Key Takeaways
Concrete landscape edging creates a beautiful hard edge that makes garden beds look more polished, improves weed and grass control, and helps boost curb appeal. It provides an array of styles, textures, and colors to complement any landscape architecture.- Of course, concrete has the benefit of being the most durable and weather-resistant material. Its easy-care installation and process make it a convenient option for Ham Lake’s distinct climate and geography.
- With Ham Lake’s unique climate and soil conditions, concrete landscaping edgers are the best option. This durable material offers a secure, long-lasting option that will hold up season after season.
- Customization options, including different shapes, textures, and colors, allow you to match your edging to the local aesthetic and create a cohesive design.
- Proper planning and installation, such as measuring your area, accounting for drainage, and sealing the concrete, ensure a durable and long-lasting finish.
- Regular cleaning, sealing, and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of your concrete edging, providing long-term value and maintaining its appearance.
Concrete landscape edging in Ham Lake MN is the best choice for concrete landscape edging. It gives your landscape a polished look and feel.
It improves curb appeal while providing long-term value and performance with very little upkeep. These edges are custom-made to withstand Minnesota’s harsh climate.
They keep mulch in place, prevent grass from creeping, and provide a neat look for any home’s landscaping.
Whether renovating your landscape or creating a new one, concrete landscape edging offers a unique mix of style and practicality to make your outdoor spaces even more spectacular.
What is Concrete Landscape Edging?
Concrete landscape edging uses strong, precast concrete to form hard edges that help organize and beautify landscapes. In addition to fulfilling a functional need, it provides a tidy, finished look and keeps landscaping materials like soil, mulch, or gravel in check.
In nearby Ham Lake, MN, concrete landscape edging has become the go-to for savvy homeowners and property managers. It increases curb appeal and helps reduce maintenance!
1. Define Concrete Landscape Edging
Concrete landscape edging is just an aesthetic modification of a property border system set up around the landscapes, sidewalks, or grass. Natural stone landscape edging artisans produce it by pouring or molding concrete in particular shapes and sizes.
Then, manufacturers can add whatever finishes, colors, or textures to concrete to make it shine. Unlike other temporary edging solutions, concrete offers a permanent edge that won’t move or wear away with the sun, rain, or snow.
A gentle, flowing concrete edge provides the flowerbed’s finishing touch. It helps to contain the mulch and gives the landscape a finished appearance.
2. Explore Types of Concrete Edging
Old-fashioned poured concrete does provide a convenient, uninterrupted edge that’s effective in expansive, open settings. Pre-cast concrete blocks or decorative bricks offer another alternative, providing a much more modular appearance with the flexibility to combine multiple patterns together.
One option is to use stamped or decorative concrete that can create a beautiful textured design by fully mimicking stone, brick, or even wood. A stamped concrete border adds a lovely artistic touch to a country flower-filled garden landscape.
At the same time, colored concrete can match the exact shades of your patio. Each type offers exceptional design and application versatility.
3. Discuss Benefits of Concrete Edging
Concrete landscape edging is unique in its durability, maintenance free nature and versatility. It’s extremely durable against the elements, won’t rot or warp, and needs very little maintenance other than the customary washing.
In addition, it increases water retention by helping to hold mulch or soil in place during torrential downpours. Its design flexibility means it can be easily customized to reflect the architectural style of any property—from modern to traditional.
Take colored concrete, for example—there are hues that can easily complement a home’s exterior.
4. Compare Concrete to Other Edging Materials
Concrete edging provides superior durability and performance that wood, plastic, or metal edging simply can’t rival. Wood can rot, and plastic is prone to cracking in severe weather, but concrete stands the test of time.
Though metal edging will eventually rust away, concrete is a permanent way to keep your landscape looking its best without yearly replacement. For example, a concrete edge around a driveway will outlast wood tenfold through Minnesota’s bitterly cold winters.
Why Choose Concrete Curbing in Ham Lake?
In Ham Lake, concrete offers a custom, long-lasting, and artistic alternative to decorative landscape edging. It does a great job addressing the area’s specific challenges. Whether it’s weather extremes or specific soil conditions, concrete edging is designed to stand the test of time and added beauty.
Read on to discover why concrete was the perfect material and how it married function and form beautifully.
Ham Lake Climate Considerations
We all know Minnesota’s climate means extreme temperature variances, with brutal freezing winters and sweltering summers. These extreme seasonal changes can severely damage non-durable materials, leading to cracking, warping, or shifting.
Concrete, on the other hand, was made to withstand such stresses. At Erickson Asphalt, we use top-quality concrete and modern installation methods that ensure your edging remains intact despite freezing temperatures or summer heat.
As we’ve learned over the past four decades, resilience is paramount in a climate like this. For instance, installed correctly with proper joints and drainage, concrete edging won’t heave during frost, a nuisance in many northern states.
By selecting Erickson, you’re investing in a smart solution built to withstand all that Minnesota winters can dish out, with lower maintenance needs.
Soil Composition and Edging Stability
The nature of the ground in Ham Lake is another important factor. With its unique blend of sandy and loamy textures, achieving stability is often an uphill battle for landscape materials.
Concrete edging offers the heft and stability required to anchor firmly in any lumpy or unstable base. This stability means your landscaping design will stay as-designed for years to come.
Erickson’s team of LEED accredited professionals will analyze your property’s unique soil composition before installation. By custom fitting our edging, we maximize both the longevity and durability of our edging.
Take, for example, increasing base preparation and reinforcement to ensure consistent performance even in localized subgrade-soil problem areas.
Local Aesthetic and Design
Concrete edging is perfectly functional. Concrete edging protects your plant beds and adds beauty to your landscape. In Ham Lake, many homeowners and businesses appreciate the versatility of concrete, which can be customized to match various styles.
Whether it’s sleek contemporary lines or the look of natural stone you prefer, you have options. Unlike other paving materials, our designs provide unique customization options that seamlessly blend with the local environment.
With Erickson’s 30+ years of artistry, we’ve developed edging that truly meets the needs of both beauty and durability. From private residential gardens to large commercial developments, we produce work that enhances beauty and increases property value.
Many jobs are done in only a day or two, so you can start relishing your transformed surroundings without any waiting period.
Benefits of Landscape Curbing
Landscape curbing is truly a practical, economical and aesthetically pleasing addition to any property, and is sure to be an attractive selling feature to your landscape clientele. Because it combines function and form, it makes care a lot easier and improves the look of your landscape at the same time.
Let’s take an in-depth look at each of these benefits below.
Enhance Curb Appeal
Quality customized concrete landscape border produces a liked, polished, professional appearance that improves your lands visual allure. In contrast to wood borders which age poorly, rotting, splitting or fading and requiring replacement, concrete landscape curbing retains its beauty for years.
Landscape curbing allows you to choose custom colors, textures, and patterns. You can integrate it smoothly with your plant beds, driveways, or patios for a customized look. For instance, a decorative concrete landscape curbing under a flower bed can create the look of natural stone in any case established, with less ongoing maintenance.
Its strength helps it tone any weather variations. No matter if it’s the swelter of summer or the deep freeze of winter, it doesn’t lose its appeal anytime of the year.
Weed and Grass Control
Landscape curbing acts as a solid barrier to keep grass and weeds from creeping into your flower beds and walkways. This game-changing alternative will cut down hours of repetitive trimming and weeding for you!
Unlike plastic or wood edging, which is easily uprooted or damaged, with concrete you enjoy long-lasting peace of mind knowing nothing will shift its protective barrier. The result is less reliance on chemical weed treatments or regular edging, making it a permanent, economical, eco-friendly solution.
For individuals, a homeowner in Ham Lake, MN, can reduce yard work and maintenance by adding curbing around his or her garden. That modest advance leaves more time for the other fun stuff.
Define Garden Beds
Creating crisp, sharp edges between flower beds and turf helps to create a more aesthetically pleasing look while controlling the spread of landscaping, making maintenance easier. Not only does concrete curbing give a defined, tidy border, it perfectly frames your gorgeous garden elements, whether it’s a bed of cheerful blossoms or rows of topiary.
This design facilitates mowing and trimming as the mower tires can easily roll along the landscape curbing without harm to the ornamentals. A crisp, clean edge can even help draw attention to seasonal flowers or colored mulch, instantly making your yard look more polished and professionally maintained.
Prevent Erosion
Heavy water runoff caused by powerful rainstorms or melting snow can quickly erode underlying soil, quickly washing away valuable mulch or more expensive hardscaped plants. Concrete curbing provides a hard edge barrier that keeps debris and sediment-laden water from crossing through sensitive areas.
When used with a quality penetrating sealer it can last for decades without extensive maintenance. This quality makes certain your landscape is untouched and beautiful, even in extreme conditions.
Concrete Edging Options in Ham Lake, MN
Concrete landscape edging provides a crisp definition of your yard while adding beauty and utility to your home’s exterior. In Ham Lake, MN help your businesses such as Ready Pro Lawn LLC, Erickson Asphalt, and Curb Creations specialize in the production of durable landscape edging. Their artistry works in harmony with nature to enhance your property’s aesthetics.
Whether you’re looking to define flower beds, driveways, or patio areas, these professionals provide a range of solutions tailored to meet your needs.
Styles and Designs Available
Concrete edging designs are limited only by one’s imagination. From rustic looking curbing to contemporary clean lines, there is an option for every garden. Curb Creations has really perfected the skill of extruding long lasting, beautiful custom borders.
Since 1986, they’ve installed over 35 million feet of edging! Their passion for quality means that every project creates long-term beauty and value. As an industry leader for more than 30 years, Erickson Asphalt & Concrete specializes in building and maintaining sidewalks and decorative edgings.
These characteristics help them to meld naturally with your current driveways and patios. With a sharp edge to each bed, pathway, or lawn, Ready Pro Lawn LLC can help ensure your landscape looks as seamless and professional as possible.
These options can be custom made to fit either residential or commercial properties, making sure there’s an option perfect for any environment.
Color and Texture Choices
One of the best things about concrete edging is its custom color and texture options. From rich, natural earth tones to bold, vibrant shades, you can match or complement your home’s exterior with one of our many colors and finishes.
When it comes to texture, the choice goes from completely smooth to stamped patterns that can replicate stone cobblestones or brick. This flexibility paves the way for homeowners to achieve a truly one-of-a-kind appearance, crafted to convey their individual style.
Erickson Asphalt can help make these distinct features blend beautifully into your landscape design. In the end, you reap the benefits of spaces that are pragmatic as well as aesthetically striking.
Customization Options
The biggest benefit of concrete edging is its versatility and customization. For example, Erickson Asphalt allows you to personalize patio size, shape, and finish, working with landscape designers to craft your ideal space.
Installation is relatively simple, as most installations are completed in a single day. They produce a beautiful, clean edge that looks great around flower beds, sidewalks, and more.
With hundreds of reviews, with perfect ratings, these providers can be relied on to provide quality and satisfaction.
Plan Your Concrete Edging Project
Concrete landscape edging is a fantastic way to add definition to your yard, but proper planning is key to the best possible outcome. Each little piece makes a big difference for your larger project. From outlining the space to choosing the appropriate design and figuring out drainage, every step brings your dream into your reality.
Measure and Mark Area
Begin by clarifying the precise limits of the area where the concrete edging will be placed. Whatever you may be edging – if it’s flowerbeds, pathways, or driveways – use a measuring tape to obtain accurate measurements.
Once you’ve measured your space, outline the area clearly with stakes and string or colored spray paint. This plan not only aids in visualizing the desired final layout, but ensures proper setup and accuracy throughout the installation process.
For example, if you’re installing edging around a curved flower bed, long, sweeping lines will give you the best, most natural-looking results. With straight sections, attention to alignment will help you avoid jagged edges.
Our team focuses on getting it right at this stage. With decades of experience, we’ve installed concrete edging in over 100 cities all around the state of Minnesota—Ham Lake included.
Our commitment to quality ensures that we do every job right, big or small. In fact, we typically complete each job in a single day.
Choose the Right Style
The style you choose for your concrete edging will have a big effect on the overall look of your landscape. You can opt for more simple, elegant patterns.
On the other hand, you can choose ornate designs and shades that elegantly match your residence’s facade or landscape decor. A crisp, neutral-edged border complements minimalist landscapes like this impeccably.
On the other hand, stamped patterns and deep colors add personality to colorful flower beds.
We deliver the highest quality, long-lasting, permanent, custom solutions featuring Tuff Curb Technology. This will help make sure your new edging will both look beautiful and stand up to the rigors of Minnesota’s harsh climate.
With more than 3,000,000 feet of edging installed since 1986, our experience ensures you’ll get an end result you can be proud of.
Consider Drainage Needs
As a general rule, try to avoid any spots where water will accumulate near your edging. This, in turn, will mitigate long-term damage due to erosion and washout.
Consider the slope of your yard and make sure the concrete edging design will channel water where it needs to go. For example, hilly properties can take advantage of gentle channels built into the edging to redirect water.
When you go with Erickson Asphalt, you’re making an investment in durability and maintenance simplicity. High-quality, durable materials and cutting-edge installation practices will guarantee that your concrete edging withstands seasonal variations.
Installation Best Practices
After investing in concrete landscape edging, you want it to last and look great. Every step from preparation through sealing contributes to a professional outcome and each step is key.
Prepare the Ground
In-ground preparation is the key element of durable concrete edging. Begin by outlining the intended area with the edging in it, using landscape stakes and string to establish straight lines or curves.
- Prep the installation site. Clear away grass, roots and debris to make sure the site is prepared for a flat base. At first, create a trench that’s approximately 4 inches deep.
Make it 6 inches wide to provide sufficient room for the concrete to thoroughly settle without moving off base. To kick things up a notch in terms of stability, compact the soil at the bottom of the trench with a tamper.
If you’re installing in an area that experiences a lot of rain, make sure to include a layer of gravel for optimal drainage. This is to prevent water from pooling around the edging that could erode its integrity over time.
Mix and Pour Concrete
Properly mixing concrete is the first step in achieving a beautiful, durable finish. Load up a wheelbarrow full or a concrete mixer worth. Afterwards, combine one section of concrete, a couple sections of sand and 3 sections of gravel with water.
The consistency should be like thick but pourable, about the texture of oatmeal. To ensure the best results every time, read and follow the manufacturer’s directions located right on the concrete bag.
Start placing your mixture in the prepared trench, doing short sections at a time so you can keep it even. Use a trowel to keep spreading and leveling your concrete until it has filled your trench completely.
Reinforcement is important in a large pour, particularly in regions with extreme temperature changes, to help avoid cracking. Adding rebar or metal mesh reinforcement will enhance the durability. Finish the surface with a finishing trowel to produce a fine surface appearance.
Curing Process Explained
Curing is an essential component for achieving full strength in concrete. After pouring, protect the edging by covering it with a plastic sheeting or moistened burlap to help hold in moisture.
You can typically strip coverings in 24 to 48 hours after placing the concrete once it’s hardened enough. In practice, curing can take at least 28 days for complete curing.
For the first 14 days or until the edging is installed, don’t subject the edging to heavy foot traffic or loads. Providing a uniform cure environment will minimize the potential for cracking and result in a long-lasting final product.
Sealing for Longevity
Sealing increases durability. Sealing gives concrete an additional layer of protection from weather and wear. After the concrete has cured completely, wash the surface with a broom and water to help remove dust and debris.
Use a synthetic brush or quick dry roller to apply the sealer in thin, even coats. Sealants offer the overall best protection against moisture, stains and UV damage.
This is particularly important in places like Ham Lake, where the weather can turn on a dime. To keep your stone and concrete edging looking its best, reapply sealer every two to three years.
Maintenance and Longevity
This includes investing in concrete landscape edging with Ham Lake, MN, to improve function and aesthetics. To keep this 100-year asset going for the long-term, proactive maintenance is key. If well designed and constructed, these durable curbs can withstand the test of time, lasting more than 20 years, showcasing their utility and resilience at improving outdoor environments.
Join me as I explain the basics of smart maintenance. Follow these maintenance tips to ensure that your siding stays looking great for decades.
Cleaning and Care Tips
Regular maintenance is instrumental in keeping your concrete lawn edging looking beautiful and healthy for years to come. Keeping the residential and commercial curbs clean by regularly removing organic debris such as leaves, dirt, or lawn grass clippings retains great curb appeal.
It stops moisture collection, which can degrade the material in the long run. Tip #7 When cleaning, use a soft-bristle brush or low-pressure hose to prevent damage to the surface.
Sealing is one of the most important steps for care. For any concrete, apply an appropriate concrete sealant every 1–3 years. This forms a long-lasting protective layer that protects your surface from weather erosion, harsh oils, and tire degradation.
If your particular curbing is subject to extreme rain, snow, or vehicle conditions, the best practice is to reseal every two years. This easy maintenance task prevents cracking or discoloration from occurring thereby extending durability and longevity.
Repairing Cracks and Damage
However, despite adequate upkeep, cracks and chips still happen. Repairing these when the damage is still minimal can prevent more costly repairs down the road.
Repair one crack at a time and first, clean out the crack to remove any dirt or debris. Then, pack it with a concrete patch or crack filler rated for use outdoors. For more serious damage, you might require the professionals to bring the structure and beauty back to the edging.
Control joints, set in during the initial placement, allow for natural expansion and contraction to reduce cracking. These joints release stress and are an essential design feature for these structures’ long-term survival.
Addressing Weathering
Concrete edging takes on a weathered appearance over time thanks to Minnesota’s extreme and varied climate. Since it’s often exposed to freeze-thaw cycles, protecting it from those effects is important.
Sealants, as we discussed above, serve as a protective barrier against water and therefore freeze infiltration. With sustainable aggregates installed, the edging will hold up to any kind of weather, maintaining a strong presence for 50 years or more.
Cost Considerations in Ham Lake
When installing concrete landscape edging, cost considerations are an important part of the process. Your total costs will fluctuate based on materials, labor, and the overall size and scope of your project.
Most projects consist of an average of 180 linear feet of edging. Let’s sort through the most important cost considerations to ensure you’re making decisions that are in the best interests of your community.
Factors Affecting Price
Many factors determine the overall price of concrete edging. Material selection is a big deal. Poured concrete generally runs from $3 to $8 per linear ft. It delivers uninterrupted endurance, but you’ll shell out premium dollars for that excellence.
Precast concrete is a less costly alternative but doesn’t offer the same customization that poured in place concrete does. Labor costs have an outsized effect on pricing. In Ham Lake, minimum costs for landscaping services range from $30 to $110 an hour or from $1.50 to $10 per linear foot of their installation.
Local businesses such as Erickson Asphalt & Concrete provide tailored solutions and cost-effective pricing, just for you! They make sure you’re getting just the right mix of value vs. Quality.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Deciding on DIY vs. Professional installation affects cost and potential results. Choosing the right option is crucial to your success. Doing it yourself can become attractive at first glance due to lower costs, especially with more minor efforts.
However, they usually involve the need to rent specialized equipment and buy materials in bulk, both of which can make costs add up fast. Professional installers have the training and equipment experience that can speed the process and deliver the accurate cuts and results you need.
A professional crew can roll out, in one stretch, an edging of concrete that measures 180 feet. They’re addressing issues such as undulating roads and drainage requirements, which are difficult for a home-grown solution to manage.
Long-Term Value
Whether opting for decorative or standard concrete edging, investing in concrete’s durability means value over the long-term, especially given Ham Lake’s dynamic Minnesota weather. Concrete is incredibly durable, standing up to extreme temperature shifts and cutting down on long-term maintenance costs.
Beyond safety and versatility, it provides a stylish, functional touch to your exterior, creating an attractive landscaping professional that enhances curb appeal and home value. While the initial cost seems steep, concrete curbing has longevity and low maintenance costs.
This duo can offset your upfront costs, saving you money for years to come.
Local Regulations and Considerations
When you’re preparing for installation of concrete landscape edging in Ham Lake, MN, local rules and considerations are important to keep in mind. These guidelines ensure compliance and contribute to creating a durable and environmentally responsible addition to your property.
Building Codes and Permits
Concrete landscape edging are subject to local building ordinances in Ham Lake. These codes detail the maximum height, width, and placement of your edging. This is to make sure that their project will not infringe on neighbors’ property lines, existing utilities, or public right of way.
For example, edging placed adjacent to sidewalks or driveways may need to have a sufficient setback to avoid creating hazards. Equally critical is making sure you know if your project needs a permit. It’s worth noting that smaller residential installations are quite often exempt.
Larger or more intricate designs typically need to be approved by the local zoning or building department. Asking your city officials ahead of time or working with your contractor to ensure compliance can avoid costly delays or fines.
Environmental Impact
Hard concrete edging can make a huge impact on the water flow across your property. In Ham Lake, where rainfall distribution can be inconsistent, poor installations could cause significant soil erosion or water pooling. To prevent these dangers, the slope and drainage of your yard should be considered.
Incorporating small drainage gaps, or weep holes, into the edging design would allow water to escape. This serves to insulate surrounding vegetation and soil. Employing low-impact materials or additives in the concrete mix can help prevent harmful runoff.
This is especially true in sandier areas near lakes or wetlands, where maintaining clean water sources is important to the community.
Sustainability Practices
Sustainability is a major priority to many future Ham Lake homeowners. Sourcing materials locally for your concrete mix decreases the emissions from transportation and helps to support local vendors.
Recycled aggregates, such as crushed concrete or recycled glass, are another eco-friendly option for creating durable edging while minimizing waste. Choosing energy-efficient installation methods can go a long way toward reducing your project’s negative environmental footprint.
This is especially the case where electric-powered equipment can be used instead of gas-powered alternatives. These practices help conserve resources, which is good for the environment and what many home improvement customers are looking for when they want to produce environmentally-friendly products.
Conclusion
Concrete landscape edging in Ham Lake is an easy-to-implement solution that provides long-term beauty and form to your landscape. It makes landscaping look more organized, makes mowing and maintenance easier, and increases curb appeal. Available in choices such as stamped patterns or tinted surfaces, you can effortlessly coordinate with your individual preference and residence decor. By planning ahead and sticking to best practices, you can complete a beautiful, seamless installation that will last for years to come. Our local experts in Ham Lake are always available to assist you with creating the most effective solution for your specific requirements and limited budget.
If you’re looking to enhance your yard’s beauty and functionality with attractive, durable, and low-maintenance concrete landscape edging, contact us today to get started. Contact a local concrete landscape edging supplier you can trust to find out what’s possible and get your project started off right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is concrete landscape edging?
Concrete landscape edging is a great, long-lasting, attractive way to edge garden beds, sidewalks or driveways. It improves curb appeal, it stops soil erosion and it provides a neater, more professional appearance to landscapes and gardens.
Why choose concrete edging in Ham Lake, MN?
That’s why concrete landscape edging is the right choice for Ham Lake’s climate. Most importantly, it is proven to withstand extreme freeze-thaw cycles, requiring little to no maintenance and ultimately increasing property value. Best of all, you can get local contractors to create something completely custom to your school’s needs.
What are the benefits of concrete curbing?
Concrete landscape edging installed with Artistic Curb’s proven equipment and technology is durable, weather-resistant, and completely customizable. It keeps grass and weeds from encroaching, cuts down on maintenance, and gives a polished, professional appearance to your landscape.
Are there design options for concrete edging?
Design your accent landscape edging Select from a wide range of shapes, colors and finishes to suit your unique style. Decorative options Stamped patterns and textured finishes can replicate the look of stone or brick for a luxurious, high-end look.
How do you maintain concrete landscape edging?
It’s easy to maintain, too. To keep your rubber edge looking great, just wash it occasionally with water and a mild detergent. Seal it every 2-3 years to minimize weathering and wear.
What does concrete edging cost in Ham Lake, MN?
Expect to pay between $15 and $30 per foot depending on the design, length, and contractor. Overall, plan on $5-$15 per linear foot. Obtain estimates from local professionals to get the best possible pricing.
Are there local regulations for concrete edging in Ham Lake?
Sure, certain neighborhoods or HOAs might have restrictions. Consult your local jurisdiction or HOA for any special prohibitions before beginning your landscape project.