In part 1 we covered the basics of proper deep edging. Part 2 is required because there is one special case which requires extra care.
Consider this question: “How do you deep edge a freshly mulched bed?”
A true story
Many years ago, while working for a large Burnaby-based landscape maintenance company, we lost a condominium (multi-family) site to low-budget landscapers. Soon after they came in and covered the entire site in bark mulch. That’s a common ploy used to avoid weeding and finesse work for months. Literally one week later I observed one of their new workers deep edging. He put the spade into the edge and kicked the chunks right over the new bark mulch. It was so bad, I walked over and told him what to do.
Proper procedure
This is the key. Before any deep edging happens we have to push back the bark mulch away from the edge. Let’s say at least a foot or two. Rake the mulch until you see soil. Then start deep edging.
Your spade hits the edge at ninety degrees. No cheating. We need a sharp edge. Any grassy chunks you may generate should be removed. Soil chunks get beat up and cultivated into the soil.
Final step
Once you’re satisfied with your deep edge move on to the final step. Carefully rake your mulch back towards the edge. If it was done right, you have a sharp ninety degree edge and the mulch is still nice and fresh. The poor worker mentioned above messed up his freshly mulched beds. Nobody trained him. He definitely doesn’t read my blog posts.
Example from my own work
Step 1
Rake the new top soil away from the deep edge. The soil is nice and dark. It’s not something we want to mess up with soil chunks.
Step 2
Deep edging at ninety degrees. If you have too much excess soil reuse it somewhere on your site or remove it.
Step 3
Rake the dark soil back towards the edge. You should have a nice ninety degree edge and beautiful dark soil.
Conclusion
When deep edging beds with fresh bark mulch or soil, first rake it away from your new deep edge. Otherwise, fresh chunks of grass and soil will spoil your bed presentation.
