Concrete edging

[Irving]

There is a new rubber edging that is basically rubber chips pressed into a form. There is a hole in the middle where you drive a spike to hold each piece in place. I'm seeing them more and more and they look like they hold up.

On another note, I've heard from tree guys that they love those beauty rings because they never fail to kill trees and it gives them work when they have to cut them down.

[newracer]

I have had concrete edging at my last two house and think its great. As with anything you have to make sure you prep well so you do not get any heaving or settling, especially with a new house. No matter which profile you get you will need to trim along it occasionally.

[BladesNBarrels]

8" thick edging, 2' spread footer foundation

[Irving]

Here is the product I was describing earlier.

[Ramsker]

Here's a couple pics from ours. First one is when they just started. You can see the place where they formed the edging and then the spot closer to the house prepped with the base for when they get back to that spot.



Trampoline is long gone, but this is what it looks like in the back yard.

[Gman]

On another note, I've heard from tree guys that they love those beauty rings because they never fail to kill trees and it gives them work when they have to cut them down.

Yep. An earthen ring to direct moisture to the root ball until it's established is all that's usually needed. Then going forward nothing special is needed to help the tree establish itself (don't impede root growth with a man-made ring). Most roots (often called feeder roots) are near the surface. I've found top-dressing the area around the perimeter of the tree (the dripline) with mushroom compost sure doesn't hurt.