How To Install Belgian Block Garden Edging

The edges of the driveway of your San Francisco area home are crumbling. Every time it rains, more mulch gets washed away. To make matters worse, cars sometimes stray onto your grass, leaving tire tracks on your beautiful lawn.

A simple solution to all three problems is driveway edging.

This method of bordering pathways has been around since colonial times. Even in our modern world, it's still an easy and beautiful way to protect your driveway.

Read on to learn more about driveway edging and eight ways it can benefit your home.

WHAT IS DRIVEWAY EDGING?

As the name suggests, driveway edging involves creating a protective edge along the borders of your driveway. It's one of the best ways to increase your driveway's durability.

Historically, designers and developers created edging with imported Belgian blocks. While this is still an option, homeowners can now choose from an array of different materials to suit their individual tastes.

Some common types of edging include:

Belgian blocks
Cobblestone pavers
Brick pavers
Concrete pavers
Railway ties
River wood or logs
Concrete curb

Whichever type of edging material you choose should complement your home's exterior. You might also consider expanding the edging to your lawn, pathways, or garden.

FLAT VS. RAISED EDGING

Flat edging sits level with your driveway and relies on color and shape to create a contrast. Belgian block, brick, or stone pavers are the most common choices for flat edging.

One of two rows of contrasting color on either side will clearly identify the border of your driveway and the lawn. You could also create a basket-weave or other type of pattern to add visual appeal.

Raised edgingextends above your driveway. This helps to create a visual border and a better barrier between your lawn and driveway.

Large Belgian blocks are a common choice for attractive raised edging. If your home is in the country, railroad ties or wooden logs will complement the rustic setting.

8 BENEFITS OF DRIVEWAY EDGING NEAR SAN FRANCISCO

Now that you're more familiar with the different types of driveway edging, let's discuss some of its specific benefits.

PROTECT YOUR DRIVEWAY

The first and most obvious benefit is that edging helps to protect your driveway.
Edging a driveway made of stone or brick pavers will keep those pavers in place. Edging also protects asphalt and concrete driveways against cracking and chipping.
Since most types of edging are set several inches into the ground, it can also help to restrict the growth of tree roots or grass. This keeps your driveway protected not only from obvious dangers but also from hidden ones.
PROTECT YOUR LAWN

A by-product of protecting your driveway is protecting your lawn.
Because edging creates a visual barrier, people will be less likely to step across it. Edging encourages visitors to walk on your driveway and not your lawn.
The visible barrier will also reduce the likelihood of someone backing into or driving onto your lawn.
LESS MAINTENANCE
Want to spend less of your weekend working on the house and more time relaxing with your family? Edging will help you reduce the amount of maintenance your driveway needs over time.
Without edging, you'll continually use a shovel or a hoe to edge the borders of your driveway. A permanent edging material will save you much in the way of time, effort, and aggravation.
PREVENT SOIL EROSION
Edging also helps to keep mulch, soil, and plants where they belong. By acting as an effective barrier, it prevents your lawn from washing or blowing away.
This will also help to keep your driveway cleaner during rainy or muddy seasons.
BETTER LANDSCAPE PLANNING
Are you getting ready to tackle a new landscaping project? If so, edging can help you better define your property and your visual goals.
Seeing the elements of the edging gives shape to your lawn and garden. This provides you with a clearer idea of the different zones you have to work with.
INCREASE HOME VALUE
If you're thinking of selling your home, one of the best ways toincrease your home's value is to upgrade its outside appearance.
Driveway edging is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to beautify your property. Along with proper lawn maintenance, this could help contribute to a higher asking price.
EASIER PARKING
Do you have a circular driveway? Does it have an odd bend or twist in it? If so, edging could make parking a lot easier for you and for visitors.
The visual element will make your driveway easier to navigate, especially if you're having a party or the weather is poor.
BOOST CURB APPEAL
Walk across the street, turn around, and ask yourself, "Does my house have curb appeal?"
Does your home look attractive and welcoming? Does it seem structurally sound at first glance?
You only have one chance to make a first impression. Attractive driveway edging boosts curb appeal not only for your home but for the entire neighborhood.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

Driveway edging can add beauty and charm to your yard. But before you begin any edging project, here are a few common mistakes to avoid.

Avoid using paver edgings that are larger than 6 x 9 inches. Any bigger than this may detract from your home's appearance instead of adding to it.
If you're considering a pattern, aim for subtle instead of stand-out. Avoid any loud, bright, or complex patterns and keep it simple.
If your driveway is narrow, consider planting the bricks in concrete. This will save you the aggravation of constantly re-edging areas you accidentally drive across.
Finally, if your driveway is gravel or loose stone, consider steel edging that will help to contain the material.

FINAL THOUGHTS

When it's done right, driveway edging offers a host of benefits for your property. Not only does it beautify your home, but it also helps to protect your driveway and lawn and keep them in better condition.

Did you recently purchase a fixer-upper? Are you making upgrades to your current home?

At Bayside Pavers, we offer free consultations and advice on concept, design, and installation. We invite you to contact us to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.