Here are some general tips and techniques to help you achieve the best installation results with our edgings and restraints. If you have any specific questions, please contact us at +1 800 EDGINGS and one of our support specialists will be happy to answer your questions.
Crosslock Connector
Adjust the Fit
Our unique Crosslock Connector is provided exclusively by Oly-Ola with our round top style edgings, except Trim-Line. The fit of this connector can be adjusted by rotating it. When the end of the connector looks like a plus sign (+), the plug will fit tighter. By rotating the plug 45 degrees, it will look like an X and will loosen the fit.
Edging Straight Lines
Straight Trench
Strength of edging is important for straight lines. It also helps to start with straight pieces rather than rolls. Rolled poly edging is difficult to make straight. Low-end retail rolls almost always fail in commercial work.
Having a straight trench is equally as important. We highly recommend using a trenching machine, when available. Otherwise, use string to stake a straight line and then dig your trench accurately using a straight spade shovel.
Form Angles with Heat
Torch for Forming
All of our paver restraints (and landscape edgings *with reduced heat) can be heated and bent to form corners and various angles. A mini propane or butane torch is ideal for this application. Practice this technique on a scrap piece.
Proper Staking
Prevent Frost Heave
For maximum holding power, drive the stakes at a 45° angle. On v-lip edgings, the stake should go through at about the middle of the edging. On horizontal grooved edgings, the stake should go through the second groove.
Do not pound the stake all the way against the edging. Stop pounding the stake when there is at least 2 inches left undriven on the head side.
Paver Restraints
Alternate Staking Option
Some installers have found it helpful to stake our paver restraints by piercing the PVC near the joint at a 45 degree angle. This technique may help prevent stake heaving and arguably keeps more pressure against the pavers. Our high quality restraints are strong enough to handle the stress but be careful with low-end products. Try this alternate staking method with our various Bric-EdgTM restraints.
Glue Connections
Adhesives for Permanent Hold
When using clips on any of our PVC edgings, you will make a stronger connection by using PVC cement on the clip and edging pieces. A few drops is all that is needed. You can find a good adhesive where plumbing supplies are sold.
Paver Restraints
Install Under the Pavers
Due to our simple, yet effective, L-shaped design, our paver edgings can be installed underneath the pavers. Bric-EdgTM and Bulldog-EdgTM work better with some sand on the horizontal leg when used under the paver. This helps with leveling the paver over the anchoring stake.
Form Angles with Heat
Heat Gun for Forming
Oly-Ola's paver restraints (and landscape edgings with reduced heat) can be heated and bent to form corners and various angles. A heat gun is a safe method for softening the plastic long enough to form it into various angles or curves. Practice this technique on a scrap piece.
Lawn Edgings
Proper Staking Depth
All of our landscape edgings should be nearly invisible when installed properly. The round bead should be buried halfway below grade so that the turf and bedding are divided, yet they help to conceal the edging itself. When staked properly and installed at this depth, the edging should stay in the ground and be out of the way of mower blades and string trimmers.