What is the best , sturdy edging to prevent plants from spreading??

Kelly
by Kelly

the lilies of the valley are taking over an area of the yard and i want to stop the spread


  12 answers
  • Lily of the Valley spread via rhizomes. The best way to keep them in check is to divide them and share with your friends and neighbors.

  • Gk Gk on May 11, 2020

    About the only way to keep them from spreading is to plant them in areas where they are bordered by a sidewalk. You can dig them out along their edge pulling up the rhizome roots that allow them to spread but it would be a continuous job each year.

  • 17335038 17335038 on May 11, 2020

    There are many different types of edging. The heavier styles and the deeper they are anchored into the ground are more efficient than the lighter and shallower styles at holding back the dirt and roots from spreading where you do not want them to go.


    So, for example, brick pavers are better than thin strips of plastic.

    The link below lists advantages and disadvantages of different edgings.


    Choosing the style of edging is only one part of the project however. The other important aspect is correctly installing the edging so that it holds its portion, does not lean, shift, or fall over. This requires digging a narrow trench, and filling it with crush first, before the edging is put into place.


    https://floodlightsblog.com/lawn-edging/

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on May 11, 2020

    Sometimes with tenacious plants that throw up plants with runners digging them up is the best method. Could you possibly move some to another area and have a no mow bed sometimes they look nice or circumferentially under trees. Have you thought about asking your family and friends if they want plants. They might be very much appreciated. I found an edged stony border -stacked slate or small boulders to be the best restraining plant border.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 11, 2020

    This is an invasive plant spread by rhizomes that are nothing less than tenacious. To help stop the spread, you'll have to dig down 18" and put in a barrier of seamless thick plastic or aluminum. We have the same problem with orange garden lilies that were planted by the previous owner.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 11, 2020

    Block or brick would be the best. It is sturdy and you can build it high enough to prevent the spread.

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on May 11, 2020

    I like using a stone block.

  • Libbie B Libbie B on May 11, 2020

    They are aggressive! I used bricks and just pull up the ones that still sneak over.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on May 11, 2020

    Hi! We edged our flower bed with brick and haven't had a problem with them spreading. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 15, 2020

    Hello Kelly,

    Oh How I wish I had your problem! Dig them up from the edge and either plant them somewhere else or give as gifts or sell to others. Build a wall with foundations, otherwise they will continue to spread their runners under the ground. It must be heaven to have the wonderful smell of lilies of the valley in your garden. I envy you!

    I am a retired florist.............