How to Edge Garden Beds and WalkwaysHow to Edge Garden Beds and WalkwaysHow to Edge Garden Beds and WalkwaysHow to Edge Garden Beds and WalkwaysHow to Edge Garden Beds and WalkwaysHow to Edge Garden Beds and WalkwaysHow to Edge Garden Beds and WalkwaysHow to Edge Garden Beds and WalkwaysHow to Edge Garden Beds and WalkwaysHow to Edge Garden Beds and Walkways

How to Edge Garden Beds and Walkways — New Mexico

Complete checklist with climate-adjusted recommendations for New Mexico

Overview

Define clean edges between lawn and beds. Add fresh mulch 2-3 inches deep to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and give your landscape a polished look.

DIY FriendlyEasy~120 min

Step-by-Step Guide

Plan your edge lines

Use a garden hose or spray paint to outline the desired edge shape along beds and walkways. Step back and evaluate the line from multiple angles before cutting.

Cut the edge with a half-moon edger or flat spade

Drive the blade straight down 3-4 inches along your guideline. Angle the cut slightly toward the bed so the turf side is vertical and the bed side slopes away.

Remove the turf strip

Peel back the sod and grass from the bed side of the cut. Shake off loose soil and compost the turf or use it to patch bare spots in the lawn.

Create a shallow trench

Scoop out a V-shaped or flat-bottom trench 2-3 inches deep along the edge. This trench prevents grass stolons from creeping back into the bed.

Remove old mulch and debris from beds

Rake out decomposed mulch, fallen leaves, and weed material from the bed. Pull any weeds that have established roots near the edge.

Spread fresh mulch evenly

Apply 2-3 inches of hardwood, cedar, or pine bark mulch across the entire bed. Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot.

Clean the walkway edges

Sweep or blow stray mulch and soil off walkways, driveways, and patios. A leaf blower makes quick work of this step.

What You'll Need

Tools

- Half-moon edger or flat spade
- Garden hose or marking spray paint
- Steel rake
- Wheelbarrow
- Work gloves
- Leaf blower or broom

Materials

- Mulch (hardwood, cedar, or pine bark) — 2-3 cubic yards per 100 sq ft of bed area
- Landscape fabric (optional, for new beds)

Cost Estimates

DIY Cost

$30–$80 (mulch and edging tool)

Professional Cost

$150–$400 depending on linear footage and mulch volume

Safety Tips

Wear steel-toed boots when driving edging tools into the ground.
Call 811 before edging near utilities to locate underground lines.
Lift mulch bags with your legs, not your back — they can weigh 40+ lbs when wet.

When to Call a Professional

Call a landscaper if you have more than 200 linear feet of edging, need to install permanent steel or aluminum edging, or want to reshape beds with retaining walls.

Pro Tip

Edge beds in early spring before mulching and again in late summer for a crisp look year-round. A sharp edge is the single biggest visual upgrade you can give your landscaping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Piling mulch against tree trunks (volcano mulching) — this causes bark rot and invites pests.
Cutting edges too shallow — the grass creeps back within weeks without a proper 3-4 inch cut.
Applying mulch more than 4 inches deep — this suffocates plant roots and repels water.
Skipping old mulch removal — layering new mulch on top of decomposed mulch raises the bed level too high over time.

This Task Appears On

Spring Yard Cleanup Checklist

Related How-To Guides

How to Test and Amend Your Soil

Send a soil sample to your county extension office. Amend based on results to optimize pH, nutrients, and soil structure for a healthy lawn and garden.

How to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Apply before soil temperature reaches 55 degrees F consistently. This prevents crabgrass and other annual weeds from germinating in your lawn.

How to Repair Bare Spots in Your Lawn

Loosen soil, add seed and starter fertilizer, keep moist until established. Restore bare or thin patches to lush, healthy turf in 3-4 weeks.

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