Ballard Garden Bed Borders & Edging Services

Nothing says ‘well-kept yard’ like crisp, clean edges! Without the right borders, mulch spills into your lawn, grass creeps into your beds, and everything can start to look a bit unkempt in just a few weeks. That’s why we specialize in building clean, durable borders that withstand Ballard’s unique challenges—whether it’s heavy rains, slopes, tree roots, or those tricky tight access areas.

What’s the Problem?

• Mulch Spills: Heavy rains can wash mulch into your lawn.
• Grass Invasion: Grass creeps into garden beds—those pesky rhizomes are relentless!
• Wobbly Edging: Plastic edging that heaves out of the ground looks wavy.
• Edge Erosion: Edges washing out on slopes or damage from string trimmers.

What We Build (Durable Materials That Last)

• Steel/Aluminum Edging: Our 3/16” steel or heavy-gauge aluminum stays put and won’t wobble, perfect for Ballard’s rainy climate.
• Paver Soldier Course: A classic look with brick or concrete pavers set on a compacted base for easy mowing.
• Natural Stone Border: Using robust basalt or fieldstone that blends beautifully with the Pacific Northwest landscape.
• Concrete Mow Strip: A 4–6” wide cast-in-place strip for a clean line—ideal for aggressive grass areas.
• Timber Edging (ground-contact rated): Adds warmth with concealed anchors, ensuring proper drainage.
• Cut Bed Edge (no material): A deep spade cut for a defined shelf; the most cost-effective option but requires seasonal re-cutting.

We steer clear of flimsy roll plastic edging—trust us, it just doesn’t hold up! If you want straight edges, we build them straight.

How We Build (No Shortcuts Here!)

1. Layout: We start with mapping smooth curves and straight lines using paint and string.
2. Excavate & Base: We remove sod and organics, then lay down a crushed rock base compacted in layers.
3. Set & Pin: Edging is secured with stakes through flanges at tight intervals. For pavers, we establish a screeded sand bed.
4. Drainage & Slopes: We cut weep holes and use jute/staples on steep banks to ensure mulch stays put.
5. Backfill & Finish: Final grades are set; we pull back 2–3” of mulch from stems and siding.
6. Protection: We install trimmer guards where the lawn meets soft bark to fend off string damage.

Quick Specs We Aim For

• Reveal height: Approximately ½–1” above grade (keeping mulch in while allowing mowers to clear).
• Base depth: 2–4” of crushed rock beneath paver/stone/concrete edges.
• Stake spacing (metal): 24” for straight runs; tighter (12–18”) on curves and slopes.
• Paver bed: Sand to ASTM C33; compacted sub-base; polymeric joint sand if exposed to traffic.
• Slope: Edges pitched slightly into beds to prevent fines from washing onto pathways.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Best Friend)

• Edge integrity checks: We re-pin any loose sections and tap back any drift.
• String-line tune: We re-cut natural bed edges for that crisp, shadow line.
• Mulch top-ups: Keeping a consistent 2–3” depth prevents weeds from getting sunlight.
• Weed control: We prioritize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) along borders, managing weeds proactively.
• Mower/trimmer height: We provide notes to help prevent edge scalping and bark damage.

We’re your low-maintenance landscaping team. Our goal? Fewer problems between visits and less work for you!

Service Cadences (Choose What Works for You)

• Quarterly: A spring/fall reset plus two tune-ups throughout the year.
• Bi-Monthly: A great balance for high-growth lawns and sloped beds.

(For fresh installs on slopes? Start monthly for 60–90 days, then taper off.)

What Annual Maintenance Includes

• Re-cutting natural edges and cleaning curves
• Inspecting edge restraint and re-staking as necessary
• Polymeric re-sanding for paver borders to maintain tidy joint lines
• Mulch redistribution/top-up to ensure even depth
• Photo updates so you can see those sharp lines in action!

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

• Cleaner lines = instant curb appeal.
• Less weeding — Well-maintained edges block grass creep effectively.
• Fewer washouts — Properly tuned slopes keep mulch where it belongs.
• Lower costs — Small edge touch-ups are far more economical than full re-builds!

How It Works

1. Free Estimate: We’ll gather some photos or a quick walkthrough, providing clear, upfront pricing.
2. Design & Material Selection: Choose from steel, stone, paver, timber, or concrete—whatever fits your style and property best.
3. Build Day: We’ll excavate, lay the base, set, pin, and finish—leaving your yard clean and tidy.
4. Follow-Up: You’ll receive care notes and a maintenance schedule tailored just for your property.

Why Ballard Chooses Neat & Tidy

• A local crew that understands Ballard’s clay pockets, winter rains, and tight alleys.
• Licensed & insured; we maintain tidy, respectful job sites.
• Upfront pricing — all materials, labor, hauling, and disposal included.
• On-time, clean finishes—no wavy lines, no wandering mulch!
• A green-first approach—durable installs, smart drainage, and minimal landfill waste.

Ready for edges that actually stay put?

Call or text Neat & Tidy for garden bed borders and lawn edging that hold a line—through Ballard’s winter rains and summer mowing. We’re here to keep it tidy—so you can relax and enjoy your beautiful garden!