Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

Permaloc cleanline aluminum landscape edging gives a lawn bed a sharp, level border that holds its line for years. Done right, the strip sits flush with the grass, stops turf from creeping into mulch, and lets your string trimmer run without scalping the edge. This guide covers the steps from layout to final backfill.

What You Need Before You Start

Most of the work is digging and leveling, so gather your tools first. Measure the total run of your bed and buy a little extra so you can make clean joints and cut around curves.

  • Permaloc cleanline aluminum edging strips and the matching stakes and connectors
  • A hose or marking paint for laying out the path
  • A flat spade or half-moon edger for trenching
  • A tape measure and a 4-foot level
  • A rubber mallet and a tamper for compacting soil
  • A hacksaw or metal-cutting blade for cutting strips to length

Step 1: Lay Out the Bed Line

Lay a garden hose along the edge where you want the border. Adjust the curves until the line flows smoothly, then mark it with marking paint. Keep the line at least 2 inches back from any tree roots you want to protect.

Step 2: Trench to the Right Depth

Dig a trench along the marked line about 4 inches deep and slightly wider than the strip. The top of the aluminum should finish level with the lawn surface, so check the depth as you go. Remove rocks and roots, then tamp the trench floor firm.

Setting the Strip Level

Set each section in the trench and check it with your level, both along its length and across the top edge. Small adjustments are easier now than after backfilling.

Step 3: Join, Stake and Secure the Edging

Connect sections using the joiners so the top edges line up without a visible step. Drive the stakes through the holes at intervals the manufacturer specifies, usually every few feet along straight runs and closer on curves. Tap each stake down until its head sits just below the top of the strip, using a rubber mallet to avoid bending the metal.

Step 4: Backfill and Finish the Lawn Edge

Backfill soil against the outside of the strip and tamp it lightly to remove air pockets. Keep the inside of the bed slightly lower than the lawn if you plan to add mulch, so it does not wash over the top. Water the area and check the line again once the soil settles.

Common Mistakes

  • Setting the strip too high, which creates a lip that catches mowers and trimmers
  • Skipping the level check, leaving a wavy border that shows from across the yard
  • Driving stakes too far down, which pulls the top edge out of line
  • Using too few stakes on curves, where the metal can shift over time
  • Trenching unevenly, so the strip rocks when you step near it
  • Rubber mallet: Drives stakes and seats strips without denting the aluminum. View on Amazon
  • Half-moon edger: Cuts a clean, straight trench line for the strip. View on Amazon
  • 4-foot level: Confirms the top edge is flush along the whole run. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I install this edging on a sloped yard?

Yes, but you will need to step the strip along the slope so each section stays level. Shorter sections and extra stakes help keep the line steady.

Should I use concrete to secure the strip?

For most residential beds, stakes are enough. Concrete is typically reserved for high-traffic areas or heavy soil, and you should confirm the method against the manufacturer’s instructions.

How deep should the trench be for aluminum edging?

Plan on about 4 inches for most strips, but check the height of your specific product. The goal is a top edge that sits level with the lawn.

Conclusion

A carefully laid permaloc cleanline aluminum landscape edging border looks neat and keeps your beds defined through the seasons. Take time with the layout and level checks, and the install will hold its line. For related options, see Aluminum Landscape Edging Options for Clean Lawn Lines or Permaloc Aluminum Landscape Edging Review: Features and Performance.

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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.