Getting your yard ready before a concrete curbing installation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A little prep work helps the crew work efficiently and ensures your new decorative concrete borders look great from day one.
What should I do to prep my yard before landscape edging installation?
Most homeowners don’t need to do much at all. Professional installers like AE Landscape Borders handle the heavy lifting, but clearing a few things makes the process smoother. Remove any lawn furniture, planters, or decorations near the installation area. If you have garden hoses or sprinkler timers in the way, move those too.
Mark any underground utilities if you haven’t already. While the crew will be careful, knowing where sprinkler lines, electrical wires, or irrigation systems run prevents surprises. AE Landscape Borders regularly works around these common obstacles, but a heads-up always helps.
Mow your lawn a day or two before the install. Shorter grass gives the crew better visibility and makes it easier to see the natural contours of your beds. You don’t need to edge or trim perfectly—just a normal mow will do.
Do I need to edge my beds before the crew arrives?
No need. The installation team will establish the exact line for your concrete curbing as part of the process. Trying to pre-edge might actually create extra work, especially if your vision doesn’t match the final layout. Trust the pros to create clean, consistent lines.
If you’re unsure about the shape or path of your new borders, walk the yard with a garden hose or spray paint to visualize it beforehand. This gives you a chance to adjust the design before installation day. Choosing the right border pattern also depends on your garden layout, so think about how curves, straight runs, and corners will look with your landscaping style.
Should I water my lawn or beds before installation?
Normal watering is fine, but avoid soaking the area right before the crew arrives. Wet or muddy ground makes it harder to dig the trench and can delay the pour. If it’s been dry for weeks, a light watering the day before helps soften the soil without creating a mess.
After installation, keep foot traffic and water off the fresh concrete for at least 24 hours. Full curing takes up to 28 days, but you can resume normal lawn care after the first day or two. Proper drainage plays a role in how long your edging lasts, so make sure water flows away from the curbing rather than pooling against it.
What about pets and kids during the install?
Keep pets indoors or in a separate part of the yard during the installation. Concrete equipment is loud, and curious animals can get in the way or track through wet concrete. The same goes for young kids—decorative concrete edging installs are fast, usually just one day, but it’s best to let the crew work without distractions.
Once the concrete sets, your new landscape borders are safe for everyone. The finished curbing is smooth, durable, and far more attractive than plastic or metal edging that can crack or shift over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove old edging before installation?
No, the installation crew will remove any existing plastic, metal, or rubber edging as part of the process. You don’t need to dig it out yourself.
How long does a typical decorative concrete border installation take?
Most residential projects are completed in one day. Larger or more complex layouts may take two days, but AE Landscape Borders works efficiently to minimize disruption.
Can they install curbing if my sprinklers are in the way?
Yes. AE Landscape Borders routinely works around sprinkler lines, tree roots, and underground wires. Let them know about any obstacles during your free onsite estimate so they can plan accordingly.
Ready to upgrade your landscaping with durable, low-maintenance concrete curbing? Contact AE Landscape Borders today for a free onsite estimate and see how decorative concrete edging transforms your yard.
