Plastic landscape edging is an economical, flexible option for defining lawns, holding sod, and forming concrete. Problems arise when low-grade plastic is used long term: it can be damaged by mowers, scatter fragments, and look unsightly. Modern options include heavy-gauge metal, recycled plastic, stone, and concrete. Best practices: pick the right material for permanence, stake edging securely, and follow contractor or manufacturer guidance on removal timing and concrete curing.
Why use plastic edging?
Plastic edging still plays a practical role in modern yards. Installers use it for three common reasons: to define lawn edges and flowerbeds, to hold new sod in place while it establishes, and to form clean joints when pouring concrete or paving. It's inexpensive, flexible, and easy to install, which is why many contractors use it as a temporary or low-cost solution.
Common problems with plastic edging
Lower-grade plastic edging can be flimsy. When exposed at the lawn surface it can nick or break under mower blades and string trimmers, leaving plastic fragments in the yard. Left in place long term, thin plastic edging can warp, flex, or become unsightly.
Some landscapers remove temporary edging after the soil and plantings settle; others leave it in place and risk creating a clean-up problem later. If pieces are scattered by mowing, they can be difficult to find and remove.
Modern materials and alternatives
Today's market offers a range of edging materials beyond cheap plastic: heavy-gauge aluminum or steel edging, molded recycled-plastic boards, concrete curbs, brick and natural stone, and composite products. Higher-grade plastic (HDPE or engineered recycled plastic) holds up better than thin PVC in many installations, but metal and masonry options are more durable for permanent edges.
Choose the material to match the job: inexpensive flexible plastic for short-term or temporary projects, and metal, stone, or concrete for a permanent, mower-resistant edge.
Best practices: install, maintain, remove
• Match the product to the job. Don't use lightweight plastic where you expect constant contact with a mower blade.
• Stake and secure edging properly so it stays in place while soil settles.
• For sod and new beds, keep temporary edging in place until plantings and soil have settled. Ask your landscape contractor or follow the manufacturer's guidance for how long to leave it in place - timing varies by climate, soil type, and product.
• For concrete forms, follow the project specifications and concrete curing recommendations before removing forms or edging. Curing and safe removal times vary with mix, weather, and additives. 1
• If you decide to remove plastic edging, collect and dispose of it responsibly. Some recycled-plastic products can be recycled through specific programs; check local recycling options.
Bottom line
Plastic edging remains useful for temporary definition and low-cost projects, but its lifespan and performance depend on product quality and installation. For lasting, mower-resistant edges choose heavier materials and follow manufacturer or contractor guidance on how long temporary edging should remain in place.
- Confirm recommended removal timelines for temporary plastic edging used with sod and new plantings under different climates and soil types.
- Verify typical concrete curing times relevant to when forms or edging can be removed for common residential mixes and climates.
- Confirm durability differences and typical lifespan between common plastic edging materials (thin PVC vs HDPE vs engineered recycled plastic).