Table of contents:

1. What is concrete curbing 

2. Types of concrete curbing 

3. Benefits of concrete curbing for your landscape 

4. Maintenance tips for my concrete curbing
What is Concrete curbing:
Decorative concrete curbing is a landscaping feature used to create clean, durable borders around different areas of a garden or yard. It’s a continuous, concrete border that is custom-formed on-site to fit the specific contours and design of your landscape. This type of curbing is not only functional, serving as an effective barrier for keeping mulch or gravel in place and grass out, but it also adds a decorative element to your outdoor space.
Unlike traditional edging materials like plastic, wood, or metal, decorative concrete curbing is more durable and less susceptible to damage from weather, lawn mowers, or edgers. It comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing it to be tailored to complement the style of your landscape or home’s exterior.
This curbing can be shaped and styled to resemble different materials such as stone, brick, or tile, adding an elegant and finished look to landscape designs. It’s a popular choice for homeowners looking to add both aesthetic appeal and functional value to their landscaping.
How Are Concrete Curbs Installed?
Installing decorative concrete curbing begins with the meticulous design and layout planning, where the path and style of the curbing are decided to complement the landscape. The chosen area is prepared by clearing any debris, grass, or stones and ensuring the ground is level and compact. A specialized concrete mix, often integrated with colors and additives for durability and aesthetics, is prepared for the curbing. The concrete is placed into a curbing machine, an essential tool for this process. This machine extrudes the concrete into the planned shape directly onto the prepared ground. As it moves along the designated path, it shapes the concrete into a continuous, seamless border. Once the curbing is extruded, finishing touches are applied. This includes hand-troweling to smooth out any imperfections and applying stamps or patterns, if desired, to enhance the decorative aspect. The curbing is then left to cure, solidifying into a durable border that not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a refined touch to the landscape. After curing, a sealant can be applied to protect the curbing from weather elements and maintain its color and texture. The installation of decorative concrete curbing is a blend of precision, creativity, and craftsmanship, resulting in a functional yet aesthetically pleasing addition to any landscape.

Types of Concrete Curbing:
There are many types of concrete curbing that boost the visual appeal of your property’s landscape. Some of the most popular concrete curbing types are:
Curbing for garden beds:
Creating a river effect with decorative landscape curbing is a unique and artistic way to add a touch of natural beauty to your outdoor space. This design involves shaping the curbing to mimic the flowing curves and meandering path of a river. Typically, this is achieved by using curbing with smooth, winding lines that weave through your garden or along your lawn.

To enhance the river-like appearance, you can incorporate different shades of gray accent boulders, possibly even integrating pebble or stone textures to give a more authentic look. The curbing can be further embellished with varying heights, mimicking the illusion of flowing water.

Pathways and Walkways:
Incorporating decorative concrete curbing alongside pathways in your landscape is a smart and stylish choice. It serves as a refined edge that not only enhances the visual appeal of the walkways but also plays a functional role. The curbing acts as a clear guide for foot traffic, subtly directing movement along the pathway. This is especially useful in gardens or larger landscapes where you want to encourage visitors to follow a specific route. Additionally, the curbing is practical in maintaining the integrity of the pathway material. Whether your walkways are gravel, crushed stone, or another loose material, the curbing helps to keep these in place, preventing them from scattering into the lawn or garden beds. This maintains a neat and tidy appearance and reduces the need for constant upkeep. Overall, adding curbing to your pathways is a great way to blend functionality with aesthetic charm, creating well-defined and attractive walkways in your outdoor space.
Concrete Curbing for Tree Rings:
Concrete curbing for tree rings not only offers practical protection for your trees against damage from lawn equipment but also enhances your landscape’s visual appeal. These rings create a distinct border around the tree, setting it apart from the surrounding lawn or garden and can be particularly striking for showcasing special trees. They help in maintaining soil and moisture levels, preventing compaction from foot traffic, and improving water efficiency. Adding mulch within these rings further boosts tree health and contributes to the area’s aesthetic. Overall, concrete tree rings are a protective, functional, and attractive landscaping choice.

Use Concrete Curbing to Edge Artificial Turf:
Using concrete curbing to edge artificial turf is an excellent way to give your outdoor space a clean, polished look while ensuring the durability and stability of the turf edges. Concrete curbing acts as a strong and stable border, holding the artificial turf in place and preventing it from peeling up or shifting over time. This is especially important in high-traffic areas or under varying weather conditions.

The solid edge provided by the concrete curbing also creates a distinct separation between the turf and other landscape features, like flower beds, pathways, or natural grass areas. This clear demarcation not only enhances the overall aesthetics but also makes maintenance easier.

Moreover, the versatility of concrete allows for customization in terms of color and design, enabling you to match or complement the existing landscape elements. The curbing can be molded into various shapes and styles, offering flexibility to fit any landscape design, whether you’re aiming for a sleek, modern look or something more traditional.

In essence, edging artificial turf with concrete curbing is a practical and stylish solution that enhances the appearance of your landscape while providing a long-lasting, maintenance-friendly border.

Benefits of Concrete Curbing For Your Landscape
Extremely Durable:
Concrete edging stands out as an exceptionally durable option compared to other types of landscape edgings. Its resilience means it won’t wear down easily. A key advantage of concrete is its resistance to rotting, and it’s less prone to issues like warping, separating, or deteriorating, even when faced with diverse weather conditions. This makes it a particularly reliable choice for any landscaping project.

Once installed, concrete bordering significantly reduces the need for replacement. It’s designed to last, ensuring that your landscape maintains its crisp, defined edges for years to come. In the event of any damage, such as cracking, concrete edging is relatively easy to repair. A simple patching job can restore its appearance and functionality, which is a testament to its practicality. Overall, opting for concrete edging means choosing a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution that can withstand the test of time and elements, keeping your landscape looking neat and well-defined.

Low Maintenance:
Decorative concrete curbing is known for its ease of maintenance once it’s installed. One of the great things about it is that it doesn’t demand frequent replacement or intensive care, which is a huge plus for anyone looking to reduce their garden maintenance workload. This type of curbing stands up well to various weather conditions and normal wear and tear, so you won’t find yourself constantly fixing or updating it. Essentially, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of solution for your garden’s edges, allowing you more time to enjoy your outdoor space without the hassle of regular upkeep. This low maintenance aspect, combined with its aesthetic appeal, makes decorative concrete curbing a practical and attractive choice for landscaping.
 Increases Property Value:
Well-executed landscaping, especially when it includes high-quality curbing like decorative concrete, can significantly boost the value of your property. Decorative curbing adds a polished and complete look to your outdoor space, which can be a major draw for potential buyers. This type of curbing delineates and enhances garden beds, walkways, and other landscape features, creating a cohesive and attractive appearance. For someone considering the purchase of your property, this attention to detail in landscaping can suggest a well-maintained and cared-for home overall. The aesthetic appeal, combined with the practical benefits of concrete curbing, such as durability and low maintenance, makes it a smart investment for enhancing your property’s marketability and appeal.

Customizable
You have the freedom to select your favorite design and a colored border that complements your home’s color palette when opting for decorative concrete curbing. This choice not only enhances curb appeal but also adds value to your property. If you’re leaning towards a colored border, rest assured about its longevity. These borders are designed to resist fading and wear. With just a bit of maintenance, the color remains vibrant and enduring, helping to sustain and even enhance your home’s value. In essence, choosing decorative concrete curbing is not just an aesthetic decision; it’s a wise investment. Over the years, it will contribute to keeping your home looking great and maintaining its market appeal, making it a decision that pays off both visually and financially in the long run.

Maintenance tips for my concrete curbing
Maintaining decorative concrete curbing is relatively straightforward, ensuring it continues to enhance your landscape’s appearance and functionality for years. Here are some key maintenance tips: Regular Cleaning: Regularly sweep or rinse off your concrete curbing to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. This prevents staining and keeps the curbing looking fresh. For tougher stains, use a mild detergent and a soft brush to gently scrub the surface.
Weed Control: Keep an eye out for weeds growing around the edges of the curbing. Remove any weeds promptly to prevent them from spreading or causing damage.
Crack Inspection and Repair: Periodically inspect the curbing for any cracks. Small cracks can be easily filled with a concrete patching compound. Addressing cracks early prevents them from expanding and causing further damage.
Sealant Application: Applying a sealant every few years can protect the curbing from moisture, UV rays, and stains. Sealants also help to maintain the color of the curbing and give it a fresh, vibrant look.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When cleaning, avoid using harsh chemicals that can erode the concrete or damage its surface. Stick to gentle, concrete-safe cleaning products.

Protect from Impact: Although concrete is durable, it can be chipped or cracked by heavy impact. Be cautious when using lawn mowers, trimmers, or other heavy equipment near the curbing.
Concrete Curbing In Calgary
At Project Landscape, we’re equipped with the know-how, tools, and expertise needed to assist you in achieving your hardscape aspirations. Whether you’re contemplating adding decorative concrete curbing or looking to revamp your outdoor space with other hardscaping elements, our team is here to guide you in selecting the best options that align with your vision and the specific needs of your space. We’re committed to providing top-notch concrete edging services and are just a phone call away. If you’re in Calgary or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (403) 257-4059. We’re eager to help you transform your landscape into a space that’s not only visually appealing but also functional and enduring.