Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

Blue Hawk landscape edging is a manufactured border system that separates your lawn from beds, walkways and mulch. A careful install gives you a crisp, level line that holds its shape for years. This guide covers how to plan the run, prepare the trench, set the sections and finish the seams so the border stays put.

Plan the Layout Before You Dig

Start by marking the border with a garden hose or spray paint. Curves look best when the radius is gentle, and most homeowners find that a smooth, continuous arc reads more cleanly than a series of tight bends. Measure the total run so you know how many sections you need, and check the edging’s packaging for the stated length per piece.

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

Call 811 before digging to have underground utility lines marked. This is free in the United States and required before most ground-disturbing work.

Install Blue Hawk Edging in Sections

Work in short stretches rather than trying to lay the whole run at once. The general sequence is:

  1. Cut a trench along your marked line, roughly as deep as the edging’s exposed height plus a few inches for the base.
  2. Check the trench bottom for roots, rocks and soft spots, and remove them.
  3. Set each section so the top edge sits at the height you want, usually just above the finished grade on the lawn side.
  4. Join adjacent sections as the manufacturer directs, keeping the seams tight so soil cannot push through.
  5. Backfill the trench and tamp the soil firmly against the outside face of the edging.

Check Level and Height as You Go

Run a level along the top edge every few feet, especially on slopes. Small height differences are easy to fix now and very visible later. If one section sits high, lift it slightly and add or remove a little base material underneath.

Finish the Border and Protect the Seams

Once the edging is set, fill the bed side with mulch or stone and trim any grass that has grown over the top. Keep the mulch a little below the top edge so the border still reads as a line. Water the area lightly and recheck the level after a week, since fresh soil often settles.

Task Target
Trench depth Base depth plus a few inches for compaction
Level check interval Every 3 to 4 feet
Recheck after settling About 1 week after install

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping the trench and setting edging on top of the soil, which leads to heaving and tilting.
  • Leaving gaps at the seams where soil and roots can push through.
  • Installing on uneven ground without leveling each section.
  • Piling mulch above the top edge, which hides the line and encourages grass to creep over.
  • Forgetting to check for buried utilities before digging.
  • Flexible garden hose: Lets you mock up curves and adjust the line before you commit to a trench. View on Amazon
  • Half-moon edger or spade: Makes a clean, straight trench that matches the edging profile. View on Amazon
  • Four-foot level: Helps you keep the top edge even across longer runs. View on Amazon

FAQ

How deep should I set blue hawk landscape edging?

Set it deep enough that the bottom sits firmly in the trench and the top rises to your desired height above grade. Follow the manufacturer’s depth guidance for your specific product.

Can I install it on a slope?

Yes, but level each section individually and step the edging down with the grade rather than forcing a single straight line. Check alignment often.

Do I need to remove the grass first?

Cutting the trench through turf is typical, and the sod on the lawn side can be left in place. Remove any grass that would grow over the top edge after installation.

Conclusion

A clean border comes from good planning, a properly prepared trench and careful leveling. Work in sections, check your work as you go, and let the soil settle before you judge the final line. With those steps, your Blue Hawk edging should hold its shape for seasons to come.

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.