Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

Landscape edging against a sidewalk gives you a crisp border where grass meets concrete, keeps turf from creeping onto the walk, and makes trimming far faster. The job is mostly about measuring the gap, choosing a barrier that suits your soil and foot traffic, and setting it so the top sits level with the sidewalk. Done right, it takes a weekend or less for a typical run.

Measure and Mark the Edge Line

Start by deciding how wide the border strip should be. Most homeowners leave 2 to 4 inches of bare soil or mulch between the sidewalk and the lawn, which is enough to catch runners from the turf without making the bed feel crowded. Mark the line with landscape paint or upholstery string pinned with stakes, and walk the full length to check for dips or bulges that will show once the edging is in.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Easyflex No Dig Landscape Edging Kit Options for Clean Lines (2026).

Choose the Right Edging Type for the Location

Sidewalk edges take more abuse than garden beds, since mowers, snow shovels and foot traffic all press against them. Rigid products hold up best here. Steel and aluminum strips, along with concrete or stone, resist being pushed out of line. Pressure-treated lumber works too, but it rots faster where it contacts damp soil. For a deeper comparison of materials, see What Are the Best Options for Landscape Edging? 7 Choices Compared.

Install the Edging Against the Sidewalk

Dig a Trench That Matches the Edging Depth

Dig a trench along your marked line deep enough that the top of the edging sits flush with, or about half an inch below, the sidewalk surface. Keeping it slightly below lets the mower wheel ride cleanly along the concrete. Remove sod and roots as you go, since they will push the edging up over time.

Set the Edging and Secure It

Place the edging in the trench, check it with a level, and adjust the depth until the run is even. Drive stakes or spikes through or alongside the strip every 12 to 24 inches, depending on the manufacturer’s directions. Where the edging meets the concrete, leave a small gap of about a quarter inch to allow for expansion and contraction. For a metal option, Steel Landscape Edging Nearby: How to Find the Right Option (2026) covers sourcing and sizing.

Backfill and Tamp

Fill behind the edging with soil or gravel and tamp it firmly. Loose backfill is the most common cause of a wavy line, so work in layers no more than a few inches deep.

Finish the Border

Once the edging is set, fill the bed with mulch, gravel or groundcover, then rake the surface smooth. A 2-inch layer of mulch keeps weeds down and gives the border a finished look. Run a string trimmer along the edge once to check that the line is clean and that no grass is growing over the top.

Materials and Tools Checklist

  1. Landscape paint or marking string and stakes
  2. Spade or flat-edge shovel
  3. Landscape edging of your chosen material
  4. Stakes or spikes (check the manufacturer’s spacing)
  5. Level and rubber mallet
  6. Soil, gravel or mulch for backfill and topping

Common Mistakes

  • Setting the edging above the sidewalk, which lets mower decks scrape the concrete and leaves a ridge that catches debris.
  • Skipping the expansion gap at the concrete, which can crack the walk or push the edging out of line.
  • Using too few stakes, so the strip heaves after freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Leaving the trench full of roots and rocks, which creates low spots.
  • Choosing thin plastic for a high-traffic walk, which bends where snow shovels and mowers press against it.
  • Flat-edge spade makes it easier to cut a clean, straight trench along the sidewalk. View on Amazon
  • Rubber mallet lets you seat metal or plastic edging without denting it. View on Amazon
  • Landscape line level helps keep the top of the run even along a long sidewalk. View on Amazon

FAQ

How deep should landscape edging be against a sidewalk?

Most edging should sit with its top flush with or slightly below the sidewalk surface. This lets the mower wheel ride along the concrete without scraping the edge.

Do I need a gap between the edging and the concrete?

Yes, a gap of about a quarter inch helps the concrete expand and contract without pushing the edging out of place. Fill the gap with flexible caulk or leave it open.

What is the best material for edging next to a sidewalk?

Steel, aluminum and concrete hold their line best against foot traffic and mowers. Pressure-treated lumber works but needs more maintenance where it touches damp soil.

Conclusion

A clean landscape edge against your sidewalk comes down to accurate measuring, a trench set to the right depth, and firm backfill. Pick a material that can handle the traffic and freeze-thaw cycles in your yard. Check the line once a season and reset any stakes that have worked loose.

Ready to choose one?

Caleb Morgan

About Caleb Morgan

Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our lawn edging & trimming guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.