Cedar Edging for Flower Beds: Installation Tips

By Greenes Fence Company: Cedar Raised Garden Beds ... | Published: 2026-10-20

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to install cedar wood lawn edging for flower beds with step-by-step tips and creative garden border ideas. Get a natural, durable look.

Quick answer

Install cedar edging for flower beds by laying flexible cedar boards along your border, securing them with landscape stakes, and backfilling soil for a natural, long-lasting edge.

Why choose cedar for flower bed edging

Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it a durable choice for garden borders that stay in contact with soil and moisture. Unlike pressure-treated pine, cedar does not require chemical preservatives, so it's safe around vegetables and flowers. Its flexibility allows you to create smooth curves around garden beds and trees without cutting or bending rigid materials.

Before you start: materials and planning

Measure the perimeter of your flower bed to determine how many edging boards you need. For most projects, 12-pack sets like the Greenes Fence Cedar Wood Landscape Edging (18 in. W x 5-7 in. H) cover about 18 linear feet. You will also need a rubber mallet, landscape stakes, a level, and a spade. Mark the desired border with string or a garden hose to test the shape before digging.

Step-by-step installation guide

1. Mark the border: Use a garden hose or string to outline the desired shape of your flower bed. Adjust the curve until you are happy with the layout. Common mistake: making the curve too tight. Cedar boards can flex, but avoid bending them beyond a 2-foot radius to prevent cracking.
2. Prepare the ground: If using no-dig edging, simply clear grass and weeds along the marked line. For a more permanent installation, dig a shallow trench 2-3 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the board height. Checkpoint: ensure the ground is level along the trench. Uneven soil will cause the edging to sit crooked.
3. Position the boards: Lay the cedar boards end to end along the border, overlapping the ends slightly (about 1 inch) to maintain alignment. Tap them gently into the trench with a rubber mallet. Common mistake: leaving gaps between boards. Overlap ensures a continuous barrier that soil and mulch cannot seep through.
4. Secure with stakes: Drive landscape stakes through the pre-drilled holes (if available) or through the board itself every 2-3 feet. Use a level to check that the top edge remains even. Checkpoint: use stakes long enough to go at least 6 inches into the ground for stability, especially in loose soil.
5. Backfill and finish: Backfill the trench with soil on both sides of the edging, packing it firmly. Add mulch or gravel up to the top edge to hide the stakes and create a clean border. Common mistake: backfilling too high. Keep soil or mulch below the top edge so the cedar remains visible and water does not pool against the wood.

Product recommendation

Cedar Wood Landscape Edging 18 in. W x 5-7 in. H x 3/4 in. D (12-Pack) RC42-12PK: Greenes Fence Cedar Lawn Edging is made from North American cedar and features a no-dig installation design. You can install this edging without digging a trench, saving time and effort while still getting a clean border.
Cedar Wood Landscape Edging 18 in. W x 5-7 in. H x 3/4 in. D (12-Pack) RC42-12PK