Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

Green metal landscape edging gives a lawn a crisp, finished border that keeps grass out of mulch beds and stops turf from creeping into walkways. With the right depth, stake spacing and a little patience on curves, you can install a straight, durable line in an afternoon. This guide walks through planning the layout, setting the strip, and finishing the edge.

Plan the Layout and Gather Your Tools

Before you dig, mark the border with a garden hose or spray paint so you can see the full shape from a few feet away. Walk around it and adjust any tight curves, since sharp bends are harder to keep even. Measure the length you need and add about 10 percent for cuts and overlaps.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Metal Landscape Edging Material Options for Clean Lawn Lines.

Gather the following tools and materials so you are not stopping midway:

  • Green metal edging strips, typically 4 to 6 inches tall, plus connectors if your product uses them
  • Landscape stakes made for the same edging line
  • Flat spade or edging spade
  • Rubber mallet and a line level or straightedge
  • Tape measure, marking paint or a garden hose
  • Hand trowel and a bag of pea gravel or sand for the trench bottom

Dig the Trench and Set the Strip

Cut a trench along your marked line so the top of the metal sits slightly above the surrounding soil or sod. A common target is about half the strip’s height below grade, with the top lip roughly level with the lawn. Keep the trench bottom flat and remove roots or rocks that would push the strip out of line.

Set the strip in the trench with the green face toward the lawn side so the color stays visible. Check the top edge with a level as you go, and tap it into position with a rubber mallet rather than a metal hammer to avoid dents.

Secure the Edging with Stakes

Drive stakes through the pre-punched holes or along the outside of the strip, spacing them every 12 to 18 inches on straight runs. On curves, add stakes closer together, roughly every 8 to 12 inches, so the metal holds its shape. Drive each stake until its head is flush with the top of the strip, then recheck alignment.

For a clean finish at joints, overlap or connect sections according to the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the seam is pressed tightly together. Backfill both sides with soil and pack it lightly so the edging does not wobble.

Finish the Edge and Check Your Work

Once the strip is secure, rake the soil level on both sides and water the area so the backfill settles. Step back and sight down the line from one end to the other. Small bumps are much easier to fix now than after mulch or sod is down.

Cutting Sections to Length

If a run ends short of a full strip, mark the cut point and use tin snips or a metal-cutting blade on a rotary tool, then file the sharp edge smooth. Wear gloves, since the cut edges are sharp.

Common Mistakes

  • Setting the strip too high, which leaves a lip that catches mower wheels
  • Skipping stakes on curves, causing the metal to flatten or kink
  • Leaving gaps in the trench bottom, which lets the strip sink unevenly
  • Backfilling before checking alignment, then having to dig the strip back out
  • Using a metal hammer directly on the strip, which dents the finish
  • Edging spade: A flat, sharp spade makes a straight trench far easier than a round shovel. View on Amazon
  • Rubber mallet: Drives strips and stakes without denting the metal. View on Amazon
  • Line level: Helps keep the top edge even across long runs. View on Amazon

FAQ

How deep should green metal edging go?

Most installers bury about half the strip’s height so the top sits just above grade. This keeps the edge visible while holding the strip firmly in place.

How far apart should stakes be placed?

On straight sections, stakes every 12 to 18 inches usually works well. Tighten the spacing to 8 to 12 inches on curves to prevent bending.

Can green metal edging go on uneven ground?

Yes, but you will need to dig the trench to follow the slope so the top edge stays level. Check with a line level as you work and adjust the depth in short sections.

Conclusion

A well-set run of green metal edging takes careful planning, a consistent trench depth and enough stakes to hold its shape. Take your time on curves and check alignment before backfilling. The result is a clean, durable border that makes the whole lawn look sharper.

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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.