Metal Edging Installation

• Metal edging is made from steel or aluminum. The edging is installed by digging a trench of approximately 4 to 6 inches into the ground and inserting a metal strip so that only an inch or so of the edging is visible above the surface. The installed metal landscaping edge provides a clear delineation between flower beds and surrounding vegetation and helps to prevent root migration and weed development.
  
  

Potential Hazards

• As it is barely visible above the ground, curious dogs who dig along the metal border may come away with torn muscles or lacerated foot pads. As the ground freezes and thaws, metal edging may be dislodged and protrude up from the ground. Running children and pets may be exposed to sharp, rusty metal even if the edging stays in place. In 2001, The Children's Hospital of Denver admitted 126 children due to foot and knee lacerations caused by metal landscape edging.
  
  

Safeguards

• Safety caps can be installed along the exposed top of metal landscape edging. The protective caps are made from plastic and are meant to prevent serious injury. However, plastic safety caps can pop off of the edging if they are not properly installed. Dogs who enjoy digging may remove the safety caps, or they may be dislodged by wind and rain over time. Homeowners should do a periodic check to ensure that safety caps are securely seated on the edging.
  
  

Safer Alternatives

• Not all metal edging causes injury. If metal is preferred, look for the type with rolled or dull edges. Plastic landscape edging has more flexibility for curved landscape designs. In addition, plastic edging is more likely to stay in place, as it is less susceptible to ground heaving from freeze-thaw cycles. More importantly, it is much less likely to cause severe injury to dogs and children should it become dislodged. In addition to metal and plastic, decorative options include wood, brick or stone edging.
  
  

Solutions

• Physical obstacles, such as sturdy wire or wood fencing, keep dogs away from flower beds but may not be aesthetically pleasing. Behavior modification can be effective in many cases. A sharp "No!" and a spritz from the garden hose may be all that's required to teach the dog to bypass the flower bed. Some dogs are repelled by commercial dog repellents or the smell of citrus, such as orange or lemon peels. Digging comes naturally to many dogs. The best some dog owners can hope for is to train pets to look for fun in another part of the yard by relocating sticks and other objects that can be buried. If the flower bed is small and recently established, consider moving it to a location outside of normal traffic patterns.