape design.
Installation Tips
Proper installation ensures durability and a neat appearance. For brick or stone edging, dig a trench slightly wider than the material, and set the edging with mortar or gravel for stability. For flexible materials like plastic or rubber, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for secure placement. Regular maintenance, such as removing debris and checking for shifting, will keep your edging looking its best.
Maintaining Your Edging and Hedge
Maintaining both your decorative edging and arborvitae hedge is essential for long-term beauty. Trim your hedge regularly to keep it healthy and shaped. Clean the edging to prevent weed growth and debris buildup. Inspect for damage or shifting and repair as needed to preserve the integrity of your landscape design.
Conclusion
Adding decorative edging to your arborvitae hedge is a simple yet effective way to elevate your garden’s appearance. With a variety of materials and design options available, you can customize your landscape to reflect your personal style. Proper installation and maintenance will ensure your edging remains a beautiful and functional feature for years to come.