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Low cost landscape edging gives you a crisp border between lawn and beds without a large materials bill, but cheap edging can fail fast if you choose the wrong material for your soil, traffic and climate. This guide compares seven budget-friendly options and explains how to judge them. We weighed each product against four criteria: material durability, ease of installation with basic tools, how well it holds a curve or straight line, and how much maintenance it needs once it is in the ground. Specifications come from manufacturer listings, brand reputation and common patterns in owner feedback. We have not tested these products ourselves, so treat the notes below as a research-based shortlist rather than hands-on results.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Empire Steel Lawn Edging | Long straight runs and beds with mowers passing close | Rolled steel strips that hold a line well |
| Hi-Yield Plastic Lawn Edging | Curved beds and first-time installers | Flexible polyethylene that bends without kinking |
| Master Mark Plastic Lawn Edging | Simple borders with minimal digging | Stake-in-place design with a low profile |
| Easy Gardener Steel Border | Gardeners who want a neat look on a tight budget | Corrugated steel that resists lawn creep |
| Enviro Recycled Rubber Edging | Flower beds and areas that get frequent trimmer contact | Rubber that absorbs string trimmer strikes |
| Ecoscape Recycled Plastic Edging | Eco-minded buyers who want a long-lasting option | Recycled content in a rigid profile |
| Border Concepts Vinyl Landscape Edging | Large areas where you want quick, uniform sections | Interlocking sections that go in fast |
Empire Steel Lawn Edging
This is a good fit for homeowners who want a sharp, permanent line along a long straight run, such as a driveway edge or a bed that a mower wheel passes close to. Steel holds its shape better than plastic when you bury it at ground level, and the low cost per foot makes it a sensible choice for big jobs.
Key specs
- Rolled steel strip in standard 4-inch and 5-inch heights, as listed by the manufacturer
- Typically sold in 20-foot rolls
- Requires stakes and a hammer or rubber mallet for installation
- Inserted by trenching a narrow slot, usually 4 to 5 inches deep
Pros
- Holds a straight line well over long distances
- Resists being crushed by mower wheels when set flush
- Lasts many seasons if it is not bent or dented
Cons
- Tight curves require pre-bending and can kink
- Exposed edges can cut hands during installation, so wear gloves
Hi-Yield Plastic Lawn Edging
Choose this if your beds have curves or irregular shapes and you are installing edging for the first time. Flexible polyethylene follows a curve without the kinks you get from metal, and it is one of the simplest options to set with a spade.
Key specs
- Flexible polyethylene strips, commonly around 4 inches tall
- Sold in multi-foot rolls or straight sections, per manufacturer listings
- Secured with included or separately sold stakes
- Installs at ground level or slightly proud of the soil
Pros
- Bends easily around curves and beds with rounded shapes
- Light enough to handle and cut with a utility knife
- Good for mulch-bed borders that keep bark on one side
Cons
- Can warp in very hot sun or after years of freeze-thaw cycles
- Thinner profiles can be pushed out of line by heavy soil movement
Master Mark Plastic Lawn Edging
This is aimed at homeowners who want a clean line without a big digging project. It works well for simple borders, mulch separation and areas where the soil is loose and the edge will not face heavy traffic.
Key specs
- Plastic edging with a low, stake-in-place profile
- Shallow installation, often needing only a few inches of trench
- Sold in straight lengths and rolls, per manufacturer listings
Pros
- Quick to install with a hand trowel and a mallet
- Low height suits small beds and decorative borders
- Lightweight, so it is easy to reposition
Cons
- Low profile offers less barrier against grass runners
- Can be pushed out of line by mowers if not staked firmly
Easy Gardener Steel Border
Gardeners who want a neat, almost architectural look on a modest budget will find this useful. Corrugated steel adds rigidity and is a reasonable barrier against creeping turf roots.
Key specs
- Corrugated steel border strips, per manufacturer listings
- Designed to be set with stakes at regular intervals
- Typically installed flush with the soil surface
Pros
- Corrugation adds stiffness without extra weight
- Works well as a barrier against grass spreading into beds
- Clean metal finish suits modern and cottage-style gardens
Cons
- Sharp edges need care during handling and cutting
- Surface can rust over time in wet, poorly drained soil
Enviro Recycled Rubber Edging
If your edging takes frequent hits from a string trimmer, rubber is a practical choice. It is a common pick for flower beds and tree rings where trimmer line regularly grazes the border.
Key specs
- Recycled rubber strips, typically a few inches tall
- Sold in lengths that connect end to end
- Installed in a shallow trench and secured with stakes
Pros
- Absorbs trimmer contact without chipping
- Flexible enough to follow gentle curves
- Dark color blends into mulch beds
Cons
- Can stretch or bow if the soil shifts or the edge is under-staked
- Some owners report a rubber smell during the first hot weeks
Ecoscape Recycled Plastic Edging
Buyers who prefer recycled content and want a more rigid profile than basic flexible plastic may like this option. It suits straight beds and defined walkways where the edge needs to stay put.
Key specs
- Recycled plastic construction, per manufacturer listings
- Rigid profile suited to straight runs
- Installs with stakes or ground pins, depending on the model
Pros
- Stiffer than thin flexible plastic, so it holds shape better
- Recycled material appeals to eco-conscious buyers
- Resists rot and insect damage
Cons
- Less forgiving on tight curves
- Color may fade in strong sunlight over several seasons
Border Concepts Vinyl Landscape Edging
This is best for larger yards where you want to cover ground quickly with uniform sections. Interlocking vinyl pieces let you set long borders in a single session without measuring every joint.
Key specs
- Vinyl interlocking sections, per manufacturer listings
- Sold in multi-foot sections with connectors
- Set with stakes and a shallow trench
Pros
- Sections click together, speeding up long installations
- Consistent height and look across the whole border
- Easy to remove and reuse if you change the layout
Cons
- Joints can separate if the soil moves or the stakes are loose
- Vinyl can become brittle in extreme cold
Buying Guide
Selection criteria for low-cost edging
When the goal is low cost landscape edging, the sticker number is only part of the picture. Most of the real expense shows up later as replacement, repair or extra trimming. Judge each option on four things: how it handles your soil and traffic, how much digging it demands, how well it keeps grass and mulch apart, and how it looks after a few seasons.
Important features to look for
- Material thickness. Thin plastic bows and cracks sooner than thicker strips.
- Height above or flush with soil. A border that sits too proud gets mowed over or stepped on. A border buried too deep does little to block grass.
- Flexibility versus rigidity. Flexible material suits curves; rigid material suits long straight lines.
- Stake design. Stakes that lock in place resist being pushed out of line by mowers and soil movement.
Specs to check before buying
- Height in inches, which determines how much edge shows above grade
- Length per section or roll, so you can estimate how many pieces you need
- Material listed by the manufacturer, since this drives durability and climate performance
- Included hardware, because some kits require stakes or connectors sold separately
Choosing by need
Long straight runs near a driveway or mower path: consider steel strips or rigid recycled plastic.
Curved beds: flexible plastic is usually the easiest to shape.
Frequent trimmer contact: rubber absorbs strikes better than rigid materials.
Quick, large installs: interlocking vinyl sections save time on big areas.
Light-duty decorative borders: a low-profile stake-in-place plastic is often enough.
Things to watch out for
- Skipping the trench. Edging laid on top of the soil tends to heave, lift and lose its line.
- Under-staking. Most failures come from too few stakes or stakes that are not driven fully home.
- Ignoring soil type. Clay soil expands and contracts, which can push flexible edging out of place.
- Buying the wrong height. A border that is too low will not stop creeping grass, and one that is too high is hard to mow beside.
If you are unsure how deep to set your edging or how to handle a difficult site, a local landscaping professional can advise you on drainage and soil conditions.
For more on materials and installation, see Lawn Edging Materials Compared: Metal, Plastic, Stone and How to Install Lawn Edging: Straight and Curved Edges. If you are planning the layout first, Landscape Borders: Planning Shape, Width and Plants covers spacing and bed widths.
FAQ
What is the cheapest type of landscape edging?
Thin flexible plastic and basic steel strips are usually the lowest-cost options per foot. The cheapest choice is not always the best value, though. Thin material can crack or bow within a few seasons, so compare durability alongside the initial outlay.
Is plastic or metal better for low-cost edging?
Metal holds straight lines and resists being crushed better, while plastic is easier to cut and bend around curves. For a budget project with straight runs, steel is a strong option. For curved beds or a first-time installation, flexible plastic is often easier to work with.
How deep should I bury landscape edging?
Most manufacturers recommend setting the edging so its top sits at or just above soil level, and burying the bottom several inches to resist grass roots and frost movement. Check the specific product instructions, since depth requirements vary by material and height.
Can I install low-cost edging myself?
Yes. Most budget edging needs a spade or half-moon edger, a mallet and stakes. Plan the layout with a garden hose or spray paint first, then trench, set the edging and drive the stakes. Allow a few hours for a small bed and longer for a full perimeter.
Will rubber edging hold up to string trimmers?
Rubber is generally more tolerant of trimmer contact than rigid plastic or thin metal. Light, occasional contact is usually fine. Repeated direct hits from a string trimmer can still scuff the surface over time, so keep the trimmer head angled away from the border where you can.
Does edging stop grass from creeping into beds?
Edging slows creeping grass but rarely stops it completely. A deeper, more rigid border with a solid bottom edge does a better job. Regular trimming along the line also helps keep runners from establishing in the bed.
How long does budget landscape edging last?
Lifespan depends on material, climate, soil and how it is installed. Thin plastic may last only a few seasons in harsh sun or freeze-thaw conditions, while thicker steel or recycled plastic can last considerably longer when set properly. Manufacturer listings usually describe intended use, which is a useful starting point.
Conclusion
Low cost landscape edging is a practical upgrade when you match the material to the job. For long straight lines, the steel options are a sound choice. For curved beds and beginner installations, flexible plastic is easiest to work with. Rubber suits areas that get frequent trimmer contact, while interlocking vinyl speeds up large projects. Choose based on your layout, soil and traffic, check height and staking requirements, and dig a proper trench. A well-installed border of modest quality will usually outperform a more expensive one that was set on the surface.
