When your landscape borders start showing cracks, sinking, or separation, the big question is whether a repair will hold up or if replacement makes more sense. The answer depends on the extent of damage, the age of your edging, and what caused the problem in the first place.
Signs Your Borders Need Attention
Most concrete curbing issues become obvious pretty quickly. You’ll see cracks forming along the length of the border, sections settling lower than others, or gaps opening between the edging and the ground. Sometimes tree roots push borders out of place, or ground movement creates uneven sections.
Metal and plastic edging typically fail through warping, cracking, or complete breakage. These materials rarely last more than a few years before needing replacement. Decorative concrete borders from AE Landscape Borders hold up much longer, but even quality concrete can experience problems if the underlying conditions change dramatically.
When Can You Repair Landscape Borders?
Small surface cracks in concrete curbing can often be patched if they’re purely cosmetic and the border remains structurally sound. If a short section has shifted slightly due to a single tree root, that isolated area might be repairable without redoing the entire run.
However, repairs work best when the original installation was done properly and the damage is truly isolated. If multiple sections show problems, or if the damage resulted from poor initial installation, repairs typically just delay the inevitable. Choosing the right border pattern also depends on your garden layout and how much ground movement you typically see in your beds.
AE Landscape Borders evaluates every situation individually during their free onsite estimates. Their installers can tell you honestly whether a repair makes sense or if you’re better off with a fresh start that comes with their lifetime warranty.
When Should You Replace Your Edging?
Replacement makes sense when damage affects multiple sections, when the original installation lacked proper base preparation, or when you’re dealing with cheap materials that were never built to last. Plastic and metal edging almost always needs complete replacement rather than repair.
If your borders are more than 10 years old and showing widespread cracking or settling, replacement typically costs less than trying to patch multiple problem areas. You also get the benefit of modern installation techniques and materials that will outlast the original edging.
Concrete curbing replacement also gives you the chance to update your landscape design. You can switch patterns from Missouri Flagstone to something like Fractured Rock or Slate, or change colors to better match your home’s exterior. AE Landscape Borders offers several patterns and colors that weren’t available when many older borders were installed.
What Causes Border Damage in the First Place?
Understanding why your edging failed helps prevent the same issues after repair or replacement. Tree roots are the most common culprit, especially from fast-growing species planted too close to beds. Ground settling happens when the base wasn’t properly prepared before installation.
Freeze-thaw cycles can damage concrete that wasn’t properly finished or cured. Proper drainage plays a role in how long your edging lasts, as standing water accelerates deterioration in any material. Poor initial installation — including inadequate base prep or incorrect concrete mix — causes premature failure that no amount of patching can fix long-term.
Professional installers from AE Landscape Borders address these issues upfront. They handle complications like sprinkler lines and underground utilities, prepare proper bases, and use commercial-grade materials designed for decades of service. That’s why they can confidently offer a lifetime warranty on their decorative concrete edging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to repair landscape borders?
Repair costs vary dramatically based on the extent of damage and the type of material. Small concrete patches might seem affordable initially, but if the underlying problem isn’t addressed, you’ll face ongoing repairs. AE Landscape Borders provides free onsite estimates that honestly assess whether repair or replacement makes better financial sense for your specific situation.
Can I repair plastic or metal landscape edging?
Plastic and metal edging are rarely worth repairing. These materials crack, warp, and break down from UV exposure and ground movement. Replacement with decorative concrete borders eliminates the cycle of constant repairs and gives you a permanent solution backed by a lifetime warranty.
How long should landscape borders last?
Properly installed decorative concrete curbing should last decades with minimal maintenance. AE Landscape Borders stands behind their installations with a lifetime warranty. Plastic edging typically fails within 3-5 years, while metal edging lasts slightly longer but eventually rusts or bends out of shape.
If your landscape borders are showing signs of damage, contact AE Landscape Borders for a free onsite estimate. Their experienced installers will assess your situation honestly and help you make the most cost-effective decision — whether that’s a targeted repair or a complete replacement with a lifetime warranty. Most installations take just one day, giving you beautiful, durable edging that finally solves your border problems for good.
