Using a barrier between a flower garden, sidewalk, or other landscaped area to prevent grass and weed growth provides a nice change. There are a couple of options in the type of Material used. There are both composite and Plastic Bender Board. The composite is great but deteriorates over time and becomes part of the soil. You may have to replace it after a few years to continue having that barrier. With the plastic option, you are using a material that will not break down or need to be replaced. It is usually made from environmentally conscious recycled plastics that would have gone to the landfill.

Wood fibers and glue are used to make the composite borders. They retain some flexibility but may be a bit harder to work with. Often you will use water to help shape them. The nice thing about them is that they deteriorate over time. If you aren't wanting this to be a permanent solution, this is the way to go. They'll naturally rejoin the soil over a matter of years.

The plastic one is made from recycled plastics. This helps keep it environmentally sound because new material is not made for this. Instead, it is made in a similar fashion as the composite, but using plastic composite materials that won't break down. This one will last much longer and won't have to be replaced.

Installing both of them requires the same steps. The first being measurements. Put stakes in the ground in various places along the path where the material will be installed. Wrap a string along with the stakes and measure how much string you used. This will tell you how much material you need without having to use an inflexible metal tape measure that will give inaccurate measurements for circle or wandering angles.

Dig the trench and put stakes in to hold the board. The trench needs to be six inches wide and deep enough to cover the material. Leave the dirt nearby to fill in when you're near the last step. Place the stakes at intervals but on the side away from the grass or turf. Two stakes will be needed in places where there will be a break in the material, but the second one can be put in later when you know where the break will be.

Start putting the board into the trench. When you reach an end and need to add a second one, go ahead and place a second stake to be able to hold both ends together. If you need to cut the material for it to fit, now is the time to do so. If an area is riding high and will be above the trench, grab the shovel and dig out a bit more dirt to allow it to settle below the line.

Fill in the dirt. This is why you want to keep the dirt near where you dug the trench. You'll be able to just push it over and fill in the area and cover the board. You shouldn't worry if the dirt sticks up a bit but do try to pack it down with your foot or a packer tool. Once it is settled you can add decorative rocks or other border material to make it look nice.

It's not hard to make a nice border to keep the weeds from growing into the flower bed or decorative rocks. After you've dug the trench and put in the border, you'll be well on your way to creating a great looking landscaped yard. Having a border between areas is essential to keeping it looking great over time.