Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

Plastic landscape edging installation is a manageable weekend job that gives you a crisp border between your lawn and beds. In this guide you will mark the layout, cut the strips, set them at the correct depth, anchor them with stakes, and finish the edge so it stays put through freezing winters and heavy mowing. Most homeowners can complete a standard run in an afternoon with basic hand tools.

Plan the Layout and Gather Supplies

Before you dig, outline the bed with a garden hose or spray paint so you can see the curves and check the width. Measure the total run in feet so you buy enough edging with a few extra feet for overlaps and corners. Stake lengths and connector pieces are usually sold with the strips, but confirm that before you shop.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Black Plastic Landscape Edging: 5 Best Picks for Clean Lines (2026).

  • Plastic edging strips (typically 4 to 5 feet per section)
  • Landscape stakes or spikes matched to your edging brand
  • Flat spade or half-moon edger
  • Tape measure, marking paint, and a garden hose
  • Rubber mallet and a small level or straightedge
  • Utility knife or hacksaw for cutting strips

Dig a Trench at the Right Depth

Dig a shallow trench along your marked line so the top of the strip sits at or slightly above grade. Most manufacturers recommend a trench roughly as deep as the strip’s height, with the bottom kept level. Remove sod and loose soil, then tamp the trench bottom firmly. A consistent depth is what keeps the top edge straight over the length of the run.

Work in short sections of about 3 feet at a time so the trench does not dry out or collapse before the strip goes in. If you are working in clay, loosen the bottom of the trench a few extra inches so the stakes can seat properly.

Set the Strips and Anchor Them

Lay each strip in the trench with the top edge facing up and the lawn side flush against the strip. Join sections with the connectors supplied by the manufacturer, and overlap or snap them as the design requires. Check alignment with a straightedge every few feet.

  1. Position the strip and confirm the top edge is level or follows your intended curve.
  2. Drive a stake through the anchor slots every 12 to 18 inches, or as the product directions specify.
  3. Strike each stake with a rubber mallet until its head sits just below the strip’s top edge.
  4. Check the joints and re-tighten any sections that have shifted.

Keep the stakes on the bed side of the strip so the lawn side stays clean and mower-ready.

Backfill and Finish the Edge

Backfill soil against the bed side of the strip and tamp it lightly so it does not bow the plastic outward. Keep the soil level with the top of the edging, and reseed or re-sod the lawn side along the strip. Water the area well so the soil settles.

For curves, install a slightly tighter stake spacing, usually every 9 to 12 inches. Cut strips to length with a utility knife or hacksaw, and smooth any sharp cuts so they do not catch on mower wheels.

Common Mistakes

  • Setting the strip too high, which lets mower wheels ride up and over it.
  • Spacing stakes too far apart, causing the strip to bulge in heavy soil or frost.
  • Skipping the level check, so the border looks wavy after a few weeks.
  • Backfilling with loose mulch that washes out and exposes the strip.
  • Installing in dry, compacted ground without loosening the trench bottom.
  • Half-moon edger: Gives you a clean, vertical cut in the sod before the trench is dug. View on Amazon
  • Rubber mallet: Drives stakes straight without cracking the plastic. View on Amazon
  • Utility knife: Makes quick, clean cuts on plastic strips at the cut mark. View on Amazon

FAQ

How deep should plastic edging be installed?

Most products are set so the top edge sits at or just above the finished grade. Check the manufacturer’s height specification, since installing too deep or too high both cause problems.

How far apart should landscape stakes go?

Stakes are commonly placed every 12 to 18 inches on straight runs and closer on curves. Follow the spacing in your product’s instructions, since that varies by brand.

Can plastic edging be installed in winter?

It is best done when the ground is thawed and workable. Frozen soil makes trenching difficult and can leave the strip misaligned until spring.

Conclusion

With the layout marked, the trench dug to a consistent depth, and the strips properly staked, your plastic edging should hold a clean line for years. Check the border each season and re-tighten any stakes that have loosened. For more options and techniques, explore our related guides on edging and trimming.

Ready to choose one?

Lauren Holland

About Lauren Holland

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