Landscaping That Lasts: Block & Stone vs. Metal Bed Edging
When it comes to defining your flower beds, the right border material makes all the difference. Many homeowners initially lean toward metal edging because of its lower upfront cost, but over time, metal can warp, rust, and shift, leading to an uneven and unpolished look.
If you want a high-quality, long-term solution that enhances your landscape, block and stone borders are the way to go. Not only do they add a refined, custom look to your yard, but they also provide structural benefits that metal edging simply can’t offer.
Why Block & Stone Borders Are the Superior Choice
At Lazer Property Services, we install block and stone borders with precision to ensure they follow the natural slope of your yard while maintaining perfect leveling. Unlike metal edging, which often gets bent or lifted due to soil movement, our borders are:
✅ Installed to match the terrain, preventing uneven gaps and dips.
✅ Built on a solid base, reducing movement and ensuring long-term stability.
✅ Designed for drainage benefits, helping prevent water buildup around your flower beds.
✅ Elevated to improve soil containment, keeping mulch, dirt, and plants in place.
This means your flower beds will always look polished and professional—without the constant need for adjustments and maintenance that metal requires.
The Functional Benefits of Block & Stone Borders
Beyond just looking great, block and stone borders enhance the functionality of your landscaping in ways that metal cannot.
1. Improved Drainage & Erosion Control
One of the biggest downsides of metal edging is that it does nothing to control water flow. Metal can trap water in certain areas, leading to pooling, root rot, and soil erosion.
Block and stone borders, on the other hand, improve drainage. By slightly elevating your flower beds, they:
✔️ Allow water to flow naturally instead of pooling.
✔️ Help prevent soil erosion, especially on sloped landscapes.
✔️ Direct water away from plants that don’t tolerate excess moisture.
This keeps your flower beds healthier and your yard looking great—especially in areas prone to heavy rain or runoff.
2. Elevation for a More Defined Landscape
A major advantage of block and stone borders is their ability to elevate flower beds. This creates a more striking, layered look while also providing practical benefits, such as:
✔️ Keeping mulch and soil contained – No more mulch washing away onto your lawn.
✔️ Allowing for better root growth – Raised flower beds give plant roots more space to grow.
✔️ Improving lawn separation – Creating a clear distinction between grass and garden areas.
Metal edging simply sits flush with the ground, offering no structural or containment benefits.
3. Backfilling for Stronger & More Versatile Landscaping
Another huge advantage of block and stone borders is that they allow for backfilling, which is essential in certain applications.
What does this mean for your landscape?
✔️ You can add soil behind the border, creating a raised bed without the need for additional retaining walls.
✔️ It provides extra reinforcement, preventing shifting over time.
✔️ It allows for customized elevation, so you can tailor the height of your flower beds to your exact preferences.
Metal edging offers none of these benefits. It’s a thin, flimsy barrier that can’t support soil buildup or be used to shape the landscape in a meaningful way.
Why Metal Edging Fails Over Time
While metal edging may seem like a quick and inexpensive solution, it’s a temporary fix that will almost certainly need to be replaced. Here’s why:
1. Rust & Corrosion
❌ Metal deteriorates when exposed to moisture, leaving you with unsightly rusted edges.
❌ Rust weakens the material, causing it to break apart.
2. Shifting & Warping
❌ Metal bends and moves with soil expansion, creating uneven and wavy borders.
❌ It often lifts out of the ground over time, requiring constant readjustments.
3. Poor Containment & Separation
❌ Metal edging does not elevate your flower beds, meaning mulch, dirt, and gravel spill over into your lawn.
❌ It does nothing to improve drainage or soil stability—two major factors in a healthy landscape.
A Smarter Investment for a Better-Looking Yard
Block and stone borders do more than just define your flower beds—they enhance the entire look and function of your landscape.
✔️ Stronger & More Durable – Built to last, even in extreme weather.
✔️ Customizable – Available in various colors, textures, and styles.
✔️ Adds Value to Your Property – Well-built landscaping features boost curb appeal.
✔️ Low Maintenance – No rust, no warping, no constant adjustments.
Although block and stone require a higher initial investment, they save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for constant repairs and replacements. Instead of opting for a temporary metal border that will bend and rust, choose a professional, custom-installed block or stone border that will keep your landscaping looking pristine for years to come.
Ready to upgrade your flower bed borders?
Request a free consultation today with the booking page on our website!
